‘DWTS’ Contestant Mary Lou Retton Divorces Husband After 27 Years Of Marriage

Dancing With the Stars contestant Mary Lou Retton is getting candid about a very difficult time in her life. The retired gymnast opened up to her pro dancer partner, Sasha Farber, about her divorce from husband Shannon Kelley after 27 years of marriage and revealed it “was hard” and she “felt very alone.”

“I went through a divorce. People don’t know that. It’s the first time I’ve actually said it publicly,” the Olympic gold medalist shared in the pre-dance clip during show’s latest episode on Monday, Oct. 29. “It’s something that had really needed to happen for a long time. We still love one another, but we weren’t great together anymore.”

The couple previously wed in 1990 and finalized their divorce in February “so it’s very new,” she said. Mary Lou and Shannon are parents to four daughters, Shayla, 23, McKenna, 21, Skyla, 18, and Emma, 16, all whom were very supportive of their parents throughout the difficult process. “Thank God for my four girls. They loved me unconditionally,” she shared.

Following their split, Mary Lou began her journey on DWTS. “When I walked in here, I knew I was starting over, and I was scared. But now, I know I’m starting over, but I’m excited,” she told Sasha.

However, (spoiler alert) she was eliminated from the reality dancing competition’s Halloween episode last night. The pair’s schoolhouse tango earned them a 24/30 from the panel of judges. The 50-year-old humbly left the show after hearing the results. “This has been the time of my life,” she said after the elimination. “I hadn’t challenged myself in decades and now I challenged myself. I’m off to a fresh new start.”

In the video, Sasha reminded her and the viewers of the one positive part of her split. “You’re back on the market?” he said, which made Mary Lou laugh. “That’s right, if you’re watching out there, this one is back on the market. Swipe right.” We can’t wait to see what’s next for Mary Lou!