'It was amicable and mutual': Kansas gov. speaks out on divorce with ex-husband

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Kansas Democratic Governor Laura Kelly is speaking out regarding her recent divorce with her ex-husband Dr. Ted Daughety.

27 News reached out to the Office of the Governor on July 3 regarding reports Kelly and Daughety are divorced. Kelly's office confirmed the divorce occurred in the fall of last year.

“Throughout my time in public office, I’ve always guarded my family’s privacy - it’s been my policy to keep my personal life separate from my public one to the extent possible," Kelly said. "It has come to my attention that my marital status has become a topic of some speculation, so I will share that Ted and I divorced in October of 2024. It was amicable and mutual, and we both continue to share in the lives of our family.”

Kelly is currently serving her second term as governor of the State of Kansas. She and her ex-husband have two daughters, Molly and Kathleen, along with one grandchild, according to her website.

“Laura and I made this decision together, based on what worked best for us and for our family,” Daughety said in a statement released by the governor's office.

Daughety spoke with 27 News in 2019, commenting on what is like to be married to the governor of Kansas. He had been married to Kelly for 36 years as of the 2019 report. He was also the third first gentleman of Kansas.

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