Megyn Kelly & Daniel Kendall Divorce
Before she became the most controversial anchor in cable news, Megyn Kelly's first marriage quietly dissolved under the weight of two careers going in opposite directions.
Key Facts
What Happened
Megyn Kelly married anesthesiologist Daniel Kendall in 2001, when she was still a practicing attorney in Chicago. The marriage seemed solid: two professionals building careers in demanding fields. But the very ambition that drew them together began pulling them apart. Kelly transitioned from law to journalism, landing at Fox News, while Kendall continued his medical career.
The couple divorced in 2006 after five years of marriage. The specific terms of the settlement were never publicly disclosed, and no children were involved. Kendall later explained that the split was driven by diverging interests, long hours, and growing distance. He loved sports; she did not. He wanted to start a family sooner; she was not ready. The differences that seemed minor at the wedding became insurmountable over time.
Public speculation about infidelity swirled after Kelly made comments in interviews that seemed to hint at a partner's unfaithfulness. Kendall pushed back firmly, stating in 2015 that he was '100% faithful' and felt Kelly's comments unfairly pointed at him. Kelly has since softened her stance, saying in 2024 that Kendall is 'a great guy' and that they still keep in touch.
The Kelly-Kendall divorce illustrates one of the most common but least dramatic causes of marital breakdown: career divergence. When two ambitious people grow in different directions, the marriage can dissolve not with a bang but with a slow, quiet drift. Kelly went on to marry writer Douglas Brunt in 2008, with whom she has three children.
Legal Breakdown: Career divergence as a quiet marriage killer
Short Marriage, Simpler Division
A five-year marriage with no children and presumably limited joint assets makes for a relatively straightforward divorce. Short marriages typically result in lower or no alimony, and asset division is simpler because there is less time for assets to become commingled.
Career Divergence as Grounds
While career divergence is not a legal ground for divorce, it is one of the most common practical causes. No-fault divorce statutes allow couples to separate due to 'irreconcilable differences,' which can encompass the slow drift of two careers in opposite directions.
Public Accusations After Private Divorce
Kelly's later public comments that implied infidelity illustrate a common post-divorce danger: public statements can damage a former spouse's reputation even years later. Kendall's firm denial highlights the importance of being careful about post-divorce public statements.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Career divergence is one of the most common causes of divorce; regularly assess whether you and your spouse are growing together or apart.
- →Short marriages without children typically produce simpler, less costly divorces with limited alimony obligations.
- →Be cautious about public statements regarding an ex-spouse; implications of misconduct can cause lasting reputational harm.
- →Maintaining a cordial post-divorce relationship, as Kelly and Kendall eventually did, is possible when both parties let go of grievances.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.