John & Carol McCain: The War Hero Who Left His Injured Wife
After five years as a POW, he came home to a wife disfigured by a car accident and left her for a younger heiress
Key Facts
What Happened
John McCain was captured in Vietnam in 1967 and held as a prisoner of war for five and a half years. During his captivity, his wife Carol was in a devastating car accident on Christmas Eve 1969 that shattered her pelvis and right arm. She underwent 23 surgeries, lost four inches of height, and gained weight from immobility. Carol chose not to tell McCain about the accident while he was imprisoned, not wanting to add to his suffering.
When McCain returned from Vietnam in 1973, he found a wife physically transformed by her injuries. Friends said he was initially supportive, but as he recovered and began building a political career, the marriage deteriorated. In April 1979, McCain began an affair with Cindy Lou Hensley, a 24-year-old Arizona beer distribution heiress who was 17 years his junior. He applied for a marriage license before his divorce was even final.
The McCains stopped living together in January 1980, and John filed for divorce in February. The uncontested divorce was finalized on April 2, 1980, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Just six weeks later, on May 17, 1980, he married Cindy Hensley. Carol was reportedly devastated and blindsided by the speed of events.
The settlement provided Carol with full custody of their three children, alimony, child support, college tuition for the children, houses in Virginia and Florida, and lifelong financial support for her continuing medical treatment. McCain later wrote in his memoir: 'The blame was entirely mine.' Carol never publicly attacked McCain, and when asked, simply said she wished him well. Her grace under betrayal became its own quiet legacy.
Legal Breakdown: Disability and Divorce
Disability Considerations in Divorce
Carol's permanent disabilities from the car accident were a major factor in the settlement. Courts consider a spouse's physical limitations and ongoing medical needs when determining alimony and support. The lifelong medical care provision in the settlement reflected this legal principle.
Overlapping Relationships
McCain applied for a marriage license before finalizing his divorce. In many states, this could complicate proceedings or raise questions of bigamy. The rushed timeline suggests both parties wanted to move quickly, but it highlights the importance of properly sequencing legal steps.
Uncontested Divorce Benefits
Despite the emotional pain, Carol agreed to an uncontested divorce. This approach is typically faster, less expensive, and less traumatic than a contested proceeding. Carol's decision to not fight publicly may have secured her a more generous settlement than litigation would have produced.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →A spouse with disabilities or ongoing medical needs may be entitled to lifelong support. Document all medical expenses and future care projections.
- →Grace and dignity during divorce can yield better outcomes than public warfare. Carol McCain's restraint likely contributed to her generous settlement.
- →Do not rush into a new marriage before your divorce is fully finalized. The legal and emotional consequences can be severe.
- →If your spouse leaves you after an illness or injury, know that the law is designed to protect you. Courts take medical needs seriously.
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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.