The CEO, The Comedian, And The $44,000 Question: Where Is Gary Owen's Ex-Wife, Kenya Duke, Now?

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The high-profile divorce between comedian Gary Owen and businesswoman Kenya Duke has been one of the most talked-about celebrity splits of the past few years, with new details about their life and the fallout continuing to emerge even in late 2025. After nearly two decades of marriage, the couple's separation has been less a quiet parting and more a public discussion of infidelity, family estrangement, and significant financial demands, leaving many curious about the woman at the center of the storm. As of December 2025, Kenya Duke has successfully pivoted from being primarily known as a comedian's wife to cementing her status as a formidable entrepreneur, CEO, and media personality in her own right, all while navigating the complex and often contentious aftermath of her divorce proceedings. Her story is a testament to rebuilding a career and a life after a highly-publicized relationship ends.

Kenya Duke: A Complete Biographical Profile

Kenya Duke is far more than just "Gary Owen's ex-wife." She is a self-made businesswoman, a dedicated mother, and a media personality who has built a substantial career independent of her former husband's fame. Her background and professional life are extensive and demonstrate a sharp business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Full Name: Kenya Duke
  • Date of Birth: July 26, 1974
  • Place of Birth: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
  • Age (as of 2025): 51 years old
  • Ethnicity: African-American
  • Primary Profession: Entrepreneur, CEO, Businesswoman, Podcaster, TV Personality
  • Key Business Role: Founder and CEO of Premier Sports and Corporate Travel Company
  • Other Ventures: House Flipper, Real Estate Investor
  • Television Appearances: Starred in the BET+ reality series, The Gary Owen Show
  • Podcast: Host of the popular podcast, Mo'Kelly in the Morning (often as a co-host or regular contributor)
  • Marital Status: Divorced from Gary Owen (married 2003–2021)
  • Children: Three—Emilio Owen, Austin Owen, and Kennedy Owen
  • Estimated Net Worth: Reportedly in the millions, primarily from her successful business endeavors and real estate investments.

The Infidelity, The Joke, and The Real Reason for Divorce

The relationship between Kenya Duke and Gary Owen, which began in the early 2000s and spanned 18 years of marriage, was often celebrated for its successful interracial dynamic. However, the marriage publicly dissolved when Kenya Duke filed for divorce in March 2021, citing irreconcilable differences. The core issue that led to the breakup, according to reports and subsequent public statements, was infidelity. Duke explicitly cited Owen's cheating in her divorce filing, which immediately turned the private matter into a national celebrity gossip topic. The situation was further complicated by Owen's own commentary.

How a Stand-Up Joke Became a Court Exhibit

In a bizarre twist that only a comedian's divorce could produce, an old stand-up joke by Gary Owen came back to haunt him during the divorce proceedings. Owen had previously joked about cheating on his wife, a moment that he later revealed was played in court. This incident underscored the deeply personal and sometimes painful nature of the legal battle, where his professional material was used as evidence of his personal conduct. In various interviews throughout 2024 and 2025, Gary Owen opened up about the "real reason" for the divorce, often attributing the split to a breakdown in communication and a distance that grew between them, though he did not deny the infidelity. This public back-and-forth has led to friction, with Kenya Duke calling out her ex-husband for continuing to speak publicly about her and their children, urging him to respect their boundaries.

The Financial Battle and Kenya Duke's Career Rebuild

One of the most contentious and widely reported aspects of the separation was the financial settlement. As the primary earner, Gary Owen was faced with a significant spousal support request from his ex-wife.

The Shocking $44,000 Spousal Support Request

During the initial divorce filings, Kenya Duke sought a substantial monthly payment from the comedian. She requested approximately $44,000 a month in spousal support, arguing that this amount was necessary to maintain the lifestyle she had become accustomed to during their long-term marriage. While the final, official financial settlement remains undisclosed as of late 2025, the demand itself highlighted the significant financial stakes involved in the dissolution of their partnership. The request for a steady flow of cash from Owen has been a major point of discussion in the media, a common feature in high-net-worth celebrity divorces where one spouse's income far surpasses the other's.

From Comedian's Wife to Business Powerhouse

Rather than letting the divorce define her, Kenya Duke has aggressively focused on expanding her already established career. She is the founder and CEO of Premier Sports and Corporate Travel Company, a successful enterprise in a niche market. Her career rebuild has also included several other lucrative ventures:
  • Real Estate and House Flipping: Duke is a known house flipper, showcasing her skills in real estate investment and development. This entrepreneurial pursuit demonstrates her financial independence outside of show business.
  • Podcasting and Media: She has maintained a strong presence in media, particularly through her work as a podcaster, providing commentary and insight on various topics, further establishing her as an independent media personality.
This strategic career pivot has allowed her to share her perspective on wealth wisdom and succeeding in business, money, and career, particularly following a high-profile divorce.

Life After Divorce: Family Fallout and Moving Forward

The divorce did not just affect the couple; it also created a significant rift in their family life. The couple shares three children, and the separation led to a period of estrangement between Gary Owen and some of his children.

Reconciliation with Children

A major update in 2025 was the news of Gary Owen beginning to reconcile with his estranged son. The family fallout was a painful public chapter, and the reports of healing and rekindling relationships show a slow but positive movement toward mending the family unit.

Kenya Duke's Focus

Kenya Duke’s current focus is clearly on her children and her business empire. She has used her platform to speak about the challenges of her divorce, sharing her story with Essence and other outlets, positioning herself as a powerful, independent woman who is navigating life's challenges with grace and business savvy. Her continued success as a CEO and entrepreneur solidifies her independent identity, proving that she is a force in the corporate world separate from her former celebrity marriage. The story of Kenya Duke is a compelling narrative of resilience, a focused business mind, and the complex reality of a celebrity divorce, making her a figure of significant interest in her own right.
gary owens ex wife
gary owens ex wife

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