Where Is Kenya Duke, Gary Owen’s Ex-Wife, Today?

Kenya Duke was once best known as the wife of comedian Gary Owen. For nearly 20 years, people saw them as a happy couple. They laughed together on shows, raised their kids, and seemed to have it all. But behind the scenes, things were changing.

When their marriage ended in 2021, it shocked many fans. Kenya had spent most of her adult life beside Gary—supporting him, managing him, and building their life together. But after the split, she had to start over. And what she’s done since then is powerful.

In this article, we’ll talk about who Kenya Duke really is, how her marriage ended, what she’s doing now, and where she is today. You’ll see how she turned pain into purpose and became even stronger than before.

Kenya Duke Quick Bio

Who Is Kenya Duke?

Kenya Duke is a businesswoman, podcast host, and mother. She was born on July 26, 1974, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is now 50 years old (as of 2026). She is African-American and proud of her roots.

She grew up with her mom, Barbara Jean, who worked as an accountant. Her dad, Roland Smith Watts, passed away when she was just six years old. Life wasn’t always easy, but Kenya learned strength early on.

Over the years, Kenya became more than just a wife or a mom. She built her own path, and today, she’s known for being a smart, strong woman with her own voice.

Kenya Duke and Gary Owen’s Love Story

Kenya met Gary Owen in the late 1990s. Gary was a rising comedian at the time, and they crossed paths at a small comedy club. He was funny, charming, and full of energy. Kenya liked his vibe, and soon, they started dating.

After a few years together, they got married on July 19, 2003. They stayed married for 18 years, raising a blended family and working side by side. Gary often talked about Kenya in his stand-up shows, calling her his best friend.

They had something rare—a public relationship that still felt real. People rooted for them because they seemed to have both love and laughter. But not everything stays the same.

Why Kenya Duke Filed for Divorce

In March 2021, Kenya filed for divorce. The news came out through TMZ, and fans were surprised. The couple had been together for so long, and there were no big public fights before.

Kenya said the split happened because of infidelity and emotional distance. She also said she felt like Gary had stopped showing up as a husband and father. That hurt deeply. “He was my best friend,” she once said in an interview. “I thought we were going to do this life thing together.”

Gary later spoke out too. He denied cheating and said he was the one who filed first. He shared that he had been unhappy for a while. So, two very different stories were told, and the truth likely lives somewhere in between.

Kenya Duke as a Mother of Three

One of the most important parts of Kenya’s life is being a mom. She has three children:

• Emilio, her oldest son from a previous relationship

• Austin, her son with Gary

• Kennedy, their daughter

Even after the divorce, Kenya kept her focus on her kids. She said they still come home and need support, even as young adults. That’s why she fought so hard to keep her life stable after the split.

Emilio works in media and sports TV. Austin and Kennedy stay mostly private, and Kenya respects their space. But she’s always there for them, and being a mom will always be her top job.

Kenya Duke’s Career Before the Divorce

Kenya wasn’t just a stay-at-home mom. For years, she worked as Gary Owen’s manager, helping him book shows, negotiate deals, and grow his comedy career. She was also involved in TV production.

She helped produce comedy specials like DeRay Davis: Power Play and Aries Spears: Hollywood. She appeared on The Gary Owen Show on BET and even joined Gary in a fun interview on The Steve Harvey Show.

Behind the scenes, she made things happen. But she didn’t always get credit for it. That changed after the divorce, when people started seeing her more clearly—as a boss in her own right.

What Kenya Duke Said About the Split

After the divorce news came out, Kenya opened up. In interviews and on social media, she shared her side of the story. She talked about how hard it was to lose the life she built and how shocked she was when Gary walked away.

In 2023, she told Essence magazine:

“For so many years, I took care of my marriage, my children, and everyone. It’s finally time to do something for myself that’s authentically me.”

She also responded to Gary’s claims that he hadn’t seen their kids in years. She said he didn’t respect their boundaries and brought private family issues to the internet. Her words were calm but clear—she had tried, and she had moved on.

Kenya Duke, Gary Owen’s Ex-Wife, Fights for Financial Support

Money became a big part of the divorce story. Kenya asked the court for $44,000 per month in spousal support. That’s what Gary used to give during their marriage, and she needed it to keep their life going, especially for the kids.

She also asked for a lump sum of $88,000 for two months when no money came in. Kenya said she had given up her career to support Gary’s work and manage their household.

This wasn’t about greed—it was about keeping her family stable during a very hard time. Many women related to her story, especially those who had once depended on a partner and then had to rebuild alone.

Kenya Duke’s Podcast, Truly Kenya

After the divorce, Kenya Duke needed a space to heal—and to speak her truth. That’s when she started her podcast called “Truly Kenya.”

On the podcast, she talks openly about life, love, divorce, motherhood, and business. She shares her real thoughts without holding back. Many listeners say it feels like talking to a friend.

Kenya’s honesty is what makes the show special. She laughs, cries, and even jokes about the hard stuff. People love how real she is. And for Kenya, it’s not just a show—it’s her way of connecting and growing.

Kenya Duke’s Business Life Today

Kenya Duke, Gary Owen’s ex-wife, didn’t just sit back after the divorce. She worked hard and grew her own business. She’s the CEO of Premier Sports and Corporate Travel, a company that helps with travel plans for athletes, entertainers, and big events.

She had already started the business before the divorce, but now she’s fully in charge. She works with famous people, big productions, and sports teams. Kenya has turned it into a strong and trusted brand.

Her story shows that women can rebuild. Even after heartbreak, even after starting over, she found her power and made it work.

Kenya Duke as a Real Estate Investor

Kenya didn’t stop with just one job. She also got into real estate. She buys houses, fixes them up, and sells them again. This is called flipping homes, and she’s really good at it.

In a 2023 interview, she said:

“I love investing in real estate and flipping homes. It’s something I’m very passionate about.”

Real estate gave her more freedom. It helped her make money her own way. She didn’t need to depend on anyone else. That’s why Kenya Duke is now known as a smart and independent businesswoman.

Where Is Kenya Duke Now?

So, where is Kenya Duke, Gary Owen’s ex-wife, today in 2026?

She’s doing well. She lives a private but peaceful life. She spends time with her kids, runs her businesses, and records her podcast. She’s also focused on self-care, healing, and personal growth.

She’s not chasing fame. She’s not looking for attention. Kenya is living on her own terms now—and she seems happy. Her story gives hope to many women who are starting over.

What’s Next for Kenya Duke, Gary Owen’s Ex-Wife?

As of now, Kenya Duke isn’t dating anyone publicly. She hasn’t remarried, and she seems to be enjoying her independence. Maybe love will come later. But for now, she’s focused on herself.

She continues to grow her podcast and business. And she often speaks to other women who are going through breakups, big life changes, or career shifts. Kenya wants to help others feel strong again.

Her story is far from over. But one thing is clear—Kenya Duke, Gary Owen’s ex-wife, is no longer in anyone’s shadow. She’s leading her own life, with strength, style, and grace.

Final Thoughts

Kenya Duke’s journey hasn’t been easy. She lost her marriage, faced money stress, and had to start fresh. But through it all, she found her voice—and her power.

Now, Kenya Duke is more than just Gary Owen’s ex-wife. She’s a CEO, a podcaster, a mother, and a strong woman with her own story.

If you ever feel lost after a big change, just remember her journey. Kenya shows us that it’s never too late to build the life you truly want.

(FAQs)

How old is Kenya Duke, and when is her birthday?

Kenya Duke is 50 years old as of 2026. She was born on July 26, 1974, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Who was Kenya Duke’s first husband before Gary Owen?

Before marrying Gary Owen, Kenya Duke was with Emilio Toliver Sr., the father of her oldest son, Emilio. Few people know she had a different love story before Gary.

How many kids does Kenya Duke have?

Kenya has three children — Emilio (from her first relationship), and Austin and Kennedy (with Gary Owen). After the divorce, Gary reportedly hasn’t seen them in years.

What is Kenya Duke’s net worth and divorce settlement?

Kenya Duke’s net worth is estimated at $8–10 million in 2026. During the divorce, she asked for $44,000/month in spousal support, the same amount Gary gave her during their marriage.

What is Kenya Duke doing now in 2026?

In 2026, Kenya is living life on her own terms. She’s a CEO, podcast host, and real estate investor. She’s not remarried and stays focused on her work and her kids.

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