Donna Kelce, the proud mother of NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce, is opening up about the complexities of her marriage with ex-husband Ed Kelce and the decisions she made for the sake of her family. As she graces Glamour Magazine’s 2024 Woman of the Year issue, Donna reflects on the 25 years she spent married to Ed, offering insights into the sacrifices, challenges, and love that defined her journey as a wife and mother.

For Donna, the decision to stay in a marriage that she knew wasn’t working was not an easy one, but it was made with her children in mind. “My husband and I knew that our marriage was not working, but we stayed together for the kids,” she candidly shared with Glamour. “Ours was a very friendly relationship, so we could do that and make sure that their life was as normal as possible.” It was a decision many parents face—balancing their own needs with those of their children—and for Donna, this meant standing still for years until she felt ready to move forward independently.

The Kelce brothers, known for their exceptional careers in the NFL—Travis as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs and Jason as a former center for the Philadelphia Eagles—benefitted from the stability and support their parents tried to provide. Despite their differences, Donna and Ed maintained a cordial relationship throughout their separation, allowing them to co-parent effectively and ensure that their sons had a stable upbringing.

Donna’s role as a working mother was central to her family’s well-being. Throughout her sons’ formative years, she worked as a commercial banker, a demanding role that required her to move across various states. Reflecting on her career, Donna emphasized the importance of being a strong role model. “I was a major breadwinner in the family, and I think it’s important for kids to see that a woman can do whatever she wants,” she explained. This commitment to her career meant long hours and immense dedication, but Donna wanted her sons to understand that hard work and determination know no gender boundaries.

Yet, balancing a career and motherhood came with its own set of challenges. Donna described raising her sons as the most daunting task she had ever faced, sharing, “It’s so much easier to just go to work, but raising children when they’re totally dependent on you and you’re trying to do the best you can with the limited resources that you have—it’s the most daunting task I’ve ever had to do.” Despite the difficulty, she pushed through, ensuring that Travis and Jason had everything they needed to pursue their dreams.

Her commitment to her family extended beyond her career, as she and Ed worked together to support their sons’ athletic pursuits. On a February 6th episode of Travis and Jason’s podcast, New Heights, the brothers discussed their parents’ relationship, offering listeners a glimpse into the dynamics that shaped their childhood. When asked about the reasons behind their split, Donna kept it simple, saying, “Sometimes people move apart, that’s all.” Despite the end of their marriage, she emphasized that there was no animosity between her and Ed, stating, “We’re friends to this day.”

During the podcast, Donna reflected on the positives of her marriage, noting that while the relationship may have changed, the love and partnership she shared with Ed during those years led to the lives of her two sons. “I don’t regret marrying him,” she said. “Because I got you two. I wouldn’t be here—you know, I wouldn’t be on this show if it wasn’t for that.” Her words highlighted a deep appreciation for the experiences they shared, even if their paths eventually diverged.

The co-parenting arrangement between Donna and Ed allowed their sons to thrive in their respective sports. The Kelce brothers’ success is a testament to the stability their parents provided, with both Travis and Jason excelling on the football field and beyond. Donna spoke of how she and Ed operated as a team, each taking turns to accompany their sons to games and tournaments, ensuring that both boys could pursue their passions. “You got to do whatever sports you wanted, you got to go on all the tournaments, you got to do everything, and it worked out,” she said. This teamwork and dedication to their children’s interests remained a priority, even after their marriage ended.

Reflecting on her role as a mother, Donna’s journey has been one of resilience, love, and sacrifice. Now, at 71, she is able to look back on her experiences with a sense of pride and fulfillment, knowing that she did everything she could to give Travis and Jason a strong foundation. Her story resonates with many parents who face the challenge of balancing their own happiness with the desire to provide the best possible life for their children. It’s a story of perseverance, and one that underscores the lengths a mother will go to ensure her family is taken care of.

Donna’s openness about her marriage and the choices she made is not just a reflection of her journey, but also a reminder of the complexities that come with parenting and relationships. Her willingness to share her story offers a sense of validation for those who have faced similar struggles, proving that sometimes, the best decision is the one that prioritizes the well-being of the family. For the Kelce family, this meant years of cooperation, mutual respect, and unwavering support—a legacy that continues to shape the lives of Travis and Jason today.

As Donna continues to support her sons from the sidelines, she remains a beloved figure in the NFL community and beyond, celebrated not only for raising two incredible athletes but also for her strength and honesty in sharing her journey. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that life is rarely simple, but with determination, love, and a commitment to family, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.