Pete Rose, a name synonymous with baseball greatness, was one of the most iconic players in Major League Baseball history. Known for his passion, drive, and relentless pursuit of excellence, Rose earned the nickname “Charlie Hustle” for his aggressive playing style. However, beyond the field, Rose had a personal life that was equally complex and intriguing. His relationships, particularly with his wives and children, were filled with stories of love, hardship, and controversy.
As we explore Pete Rose’s family life, especially focusing on his wives and children, we’ll dive into the relationships that shaped him off the field, along with the struggles that he faced as a father. Rose was married twice, and from these unions, he fathered five children, each with their own unique stories. Let’s take a closer look at Pete Rose’s family, starting with his relationships with his wives.
Pete Rose’s First Wife: Karolyn Englehardt
Pete Rose married his first wife, Karolyn Englehardt, in 1964. Their marriage coincided with the early stages of his illustrious baseball career. At the time, Rose was a young, ambitious athlete who had just started to make his mark in Major League Baseball. Rose’s career quickly took off, and his commitments to the Cincinnati Reds often took him away from home. Despite his rising fame, his personal life with Karolyn remained relatively private, even though it was a period filled with both happiness and challenges.
Together, Rose and Karolyn had two children: a daughter, Fawn Rose, born in 1964, and a son, Pete Rose Jr., born in 1969. However, as Rose’s career grew, so did the strain on their marriage. In 1980, after 16 years of marriage, Rose and Karolyn divorced. The breakup was difficult, especially for their children, but Rose continued to maintain a presence in their lives, particularly as a father to Pete Jr.
Pete Rose’s Second Marriage to Carol J. Woliung
Following his divorce from Karolyn, Pete Rose married his second wife, Carol J. Woliung, in 1984. This was a significant time in Rose’s career, as he was nearing the end of his playing days and transitioning into a managerial role. Carol and Pete’s relationship appeared strong in the beginning, and they welcomed two children together: Tyler Rose, born in 1984, and Cara Rose, born in 1989.
The marriage to Carol, however, was not without its difficulties. Rose’s gambling issues, which eventually led to his lifetime ban from baseball in 1989, added significant strain to their relationship. Despite the challenges, Carol remained by his side for many years.
They separated in 2011, but their divorce proceedings were long and drawn out, and to this day, they remain legally married, despite being estranged for more than a decade. The relationship was further complicated by Rose’s engagement to Kiana Kim in 2011, creating a complex dynamic between Rose, Carol, and his new fiancée.
Pete Rose’s Relationship with His Children
Pete Rose’s five children have lived vastly different lives, and their relationships with their father have been shaped by his demanding career and personal struggles. Rose’s first child, Fawn, was born at a time when his baseball career was on the rise. Because of clubhouse rules during that era, Fawn wasn’t able to spend as much time with her father as her younger brother Pete Jr., who often accompanied Rose to the ballpark. Rose has admitted that he feels Fawn may have been “cheated” of certain experiences because of this.
Pete Rose Jr., on the other hand, followed in his father’s footsteps, pursuing a career in baseball. He played primarily in the minor leagues but did have a brief stint in Major League Baseball with the Cincinnati Reds in 1997. Unfortunately, Pete Jr.’s career was often overshadowed by his father’s controversial legacy, and Rose himself admitted that his son faced additional pressure because of his association with the famous name.
Rose’s third child, Morgan Erin Rubio, was born from a relationship with Terry Rubio, who filed a paternity suit in 1978. Rose didn’t officially acknowledge Morgan as his daughter until 1996, adding a complicated chapter to his family life.
Tyler Rose, the oldest child from Rose’s second marriage, chose a different path from baseball, pursuing a career in music as a DJ in Las Vegas. His younger sister, Cara, pursued acting under the stage name Chea Courtney, appearing in several television shows and films during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The Ongoing Saga with Pete Rose’s Estranged Wife Carol
Even though Pete Rose and Carol Woliung separated in 2011, their divorce has been far from simple. Carol has made several legal claims against Rose, including accusations of unpaid support and financial mismanagement. She alleges that despite Rose’s significant earnings from endorsements and autograph signings, he still owes substantial amounts of money to casinos and the IRS. The couple’s estranged relationship remains unresolved in the courts, with Carol continuing to seek a final settlement.
Pete Rose’s Engagement to Kiana Kim
As Pete Rose’s second marriage was unraveling, he entered into a new relationship with Kiana Kim, a former Playboy model. The two got engaged in 2011, creating an interesting public spectacle as Rose was still legally married to Carol. Kiana Kim and Pete Rose
appeared together on the reality television show Pete Rose: Hits & Mrs., giving viewers a glimpse into their unconventional relationship. Despite the controversy, Rose and Kim have remained together, and she has been a supportive presence in his life, particularly as he navigated the public fallout from his various legal and financial troubles.
Conclusion: Pete Rose’s Complex Legacy as a Husband and Father
Pete Rose’s life was one of triumph and tribulation, both on and off the baseball field. As a player, he became a legend, cementing his place in history with an unmatched work ethic and skill. However, his personal life was filled with struggles, particularly in his relationships with his wives and children. The pressures of a demanding baseball career, compounded by legal and financial issues, created a complex web of family dynamics.
While Pete Rose will always be remembered for his achievements in baseball, his legacy as a husband and father is equally significant. He faced many challenges in balancing his career with his family responsibilities, and his relationships with his wives and children reflect the human side of a man who lived much of his life in the public eye.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pete Rose’s Family
1. Who was Pete Rose’s first wife? Pete Rose’s first wife was Karolyn Englehardt, whom he married in 1964. The couple had two children together, Fawn and Pete Jr., before divorcing in 1980.
2. How many children does Pete Rose have? Pete Rose has five children: Fawn, Pete Jr., Morgan Erin Rubio, Tyler, and Cara. They were born from his two marriages and a paternity suit.
3. Is Pete Rose still married to Carol J. Woliung? Technically, yes. Despite separating in 2011, Pete Rose and Carol J. Woliung have not finalized their divorce. Rose is currently engaged to Kiana Kim.
4. What is Pete Rose Jr. known for? Pete Rose Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in baseball. He played in the minor leagues and had a brief stint with the Cincinnati Reds in 1997.
5. What does Pete Rose’s daughter Cara do? Cara Rose, also known as Chea Courtney, pursued a career in acting during the late 1990s and early 2000s. She appeared in television shows such as Melrose Place and Passions.