Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte has publicly responded to criticism after announcing his engagement to girlfriend Molly Gillihan, stating that the legal finalization of his divorce from estranged wife Kayla Rae Reid is still pending.
Lochte, 41, announced his engagement to Gillihan, 37, last week, approximately 15 months after Reid initially filed for divorce in March 2025. The split was publicly confirmed in June 2025, but legal proceedings have continued, marked by public exchanges between the former couple.
Addressing the public commentary on his engagement, Lochte took to Instagram to clarify his situation. "Apparently I'm not allowed to say I'm divorced until every signature is in place," he wrote on his story. "So, while we've reached an agreement, the judge hasn't officially signed off yet."
He added, "My mistake for thinking the hard part was over." Lochte indicated that he and Gillihan anticipate a challenging period ahead as they navigate the remainder of the divorce proceedings, suggesting that "someone wants to make sure this chapter isn't quite done with me yet."
Lochte reportedly proposed to Gillihan earlier this month at Prime and Pearl in Gainesville, Florida, a restaurant significant to their relationship as it was the site of their first date. The proposal took place at the same booth where they first met.
Lochte and Gillihan made their relationship Instagram official in July of the previous year, having begun dating a few months prior. Lochte and Reid, who were married for seven years, share three children: Caiden, eight, Liv, six, and Georgia, two. Reid cited deep prayer and reflection in her decision to end the marriage, describing the preceding season as challenging and hinting at betrayal. Lochte has denied any overlap between his previous marriage and his current relationship with Gillihan.
The divorce proceedings have reportedly become contentious. Reid has made public accusations, including claims that Lochte and Gillihan began their relationship before the separation and that Lochte used drugs in front of their children. Lochte has denied these drug allegations and stated that he never considered himself to have been addicted.
Further tension arose when Lochte announced his new role as an assistant swim coach at Missouri State University. This position requires him to relocate, at least partially, from his Florida home to the university campus. Reid has expressed concern over the impact of this move on their three young children, who are staying with her in Florida. Reports indicate that Lochte offered Reid his Florida home, its contents, and $25,000 in exchange for allowing the children to accompany him to Missouri.
Earlier this year, Lochte confirmed he had moved into a new residence with Gillihan and her three children.