U.S. Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte's divorce from his estranged wife, Kayla Rae Reid, has been finalized, court records confirm. The finalization comes as Lochte, 41, has already announced his engagement to Molly Gillihan, 37, a kindergarten teacher he has been dating for 14 months.
Reid initially filed for divorce in March 2025 after seven years of marriage. The separation led to public disputes and legal challenges between the former couple, who share three children: Caiden, Liv, and Georgia. Lochte expressed relief that the divorce is now complete, telling People magazine that he and Gillihan can begin wedding planning.
"Finally, now my new and improved chapter of full happiness can start," Lochte said. "Wedding planning starts today."
Lochte proposed to Gillihan last month at the restaurant where they had their first date. The timing of his engagement while the divorce was still pending drew criticism from some.
Reid also commented on the divorce becoming official, stating, "Divorce has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but it has also revealed a strength I didn't know I had. I'm grateful to be moving forward with clarity, peace, and a lot of faith in what's ahead." She added, "Divorce is never something you celebrate, but there is something incredibly empowering about surviving it and realizing you are stronger than you ever gave yourself credit for."
Reid had publicly announced their split in June 2025, describing the decision as difficult and following a challenging period. In her initial announcement, she alluded to betrayal, while Lochte was seen with Gillihan shortly after. Lochte has denied any overlap between the relationships.
Further accusations emerged earlier this year when Reid claimed on her podcast, 'The Comeback Era with Caroline and Kayla,' that Lochte and Gillihan's relationship began before their separation. "I'm so happy for him," Reid stated sarcastically. "They've been happy for a very long time. Very long time. For many years. They go way back."
In court filings, Reid also alleged that Lochte used drugs in front of their children. Lochte has denied these claims, stating he "never did drugs in front of the kids" and does not consider himself to have an addiction.
Additional tension arose when Lochte announced his new role as an assistant swim coach at Missouri State University. The position requires him to relocate from Gainesville, Florida, to the university campus. Reports indicate Reid was angered by this move, believing it would be difficult for their three young children, who will remain in Florida. Lochte had reportedly offered Reid their Florida home, its contents, and $25,000 if she would allow the children to move with him to Missouri.