Larry King Files For Divorce From His 8th Wife — After 22 Years Of Marriage
They're calling it quits for the second time.
getty When we get married, it’s nice to assume it’ll be forever. Especially if we find someone who's our true love and soulmate. But for some people, especially those in Hollywood, their first marriage is just a trial run. Elizabeth Taylor, Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Scorsese, Mickey Rooney, Zsa Zsa Gabor all have been married and divorced quite a few times. And now, we can add another failed marriage under Larry King’s belt.
Who is Shawn King? She’s Larry's eighth wife, and after being married for 22 years, Larry decided to file for divorce.
In 2010, the couple filed for divorce after an allegedly tumultuous relationship; however, they later reconciled. But now, it looks like things are serious. According to court documents, he filed for divorce back in June, citing “irreconcilable differences,” though there were no specifics provided.
Before marrying Shawn, then known as Shawn Southwick, Larry had been married to seven other women, one of whom he married twice. He married Freda Miller, his high school sweetheart, in 1952; Annette Kaye in 1961; Alene Atkins also in 1961; Mary Francis “Mickey” Stuphin also in 1961; Kaye again in 1969; Sharon Lepore in 1973; Julie Alexander in 1989; and Shawn in 1997. He married Shawn three days after undergoing heart surgery.
But Shawn has her own identity separate from her life with the radio host. What do we know about her?
1. She’s a singer, actress, and host.
Shawn sang while she was growing up, sang in the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer television film, worked with Bobby Sherman on the Oscar Meyer wiener commercial, and had a solo in Nat King Cole’s Christmas special. In 2005, she released an album, and sang on a compilation CD.
In addition to her music career, she’s appeared on television shows like Knight Rider, Remington Steele, Cover Up, It’s Garry Shandling’s Show, and Who’s the Boss?. She’s also appeared in the films Bombshell, Monaco Forever, and Christmas Eve. She hosted Hollywood Insider from 1990 to 1996.
2. She comes from a very musical family.
Shawn’s father is the former Vice President of Artist & Repertoire at Capitol Records. He was Marie Osmond’s manager for 35 years, as well as Larry King’s. Her mother sang with the Ray Conniff singers in the 1960s and she was a studio singer for Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley. Her sister, Shannon, is also a singer, and her uncle, Bob Engemann, was a member of The Lettermen, a 1960s pop group.
3. She’s Mormon.
She grew up as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She attended college at Brigham Young University, which her father also attended. She’s also raising her sons to be Mormon.
4. Larry King is her second husband.
Before marrying Larry in 1997, she was married to Daniel Southwick, a professional football player, and the two had one son, Danny Southwick, who currently plays for the Columbus Destroyers. With King, she has two sons: Chance, 20, and Cannon, 19.
5. Larry accused her of cheating.
Back in 2016, sources told People that Shawn had been having a year-long affair. “It’s true, and Larry is completely embarrassed and anguished by all of this. He doesn’t know what to do,” the source revealed. However, another insider claimed that Shawn had ended the affair, and the couple denied any reports of cheating. The allegations claim Shawn was cheating with their sons’ baseball coach, Hector Penate. Penate admitted to the affair.
In an interview with Home & Family, Larry said, “You said an interesting word, ‘rumor.’ I’ve been in the business — next May, it’ll be 60 years — and I’ve dealt with rumors a long time. Interviewed people involved with rumors. Rumors are what they are;they’re rumors. And I tell you the truth, I don’t pay any attention to them.”
Shawn also added, “Last week, there was a rumor going around about Larry and a speech he made in Kiev. This week, I’m the latest pinup girl. You just have to develop a shell around yourself and not get hard on the inside, and stick together.”
6. She’s struggled with substance abuse.
Shawn entered rehab for a pain killer addiction in 2008. In 2010, she overdosed and was found unconscious by her father. She’s been treated for her dependency, though her overdose came around the same time Larry filed for divorce the first time.
Samantha Maffucci is an editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.