Before Thomas Ravenel got featured on “Southern Charm,” he married and divorced Mary Ryan Ravenel. The marriage dragged a private Mary into the spotlight and kept her there for the entire duration.
After they split, Mary returned to her quiet life and stayed out of the spotlight. She did a good job staying under the radar because there is very little information about what she has been up to since her divorce from Thomas Ravenel.
Keep reading to learn what we know about her.
Who Is Mary Ryan Ravenel?
Mary Ryan Ravenel is the former wife of Thomas Ravenel. She was reportedly born in South Carolina, but details about the time are hazy.
Mary attended Charleston College and earned a bachelor’s degree in arts. Afterward, she furthered her education by getting a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina.
Mary Ryan Ravenel Career
Before getting hitched to Thomas, Mary sought fulfillment as a teacher in South Carolina. She returned to it again after they got divorced, working as a special education teacher at an elementary school in South Carolina.
Outside her professional job, Mary is also an active community member. She is highly invested in the Charleston community and reportedly engages happily in charitable activities. She has a seat on the board of directors for the Charleston Animal Society, and her impact has been felt positively over the years.
How Long Was Mary Ryan Ravenel Married to Thomas Ravenel?
Thomas Ravenel and Mary Ryan Ravenel tied the knot in 1995. However, their union was not destined for longevity. The pair went their separate ways just 13 months later. The divorce process was legally finalized three years later, in 1998.
Details of what caused the two to split were kept between both parties. Until now, factors that contributed to their separation, as well as their settlement, remain shrouded in mystery.
They had no children together, and following their divorce, her former husband stopped speaking about her. When he appeared on “Southern Charm,” where he had to interact with other women romantically, Thomas never talked about Mary.
Since they got divorced, Thomas has been romantically linked with several women. Mainly while he was featured on “Southern Charm.” While on the show, Ravenel had a relationship with his co-star Kathryn Dennis. It ultimately led to them having two kids together: a daughter named Kensie and a son named St. Julien.
Unfortunately, the two were embroiled in a nasty custody battle that started after they split. It lasted until it was resolved in November 2019, with the court granting them joint custody of their kids. At the time, Dennis announced the development on Twitter.
She wrote: “Just want to let my fans hear from me officially that Thomas and I have resolved all matters related to our children. I believe that this joint custody arrangement is in our children’s best interests. Happy to move forward. Thank y’all for all of your patience, support & love – kd.”
Thomas Ravenel and Kathryn Dennis Custody Battle
The custody arrangement is no longer the same for Mary’s ex-husband and Dennis. Thomas Ravenel reignited his custody war with Kathryn Dennis when he filed for sole custody of Kensington and Saint. He also requested that Dennis be granted only supervised visitation with the kids on October 23, 2020.
Dennis temporarily lost custody of their two children in February 2021. However, in February 2023, a South Carolina judge officially granted Thomas complete custody.
According to one source, the ruling came after Kathryn “failed multiple drug tests.” She reportedly tested positive for “three illegal drugs.”
The source also claimed Thomas’ legal team had amassed evidence alleging neglect against Dennis. Thomas ultimately won sole custody because the children seemed to progress better in his care.
Is Thomas Ravenel Married Now?
Thomas Ravenel has only ever been married to Mary Ryan Ravenel. He almost married again when he fell in love with registered nurse Heather Mascoe.
The pair got as far as getting engaged, and Thomas felt good about their relationship. So much so that he vowed he would not draw up a prenuptial for their wedding because he didn’t feel he would need it.
Their engagement came up five months after they welcomed their child, a son they named Jonathan Jackson Ravenel, on June 29, 2020. Sadly, not long after their son’s birth, they broke up. At the time, he referred to what they had as friendship.
He said: “That’s how I’d put our relationship, really good friends. She’s happy, and I’m happy.”
There are speculations the two are back together, but one thing is sure — there has been no wedding yet. In the meantime, Thomas is enjoying life as a dad. With Jonathan’s birth, he joins people like Nick Cannon and Robert De Niro, who have multiple baby mamas.