Celebrity
Chuvalo Mark Ferrell Biography: Business, Family, Divorce, and More
Chuvalo Mark Ferrell is a businessman, restaurant owner, and father who became widely known after his divorce from The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kelli Ferrell. Before the public court fights, Mark had built a name in the food business through restaurants such as Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles and Uncle Butch’s Chicken-N-Waffles.
His story later became tied to a long divorce, child support issues, business money disputes, and claims made on reality TV. Mark has denied major claims made about him and later took legal action over how he says he was shown to the public. He has also spoken about fatherhood, faith, mental health, and rebuilding his life.
This article looks at Chuvalo Mark Ferrell’s business career, family, marriage to Kelli, divorce, children, legal battles, and life after their split. It also explains which parts of their public story are known facts and which remain claims made by either side.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chuvalo Mark Ferrell |
| Known As | Mark Ferrell |
| Nationality | American |
| Based In | Georgia, United States |
| Profession | Entrepreneur and restaurateur |
| Known For | Restaurant career and former marriage to Kelli Ferrell |
| Restaurant Businesses | Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles and Uncle Butch’s Chicken-N-Waffles |
| Other Reported Business | Blak on Blak Enterprise |
| Former Wife | Kelli Ferrell |
| Marriage Year | 2011 |
| Reported Wedding Date | August 20, 2011 |
| Separation | Early 2022 |
| Divorce Filing | April 2022 |
| Divorce Finalized | 2024 |
| Biological Children With Kelli | Three daughters |
| Daughters With Kelli | Chance, Chasiti, and Chelsi |
| Stepdaughter He Helped Raise | Chloe |
| Reported Child Support | $3,991 per month |
| Reported Marital Assets | Around $1.7 million |
| 2025 Legal Action | Filed a reported $200 million defamation lawsuit against Bravo |
| Current Focus | Business, fatherhood, faith, and rebuilding his life |
Who Is Chuvalo Mark Ferrell?
Chuvalo Mark Ferrell, often called Mark Ferrell, is a Georgia businessman known for his work in the restaurant field. He has spent years building food businesses. His best-known business links are Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles and Uncle Butch’s Chicken-N-Waffles.
Mark was not first known as a reality TV figure. He was mainly known through his business and family life. That changed when Kelli Ferrell joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Their divorce and past marriage became topics on the show, which put Mark in the public eye.
His story is about more than headlines about his former wife. Mark has spoken about being a father, losing control of businesses, dealing with court cases, and trying to rebuild his life. He has also talked about how these events affected him as a man and father.
Chuvalo Mark Ferrell’s Business Career
Business has been a big part of Chuvalo Mark Ferrell’s life. He became known in Georgia through the food and restaurant field. Mark has said he built his restaurants from the ground up and worked hard to make them successful.
His best-known business link is Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles. The Southern food brand became tied to both Mark and Kelli. Their business success later became part of their divorce as they fought over money, control, and other business issues.
Mark has also been linked to the music business. Reports describe him as the owner of Blak on Blak Enterprise, an independent record label. Still, restaurants and food remain the main parts of his public career.
Chuvalo Mark Ferrell and Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles
Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles became a key part of the Ferrell family story. Mark has called himself a founder of the restaurant, while reports have called Mark and Kelli co-owners. The business became known for Southern comfort food and grew beyond one local restaurant.
For years, the restaurant was tied to the family’s success. Mark and Kelli raised their children while building the business. Their life looked successful from the outside. But their marriage and business ties later began to fall apart.
Money from Nana’s later became a major issue between them. Kelli accused Mark of taking almost $500,000 from the company. Mark has denied the claim. In later legal action, he said the issue involved a business loan of about $420,000 that they took out together in 2022 to help build the restaurant.
Mark claims the loan was paid back and says the story about him taking the money was false. Kelli has given a very different account. Since they disagree about what happened, these claims should not be treated as proven facts.
Chuvalo Mark Ferrell and Uncle Butch’s Chicken-N-Waffles
After his role with Nana’s changed, Chuvalo Mark Ferrell stayed in the restaurant business. He launched Uncle Butch’s Chicken-N-Waffles in Conyers, Georgia. The restaurant gave him a way to keep working in food while building a new business.
Mark has called himself the founder of both Nana’s and Uncle Butch’s. Opening another restaurant was also part of his effort to rebuild his work life after a hard period. His years in the food business gave him the skills to start again.
This part of Mark’s life matters because his story is not only about divorce. Restaurants were a big part of his life before his legal problems became public. Even when the news focused on his former marriage, Mark continued to describe himself as a businessman and restaurant founder.
Chuvalo Mark Ferrell and Kelli Ferrell’s Marriage
Chuvalo Mark Ferrell and Kelli Ferrell reportedly married on August 20, 2011. During their marriage, they raised a family and built a life around their restaurant work. Their family and business lives were closely tied, which made their later split harder.
The marriage lasted for more than ten years before they separated in early 2022. Kelli filed for divorce in April of that year. Reports said she believed there was no hope of fixing the marriage.
The split soon became more than a simple divorce. They fought over their children, money, property, and business assets. Kelli also got a court order meant to stop marital assets from being sold while the divorce case was still open.
After Kelli joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta, viewers learned more about the marriage. She spoke about things she said happened behind closed doors. Mark later denied major parts of the story and said the public was being given a false view of him.
Chuvalo Mark Ferrell’s Children and Family
Family is a big part of Chuvalo Mark Ferrell’s story. Mark and Kelli share three biological daughters: Chance, Chasiti, and Chelsi. Kelli also has an older daughter named Chloe from a past relationship.
Chloe is not Mark’s biological daughter, but reports say he helped raise her from around age two. Mark has called himself a father of four daughters. This helps explain why his later relationship with Chloe became an emotional topic.
Their bond later became strained. During an episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Chloe spoke with her mother about having no contact with Mark. She said she had accepted that they were no longer speaking and shared how the situation hurt her.
Mark has shared his own view of his relationship with the children. He says he loves his daughters and tries to stay close through calls and support. He also claims he has had very few chances to see them in person. Kelli and Mark disagree about access to the children, so their claims should be kept separate.
Why Did Chuvalo Mark Ferrell and Kelli Divorce?
There is no single clear reason why Chuvalo Mark Ferrell and Kelli ended their marriage. Kelli has said cheating was one reason. She has also made serious claims about money and how she says Mark treated her during their marriage.
On The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Kelli said Mark took almost $500,000 from their restaurant company. She also said their home life was very hard. Kelli said police were called more than once and claimed she sometimes slept in a closet. She also spoke about an alleged physical event after she left the home because she did not feel safe.
These are serious claims, but they come from Kelli’s account of the marriage. Mark has denied major parts of the public story about him. He says claims about abuse, fraud, and stolen business money were false and hurt his name.
The money dispute shows how different their stories are. Kelli says money was taken from the restaurant. Mark says they took out a business loan of about $420,000 together in 2022 and that it was later paid back. He has also made his own claims about how some of that money was spent.
By the time the divorce went through court, they were dealing with more than the end of their marriage. They also had to divide shared business interests, property, money, and parenting duties. These issues later led to a divorce settlement and more court battles after the marriage ended.
Chuvalo Mark Ferrell’s Divorce Settlement
The divorce between Chuvalo Mark Ferrell and Kelli Ferrell was completed in 2024 after a long court fight. Reports do not all give the same month for the final divorce. Some say August, while others say September. What is clear is that the marriage was over by late 2024.
The divorce also set rules for their children. Kelli was reported to have primary custody of the three daughters she shares with Mark. The former couple was also reported to share legal custody. Mark was ordered to pay $3,991 each month in child support and keep health insurance for the children.
Money and property were also divided. Their marital home was sold, and reports said Kelli received $175,000 while Mark received $90,000 from the settlement. Kelli was also reported to have received household furniture worth about $45,000, a 2021 navy blue Cadillac Escalade, a Rolex watch, a diamond necklace, and her wedding ring set.
The divorce reports also mentioned marital assets worth around $1.7 million. This number should not be confused with Mark’s personal net worth. It covered shared assets linked to the marriage, including property, business interests, cars, and other items.
Chuvalo Mark Ferrell’s Child Support and Legal Battles
Child support became one of the biggest issues after the marriage ended. In August 2024, Mark was reportedly arrested after falling behind on support payments. One report said the unpaid amount was $14,889. He was later released after the unpaid balance was paid.
In February 2025, Chuvalo Mark Ferrell asked the court to lower his child support payments. He said his income had dropped because he was no longer working for the family business that went to Kelli. His request showed that money problems were still part of the case after the divorce.
The dispute continued into 2026. Kelli claimed Mark did not pay child support for January and February 2026. At $3,991 each month, she said the unpaid total was $7,982. She argued that the missing payments placed more pressure on her while caring for their daughters.
Mark’s side gave a different view. His representative said Mark had stayed in contact with Kelli and her legal team about his money problems and search for work. His side also said he had shared bank records and pay stubs to show his financial state. The representative further claimed that Mark paid Kelli $61,000 in December 2025.
Mark has also said he wants to support his children and be active in their lives. His side claims that requests to see the children were often denied or received no answer. Kelli’s side has said the daughters need support from both parents, both through money and through their presence. These claims show how the family dispute continued long after the divorce.
Chuvalo Mark Ferrell’s RHOA Dispute and $200 Million Lawsuit
The story became even more public when Kelli spoke about her marriage on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. She talked about the divorce, business money, and problems she said happened during the marriage. Her comments brought Chuvalo Mark Ferrell into a reality TV story even though he was not a main cast member.
Kelli has said she chose to be open because she wanted to tell her side of the story. She also spoke about how the divorce affected her daughters. Her oldest daughter, Chloe, appeared in an emotional scene where she discussed her broken relationship with Mark, who had helped raise her from a young age.
Mark strongly disagreed with the way he was shown. In 2025, he filed a major defamation lawsuit against Bravo. He claimed that false statements made about him on the show hurt his name, work, and personal life.
The lawsuit also focused on the restaurant money dispute. Mark said he and Kelli jointly applied for a loan of about $420,000 in 2022 to build out Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles. He claimed the loan was repaid and denied Kelli’s claim that he stole money from the business.
Mark reportedly asked for $100 million in damages for the harm he says was done to his name. He also sought another $100 million in punitive damages. That brought the total amount requested to $200 million. Filing a lawsuit does not mean the claims in it have been proven. They remain Mark’s claims unless a court rules on them or the parties reach an agreement.
Mark later faced another legal problem in 2026. He was arrested in Georgia on a felony theft-by-taking charge. Early reports gave few details about the event behind the charge. An arrest or criminal charge does not prove that a person is guilty, so the case should not be described as a conviction.
Chuvalo Mark Ferrell’s Mental Health & Life Today
Away from court, Chuvalo Mark Ferrell has spoken about how the divorce affected his mental health. In an interview focused on fathers, he said the loss of his family life, businesses, and regular time with his children was very hard for him. He said he dealt with depression, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness.
Mark said therapy helped him deal with those feelings. He also turned to prayer, exercise, his faith, and a small group of people he trusted. He said becoming closer to God helped him through some of his hardest days.
The experience also changed the way Mark thinks about success. He said he once focused heavily on building businesses and reaching new goals. After the divorce, he began to care more about peace, purpose, faith, and being a father his daughters could respect.
Fatherhood remains a major part of how Mark describes himself. He has said that even when he cannot see his daughters in person, he tries to support them through calls and kind words. He says he wants them to know that he still loves them and wants to be part of their lives.
Mark has also shared advice for other fathers facing divorce. He tells men to stay calm, keep records, seek therapy, pray if faith is part of their lives, and find people they can trust. Most of all, he says fathers should keep trying to show their children love even when family life becomes hard.
As of 2026, Mark says he is still rebuilding his life. He has spoken about plans for a book and a docuseries about his experiences. These should be viewed as projects he has discussed, rather than completed works, unless new information confirms their release.
Chuvalo Mark Ferrell’s Net Worth
There is no trusted public figure for Chuvalo Mark Ferrell’s net worth. Some reports about the divorce mentioned marital assets worth around $1.7 million. However, that does not mean Mark personally had a net worth of $1.7 million.
Those assets were linked to the marriage and reportedly included property, restaurant interests, vehicles, jewelry, and other items. After the divorce, many of those assets were divided. For that reason, using the full $1.7 million as Mark’s personal net worth would give readers the wrong idea.
Mark’s work history gives a clearer picture of his career. He has been linked to Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles, founded Uncle Butch’s Chicken-N-Waffles, and has also been reported to have interests in the music business. His restaurant work remains an important part of his story.
Still, much of the public attention around Chuvalo Mark Ferrell now comes from his divorce and legal battles. Kelli has made serious claims about their marriage, money, and family life. Mark has denied major parts of those claims and has taken legal action over how he says he was shown to the public.
FAQs
Who is Chuvalo Mark Ferrell?
Chuvalo Mark Ferrell is an American entrepreneur and restaurant owner who is also known as the former husband of RHOA star Kelli Ferrell.
What does Chuvalo Mark Ferrell do for a living?
Mark works in the restaurant field and has been linked to Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles and Uncle Butch’s Chicken-N-Waffles.
How many children does Chuvalo Mark Ferrell have with Kelli Ferrell?
Mark and Kelli share three biological daughters, Chance, Chasiti, and Chelsi, while Mark also helped raise Kelli’s older daughter Chloe.
When did Chuvalo Mark Ferrell and Kelli Ferrell divorce?
Mark and Kelli separated in 2022, and their divorce was finalized in 2024 after a long legal process.
What is Chuvalo Mark Ferrell’s net worth?
Chuvalo Mark Ferrell’s net worth is not publicly confirmed, and the reported $1.7 million figure refers to marital assets rather than his personal wealth.
Celebrity
Who Was Doughtry Long? What We Know About Nia Long’s Father
Doughtry Long was an American poet, writer, teacher, and mentor. Many people know him as the father of actress Nia Long. He was also the father of comedian Sommore.
Known as “Doc,” Doughtry Long spent more than 30 years in education. He taught writing and literature in Trenton, New Jersey. He also wrote poetry, supported Black history, and worked with young writers.
Quick Bio
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Doughtry Long Jr. |
| Nickname | Doc |
| Known For | Poet, teacher, writer, and father of Nia Long |
| Date of Birth | March 14, 1942 |
| Birthplace | Atlanta, Georgia, United States |
| Raised In | Trenton, New Jersey |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Poet, writer, educator, mentor |
| College | West Virginia State College |
| Graduate School | Trenton State College |
| Degree | Master’s degree in Urban Studies |
| Main Workplace | Trenton Central High School |
| Teaching Subjects | Literature and creative writing |
| Teaching Career | More than 30 years |
| School Project | Phoenix Literary Magazine |
| Peace Corps Work | Community development in West Africa |
| Prison Education | African American Studies Program at Trenton State Prison |
| Other Education Work | Poetry in the Schools program |
| Literary Group | Linked with the Trenton Writers Guild |
| Notable Book | Black Love Black Hope |
| Other Works | Timbuktu Blues, Song for Nia, Rules for Cool |
| Poetry Award | Broadside Press Award for Poetry |
| Arts Recognition | Fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts |
| Interests | Poetry, jazz, fishing, photography, and travel |
| Daughter | Nia Long |
| Daughter | Lori Rambough, known as Sommore |
| Daughter | Djamila McRae |
| Date of Death | January 27, 2020 |
| Age at Death | 77 |
| Legacy | Education, poetry, mentoring, and community work in Trenton |
Doughtry Long’s Early Life
Doughtry “Doc” Long Jr. was born on March 14, 1942, in Atlanta, Georgia. He later grew up in Trenton, New Jersey. Trenton became an important part of his life and work.
He studied, taught, and wrote in the city. He also became active in local schools and arts programs. Many students and writers in Trenton came to know him well.
Long grew up during a time of major racial and social change in the United States. These issues later appeared in his writing and teaching. His poetry often focused on Black life and culture.
People knew him in different ways. Some knew him as a teacher. Others knew him as a poet, writer, mentor, jazz lover, or fisherman.
Doughtry Long’s Education
Education was a major part of Doughtry Long’s life. He attended West Virginia State College, which is now West Virginia State University.
He later studied at Trenton State College, now called The College of New Jersey. He earned a master’s degree in Urban Studies there.
His studies matched his later work. Long cared about education, cities, and local communities. He often linked learning with Black history and social issues.
For Long, education was more than school work. He wanted people to understand their history, their community, and their own ideas.
Doughtry Long’s Teaching Career
Doughtry Long worked in education for more than 30 years. He was best known as a literature and creative writing teacher at Trenton Central High School.
He taught students how to read and write. He also asked them to create their own poems and stories. Long wanted young people to believe their voices had value.
He encouraged students to attend poetry readings and open-mic events. These events helped them meet other writers and learn outside the classroom.
Former student Reggie Walker said Long had a strong effect on his life. Walker said Long helped students believe they could become writers and succeed.
Some students stayed connected with Long after leaving school. Several later became writers, teachers, poets, and community leaders.
His work had an impact beyond one class or school year. Former students still spoke about his support years later.
Doughtry Long and Trenton Central High School
Trenton Central High School was a major part of Doughtry Long’s career. He taught literature and creative writing there for many years.
Long also founded the Phoenix Literary Magazine. It gave students a place to publish poems, stories, and other writing.
He often took students to poetry readings and open-mic events. These trips helped them meet writers outside their school.
Reggie Walker said Long took students to events in places such as Princeton. Long wanted them to see that their own writing mattered.
Walker later became an educator and published poetry. He also took his own students to writing events. He credited Long with helping him believe in himself.
After Doughtry Long died, many former students shared stories about him. They remembered him as both a teacher and a mentor.
Doughtry Long’s Poetry and Writing
Poetry was an important part of Doughtry Long’s life. He wrote about Black identity, family, culture, and social issues.
Nia Long later said her father wrote about the Black experience in America. She also described him as proud of Black history and culture.
His poetry appeared in several literary journals. These included The Literary Review, Brilliant Corners, Obsidian, Painted Bride Quarterly, and Black Renaissance Noire.
Long also used poetry in his teaching and community work. He saw writing as a way to talk about history, identity, and daily life.
He took part in poetry readings in Trenton. Classics Books remembered him as a regular part of local literary events.
At some readings, jazz musicians performed with him. This brought together two of his main interests: poetry and jazz.
Doughtry Long’s Books
Doughtry Long wrote several books and poetry works. One of his best-known titles is Black Love Black Hope.
He also wrote Timbuktu Blues and Song for Nia: A Poetic Essay in Three Parts. The title Song for Nia was linked to his daughter Nia Long.
Another work was Rules for Cool. The book used humor and advice to encourage young people to read, learn, and think.
The message matched Long’s work as a teacher. He wanted students to build their vocabulary, ask questions, and value learning.
Another title linked to him is Ginger Bread Mama. Reports also mention children’s writing and work linked to his family.
His books often focused on the same subjects he taught. These included education, Black culture, family, and personal growth.
Doughtry Long’s Awards and Literary Recognition
Doughtry Long’s poetry was published outside Trenton as well. His work appeared in journals and poetry collections.
His poems were included in The Poetry of Black America, Blue Stones and Salt Hay, Gathering Ground, Let Loose on the World, A Rock Against the Wind, and Legacies.
Long also received the Broadside Press Award for Poetry. Broadside Press is known for publishing and supporting Black poets.
He received a fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. This recognized his work as a poet in New Jersey.
Long was also linked with the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and its poetry programs.
In 2019, three of his poems appeared in The Bookshop on Lafayette Street. The book was published by Eric Maywar of Classics Books in Trenton.
Doughtry Long’s Civil Rights and Community Work
Doughtry Long cared about Black history and equal rights. His teaching and writing often focused on Black life in America. He also took part in talks about civil rights and social change.
He believed education could help people understand their past and their community. He used books, poetry, and public talks to share these ideas.
Long was also active in Trenton. He supported students, young writers, and local artists. His work often linked education, culture, and community life.
Doughtry Long’s Peace Corps Work
Doughtry Long also worked with the Peace Corps in West Africa. His work focused on community development.
This gave him experience outside the United States. He later spoke about his time in West Africa during public events and poetry programs.
Travel was also one of his interests. His Peace Corps work became another important part of his life and community work.
Doughtry Long’s Work Beyond the Classroom
Long’s work went beyond Trenton Central High School. He also took part in other education and writing programs.
He helped organize an African American Studies Program at Trenton State Prison. The program taught people about Black history and culture.
Doughtry Long also worked with the Poetry in the Schools program in New York City. He was also linked with the Trenton Writers Guild.
These projects gave more people a chance to learn, write, and take part in poetry.
Doughtry Long as Nia Long’s Father
Doughtry Long was the father of actress Nia Long. She is known for films and shows such as Boyz n the Hood, Love Jones, Soul Food, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
After his death, Nia spoke about his life and work. She described him as a writer, teacher, mentor, and important person in his community.
She also said their relationship had difficult parts. Nia shared that there were things she wished her father had done when she was young.
As she grew older, she said she understood him better. She also spoke about forgiving him for things he could not give her.
After Doughtry Long died, Nia spent time in Trenton. She learned more about the effect he had on former students and local people.
This helped her see more of his work outside their family. She saw how much people in the city respected him.
Doughtry Long’s Other Daughters
Doughtry Long had three daughters. They were Lori Rambough, Nia Long, and Djamila McRae.
Lori Rambough is better known as comedian Sommore. This means Nia Long and Sommore share the same father.
Djamila McRae was also named in family tributes after Doughtry’s death. Less public information is available about her life.
After their father died, Nia named both Lori and Djamila in a tribute. She said the sisters were thankful they had been with him near the end of his life.
Doughtry Long’s Personal Interests
Doughtry Long had several interests outside work. Jazz was one of the most important.
At some poetry readings, jazz musicians performed with him. This mixed two parts of his life: poetry and music.
He also enjoyed fishing, photography, travel, and food. People in Trenton remembered him for many different interests.
Nia Long later said she wished she had gone fishing with her father. It was one of the personal memories she shared after his death.
Doughtry Long’s Death
Doughtry Long died on January 27, 2020. He was 77 years old.
His family and community shared tributes after his death. Nia Long posted photos and messages in his memory.
Trenton Central High School also honored him through poetry. Some of his former students took part in the tribute.
Nia said the event was very emotional for her. The stories from former students showed how much her father had meant to people in Trenton.
A public event to honor his life was also planned in the city. Many former students and writers shared memories of his work.
Doughtry Long’s Legacy
Doughtry Long left a strong mark through teaching and writing. He spent more than 30 years helping students read, write, and share their ideas.
Many former students said he gave them confidence. He encouraged them to write poems, publish their work, and attend poetry events.
His own poetry also became part of his legacy. His work appeared in books, journals, and poetry collections.
Long also supported learning outside schools. His work included prison education, writing groups, poetry programs, and community events.
Many people know Doughtry Long as Nia Long and Sommore’s father. In Trenton, he was also known as a teacher, poet, writer, and mentor.
His work continued through the students and writers he helped during his life.
Interesting Facts About Doughtry Long
- Doughtry “Doc” Long Jr. was born on March 14, 1942, in Atlanta, Georgia.
- He grew up in Trenton, New Jersey, where he later became a well-known teacher and poet.
- He worked in education for more than 30 years.
- Long taught literature and creative writing at Trenton Central High School.
- He founded the Phoenix Literary Magazine for student writers.
- He earned a master’s degree in Urban Studies from Trenton State College.
- He worked with the Peace Corps in West Africa.
- Long helped organize an African American Studies Program at Trenton State Prison.
- His poetry appeared in several literary journals and collections.
- His books included Black Love Black Hope, Timbuktu Blues, Song for Nia, and Rules for Cool.
- He received the Broadside Press Award for Poetry.
- He also received a fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
- Jazz was one of his main interests, and musicians sometimes joined his poetry readings.
- He was the father of actress Nia Long and comedian Sommore.
- Doughtry Long died on January 27, 2020, at age 77.
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Celebrity
Who Is Rishia Haas? The Story Of Andrew Zimmern’s Former Wife
Rishia Haas is an American administrative professional who is widely known as Andrew Zimmern’s former wife. The couple met in Minnesota before Andrew became a major TV star. They later married and had a son named Noah. Their marriage ended after many years.
There is a lot of information about Rishia Haas online. Some details are not well proven. This article focuses on the facts that are better supported.
Andrew had already started his recovery years before he met Rishia. So, her work in this field should not be linked to the start of his sobriety.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rishia Haas |
| Known For | Former wife of Andrew Zimmern |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Minnesota is widely reported; exact birthplace is not firmly confirmed |
| Date of Birth | Not reliably confirmed |
| Education | Reportedly attended Anoka High School and Augsburg College |
| Profession | Administrative professional |
| Reported Work Field | Addiction recovery and support services |
| Reported Workplace | The Retreat |
| Other Reported Workplace | Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation |
| Former Husband | Andrew Zimmern |
| Andrew Zimmern’s Profession | Chef, writer, TV host, and food personality |
| First Meeting | Reportedly around 1999 |
| Where They Met | A cooking school in Minnesota |
| Marriage Year | 2002 |
| Commonly Reported Wedding Date | December 26, 2002 |
| Children | One |
| Son | Noah Zimmern |
| Son’s Birth Year | 2005 |
| Separation | Became public in 2018 |
| Length of Marriage | About 16 years before separation |
| Notable Public Appearance | 2015 James Beard Foundation Awards in Chicago |
| Current Relationship Status | No reliable public information confirms a new marriage |
| Current Career | Not clearly confirmed publicly |
| Net Worth | Not reliably confirmed |
| Public Profile | Limited |
Rishia Haas’s Early Life
Rishia Haas has strong ties to Minnesota. Several reports say she grew up there. She also met Andrew Zimmern in the state.
Her exact date of birth is not clearly confirmed. Different websites give different dates and years.
Some websites also list names for her parents and siblings. These details are not backed by strong public records.
Rishia was not a public figure before meeting Andrew. Little verified information is available about her early years.
Rishia Haas’s Education
Several reports say Rishia Haas went to Anoka High School in Minnesota. There is little public information about her school years.
She is also said to have studied at Augsburg College, now called Augsburg University. The school is in Minneapolis.
There is no clear public record of her degree, subject, or graduation year. These details should not be added without proof.
Her later work was mainly in office and support roles.
Rishia Haas’s Career
Rishia Haas has been linked to several office jobs. Her work was separate from Andrew Zimmern’s TV career.
One reported job was at The Retreat in Minnesota. Some profiles say she worked there as an admissions coordinator.
She has also been linked to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Reports say she worked there in an office role.
There is little reliable public information about her current job in 2026.
Some websites say Rishia helped Andrew become sober. The timeline does not support this. Andrew entered treatment in 1992. Rishia reportedly met him around 1999.
How Rishia Haas Met Andrew Zimmern
Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern reportedly met around 1999 in Minnesota. Their first meeting was linked to a cooking school.
Andrew was teaching cooking classes there. Rishia reportedly worked in a store connected to the school.
They later started dating. This was before Andrew became famous through Bizarre Foods.
At that time, Andrew was already working in food. His biggest TV success came years later.
Rishia knew Andrew before his heavy travel and TV work became a major part of his life.
Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern’s Marriage
Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern married in 2002. December 26 is often listed as their wedding date.
They had been together for several years before the marriage.
In 2006, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern began airing. The show took Andrew to many places around the world.
His work required a lot of travel. Andrew later said that his busy career affected the time he gave to his wife and son.
Rishia also joined Andrew at some public events. In May 2015, they attended the James Beard Foundation Awards in Chicago.
By this time, Andrew’s work had become a major part of their family life. He later spoke about how that pressure affected their marriage.
Rishia Haas and Her Son Noah
Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern have one son, Noah Zimmern. He was born in 2005. Noah was still young when Andrew’s TV career became very busy.
Andrew often had to travel for work. This meant family time could be hard to manage. He later spoke about how his work affected both his wife and son.
There is not much public information about Noah. Most details about his life have stayed out of the media. He is mainly known because of his parents.
Rishia Haas’s Public Appearances
Rishia Haas was seen with Andrew at a few public events during their marriage. One of the clearest examples came in May 2015.
The couple attended the James Beard Foundation Awards in Chicago. They walked the red carpet together and were photographed at the event.
These public appearances were not very common. Rishia was never known for building a public career of her own. Most news about her came through her marriage to Andrew.
How Andrew Zimmern’s Fame Affected Their Family
Andrew Zimmern became very well known after Bizarre Foods became a hit. His work took him to many countries. He also had to spend long periods away from home.
Andrew later said that his fame had a real effect on his family. In one interview, he said people had pushed past his wife and son just to reach him.
He also admitted that he was not there enough for Rishia and Noah. He said his work and public life took too much of his time.
These comments give a clear reason why family life became hard. The problem was not one single event. It was the pressure of travel, work, and fame over many years.
Why Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern Divorced
Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern separated after about 16 years of marriage. In 2018, reports said they were moving toward an amicable divorce.
Andrew later took responsibility for his part in the breakup. He said he had not been there enough for his wife and son. He also said Rishia had given him many chances to fix things.
There is no strong public proof of a major scandal behind the split. The clearest reason comes from Andrew’s own words about work and family life.
By early 2020, reports said the divorce had been completed. After that, Rishia and Andrew went on with their lives separately.
Rishia Haas After the Divorce
After the divorce, Rishia Haas became even less visible in public. There have been very few reliable updates about her personal life.
Some websites have made claims about where she lives and what she does now. However, many of these details are not backed by strong sources.
There is also no reliable public record showing that she remarried. The safest point is that her life after the divorce has remained mostly private.
Her current work is also not clearly known. As of 2026, there is little verified public information about her job or daily life.
Rishia Haas’s Net Worth and Private Details
Many celebrity websites give a net worth figure for Rishia Haas. Some claim that she is worth millions of dollars.
There is no strong public record that proves these numbers. Her income, savings, and other financial details have not been made public.
The same care is needed with details like her exact height, weight, birthday, and full family history. Different websites often give different answers.
For this reason, these details should not be treated as facts unless a strong source confirms them. A useful biography should focus on what is known, not on guesses.
Facts About Rishia Haas
- Rishia Haas is best known as the former wife of chef and TV host Andrew Zimmern.
- She reportedly met Andrew around 1999 at a cooking school in Minnesota.
- Andrew taught cooking classes, while Rishia worked at a store linked to the school.
- Rishia and Andrew married in 2002.
- They have one son, Noah Zimmern, who was born in 2005.
- Rishia was married to Andrew during the rise of his hit TV show Bizarre Foods.
- She attended the 2015 James Beard Foundation Awards with Andrew in Chicago.
- Rishia has been linked to office and support work in the addiction recovery field.
- She has been reported to work with The Retreat and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
- Andrew began his own recovery long before meeting Rishia. He entered Hazelden on January 28, 1992.
- Their separation became public in 2018 after about 16 years of marriage.
- Andrew later said that his busy career and time away from home had hurt his family life.
- Rishia has shared very little about her life since the divorce.
- Her exact birth date, current job, and personal finances are not reliably confirmed.
- Online claims about a multimillion-dollar net worth should not be treated as verified facts.
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Celebrity
Kimberly Woollen: Glen Campbell’s Wife, Family, and Life
Kimberly Woollen is a former dancer and caregiver advocate who became widely known as Glen Campbell’s fourth and final wife. Born in Indianapolis in 1959, she later moved into professional dance and met Campbell during a blind date in New York in 1981.
They married in 1982 and had three children. During Glen’s later years, Kimberly helped manage his care after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis and later shared her experience through advocacy work and a memoir.
Quick Bio
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kimberly Woollen |
| Also Known As | Kim Campbell |
| Date of Birth | April 3, 1959 |
| Birthplace | Indianapolis, Indiana, United States |
| Raised In | Newport, North Carolina |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Wife of Glen Campbell, former dancer, author, and caregiver advocate |
| Education | Studied dance at East Carolina University |
| Early Career | Professional dancer |
| Dance Work | Radio City Music Hall and a Jones Beach production of The Music Man |
| Met Glen Campbell | 1981 |
| First Meeting | Blind date in New York City |
| Marriage Year | 1982 |
| Husband | Glen Campbell |
| Glen Campbell’s Wife Number | Fourth and final wife |
| Marriage Length | About 35 years |
| Children | Cal Campbell, Shannon Campbell, Ashley Campbell |
| Daughter | Ashley Campbell, singer and banjo player |
| Caregiving Role | Helped care for Glen during his Alzheimer’s disease |
| Glen’s Public Diagnosis | Announced in 2011 |
| Memory Care Move | 2014 |
| Glen Campbell’s Death | August 2017 |
| Caregiver Website | CareLiving.org |
| Foundation | Kim & Glen Campbell Foundation |
| Memoir | Gentle on My Mind: In Sickness and in Health with Glen Campbell |
| Memoir Published | 2020 |
| Later Interests | Ballet, caregiver support, music, and movement programs |
Kimberly Woollen’s Early Life
Kimberly Woollen was born on April 3, 1959, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was raised in Newport, North Carolina, after her parents separated.
Dance became an important part of her life at a young age. She later chose to study it and build a career around it.
Before she met Glen Campbell, Kimberly already had her own goals. Her early years were focused on dance and performing.
Kimberly Woollen’s Education and Dance Career
Kimberly Woollen studied dance at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. Her studies helped prepare her for professional dance work.
Around 1979, she began working in New York City. She performed at Radio City Music Hall and also took part in a Jones Beach production of The Music Man.
After she married Glen Campbell, Kimberly stopped working as a full-time dancer. However, she continued taking dance lessons.
Years later, she returned to ballet. She also became interested in using simple movement programs for people living in care homes.
How Kimberly Woollen Met Glen Campbell
Kimberly Woollen met Glen Campbell on a blind date in New York City in 1981. One account gives the date as May 28, 1981.
The date was arranged through friends. Kimberly’s dancer friend Lynn knew Carl Jackson, a musician in Glen Campbell’s band.
The group had dinner with Glen’s parents. After that, they went to a James Taylor concert.
Kimberly knew Glen’s name and some of his songs, but she did not follow his career closely. She also did not fully know how famous he was at the time.
Their first date led to a relationship. Kimberly and Glen began dating later in 1981.
Kimberly Woollen and Glen Campbell’s Marriage
Kimberly Woollen and Glen Campbell had a large age gap. Glen was more than 20 years older than her. He was also already a famous singer with a long career.
Glen had been married three times before. He also had children from earlier relationships.
Kimberly and Glen married in 1982 at North Phoenix Baptist Church. One report says about 100 family members and friends attended the wedding.
Kimberly became Glen Campbell’s fourth wife. They stayed married until his death in August 2017.
Their marriage lasted about 35 years. It was the longest marriage of Glen Campbell’s life.
During those years, the couple raised a family and dealt with Glen’s addiction and health problems.
Kimberly Woollen’s Family and Children
Kimberly Woollen and Glen Campbell had three children together.
Their first child, Cal Campbell, was born in 1983. They later welcomed Shannon Campbell and their daughter, Ashley Campbell, who was born in 1986.
Music became part of the children’s lives. All three have been linked to music in different ways.
Ashley Campbell became a singer, songwriter, and banjo player. She also performed with her father during part of his later career.
Kimberly also had to manage family life while Glen toured and recorded music. His career included travel, concerts, and public events.
Years later, Kimberly and the children became closely involved in Glen’s care as his health declined.
Kimberly Woollen and Glen Campbell’s Difficult Years
Kimberly Woollen’s marriage to Glen Campbell included serious problems linked to his alcohol and drug use.
Kimberly later wrote about these years in her memoir and spoke about them in interviews. She said Glen’s drinking and cocaine use sometimes caused painful and dangerous problems at home.
In one event she described, Glen became angry while his parents were visiting. Kimberly recorded part of the incident so Glen could hear his own behavior after he was sober.
She also wrote about a more serious event after their son Cal was born. According to Kimberly, Glen pointed a gun at her while he was under the influence.
Kimberly said Glen later went through long periods without alcohol. Family support, faith, and treatment played a role in his recovery.
He later relapsed in 2003. Reports say he spent about a month at the Betty Ford Center for treatment.
By then, Kimberly Woollen and Glen Campbell had been married for more than 20 years. Soon, the family began facing another major problem as Glen started showing signs of memory loss.
Kimberly Woollen and Glen Campbell’s Alzheimer’s Journey
In the early 2000s, Glen Campbell’s family began to notice changes in his memory. He forgot things more often, and the problem became worse over time.
Glen was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease around late 2010. In 2011, Kimberly Woollen and the family shared the diagnosis with the public.
As the disease got worse, Glen needed more help with daily life. Kimberly became more involved in his care and health decisions.
The illness also affected the whole family. Kimberly and the children had to make choices about Glen’s safety, treatment, and care.
Kimberly Woollen During Glen Campbell’s Farewell Tour
Glen did not stop performing right after his diagnosis. He went on a farewell tour with support from his family.
One account says the tour included 151 shows over 456 days. His family and band helped him when his memory caused problems on stage.
Some shows were harder than others. Glen could forget words or lose his place, but he was still able to play guitar and perform many songs.
His final tour was later shown in the documentary Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me. The film showed his music, memory loss, and the support he received from his family.
Why Kimberly Woollen Chose Memory Care for Glen
As Glen’s condition became worse, caring for him at home became very hard. Kimberly Woollen said a team of six people helped care for him around the clock.
His doctor later advised the family that Glen needed 24-hour medical care. In 2014, he moved into a memory-care community near Nashville.
The move brought public criticism. Kimberly said doctors, caregivers, their children, and other family members were part of the decision.
Glen received care from staff trained to help people with Alzheimer’s disease. He could also take part in daily activities and therapy.
Kimberly continued to visit him. She said she spent time with him during meals and stayed close to him as the disease became more severe.
Kimberly Woollen’s Life After Glen Campbell’s Death
Glen Campbell died in August 2017. Kimberly Woollen had been married to him for about 35 years.
After his death, Kimberly returned to dance. She began taking ballet classes again, including classes linked to Nashville Ballet.
She also became interested in simple movement programs for people living in assisted-care homes. Some of the movements could be done while sitting in a chair.
Her work brought together two parts of her life: dance and caregiving.
Kimberly Woollen’s Caregiving and Advocacy Work
Kimberly Woollen used her caregiving experience to help other families dealing with dementia.
She started CareLiving.org to share support and useful information with caregivers. She has also said families should learn about care choices before a crisis happens.
Kimberly has spoken about caregiver health as well. Full-time care can be very tiring, and outside help may sometimes be needed.
She also founded the Kim & Glen Campbell Foundation. Its work focuses on dementia care and the use of music to improve quality of life.
Kimberly Woollen’s Memoir and Later Projects
In 2020, Kimberly Woollen published her memoir, Gentle on My Mind: In Sickness and in Health with Glen Campbell.
The book covers their first meeting, marriage, children, and family life. It also discusses Glen’s struggles with alcohol and drugs.
Kimberly wrote about Glen’s Alzheimer’s disease and her years as his caregiver. She also shared parts of his early life and music career.
In later years, she continued her work with caregivers. She also supported ideas that use music, dance, and simple movement in assisted-living communities.
Interesting Facts About Kimberly Woollen
- Kimberly Woollen worked as a professional dancer before marrying Glen Campbell.
- She studied dance at East Carolina University.
- She performed at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
- Kimberly met Glen Campbell on a blind date in New York in 1981.
- Their first date included dinner with Glen’s parents and a James Taylor concert.
- Kimberly and Glen married in 1982 and stayed together until his death in 2017.
- She was Glen Campbell’s fourth and final wife.
- The couple had three children: Cal, Shannon, and Ashley Campbell.
- Kimberly helped care for Glen after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
- She created CareLiving.org to support dementia caregivers.
- She founded the Kim & Glen Campbell Foundation.
- Kimberly published her memoir, Gentle on My Mind: In Sickness and in Health with Glen Campbell, in 2020.
- She later returned to ballet and supported music and movement programs for older adults.
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