Who Is Kimberly Fey?
Kimberly Fey gained public recognition as the first wife of actor and singer Donnie Wahlberg, but she has successfully carved out her own professional identity. Today, she thrives as a real estate agent while maintaining the private lifestyle she’s always preferred. This comprehensive guide explores her journey from working behind the scenes in the music industry to building a successful career in real estate.
Kimberly Fey’s Early Career in Music
Before becoming known to the public, Kimberly Fey established herself as a talented sound engineer in the music industry. Her expertise in audio production led to a pivotal professional opportunity that would change her life forever.
How Kimberly Fey Met Donnie Wahlberg
The couple’s love story began in a professional setting. Donnie Wahlberg hired Kimberly to work on an album for his band, New Kids on the Block. What started as a business relationship quickly evolved into romance. The couple dated privately before going public with their relationship in 1991, keeping their personal lives away from media scrutiny during the early years.
Kimberly Fey and Donnie Wahlberg’s Marriage
After eight years of dating, Kimberly Fey and Donnie Wahlberg married on August 22, 1999. Their relationship spanned nearly two decades, including their dating period, and produced two sons who remain an important part of both their lives.
Their Children
The couple welcomed their first son, Xavier Alexander Wahlberg, on March 4, 1993, two years after going public with their relationship. At just 23 years old, Donnie was dealing with personal challenges, but fatherhood helped him find direction and purpose.
Their second son, Elijah Hendrix Wahlberg, was born on August 20, 2001, two years after the couple’s wedding. Kimberly embraced motherhood in her early twenties, balancing her career ambitions with raising their family.
Supporting Her Husband’s Career
Despite preferring to stay out of the spotlight, Kimberly Fey frequently appeared at public events to support Donnie’s career. She attended numerous red carpet premieres and industry events, consistently showing up for her husband.
Notable Public Appearances
Throughout their marriage, Kimberly accompanied Donnie to several high-profile events. In 1999, she attended the premiere of “Three Kings” at Mann Village Theatre in California. The following year, she was present at “The Perfect Storm” premiere, and in 2002, she appeared at the NBC summer all-star party and the Television Critics Association Awards ceremony.
Her support extended beyond Hollywood events. She also attended sporting events with Donnie, including Los Angeles Lakers versus Boston Celtics games, where they socialized with other celebrity couples like Ellen Pompeo and Chris Ivery.
Donnie Wahlberg’s Extreme Method Acting
During their marriage, Kimberly witnessed her husband’s dedication to his craft, particularly his preparation for the role of Vincent Grey in the psychological thriller “The Sixth Sense.” Donnie’s commitment to the role required extreme physical and mental transformation.
To achieve the emaciated appearance needed for the character, Donnie isolated himself in an apartment, avoided using credit cards, and subjected himself to severe deprivation. He stopped showering for weeks, worked out rigorously while starving himself, and deliberately became a loner. This intense preparation took a toll on both his physical and mental health, demonstrating the challenges that came with his career.
Kimberly Fey Divorce: The End of Their Marriage
After nearly nine years of marriage and several months of separation, Kimberly Fey and Donnie Wahlberg decided to end their union. In a unusual coincidence, both filed for divorce on the same day in August 2008, though in different locations.
Custody and Settlement Details
In her divorce filing, Kimberly requested sole legal and physical custody of their two sons while offering Donnie visitation rights. She also sought spousal support. A representative for Donnie confirmed that despite the separation, the couple planned to remain friends.
The divorce was finalized in September 2010 through an out-of-court settlement. Both parties agreed to keep the details of their agreement private, maintaining discretion about their financial arrangements and custody terms.
Kimberly Fey’s Real Estate Career
After her divorce, Kimberly Fey successfully transitioned into real estate, where she has built an impressive reputation. She now works as a real estate agent, specializing in luxury properties and residential sales.
Success in Real Estate
Kimberly actively uses social media, particularly Instagram, to showcase her professional achievements. Her posts feature properties she has successfully sold, meetings with clients, and tours of premier luxury apartments in Chicago. She shares photos celebrating closed deals with clients and networking with colleagues in the industry.
Her approach to real estate reflects the same dedication she brought to her music career, and she has developed a strong client base through her professionalism and expertise.
Kimberly Fey Now: Current Lifestyle and Interests
Today, Kimberly Fey maintains the private lifestyle she has always preferred while enjoying the fruits of her professional success. She balances her career with personal interests and maintains strong friendships.
Work-Life Balance
Kimberly understands the importance of rest and rejuvenation. She regularly takes vacations, often sharing that time away is beneficial for personal well-being. Her vacation destinations typically feature serene environments with beach access, reflecting her preference for peaceful retreats.
In 2019, she enjoyed a skiing trip with friends in Aspen Mountains, demonstrating her adventurous side. She also attends sporting events, including baseball games between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, often in the company of friends.
Social Life and Networking
While keeping her personal life private, Kimberly maintains an active social calendar. She regularly meets colleagues and friends for lunch and professional networking events. Her Instagram presence shows a woman who has found balance between professional success and personal fulfillment.
Kimberly Fey’s Legacy and Impact
Kimberly Fey’s story demonstrates resilience and reinvention. From her beginnings as a sound engineer to her role as a celebrity spouse and now as a successful real estate professional, she has consistently forged her own path. Despite the public nature of her marriage to Donnie Wahlberg, she has maintained her privacy and dignity while building a successful career on her own terms.
Her journey serves as an inspiration for those navigating life changes and career transitions, proving that it’s possible to step out of the spotlight while still achieving professional success and personal happiness.
Conclusion
Kimberly Fey may have first entered public consciousness as Donnie Wahlberg’s wife, but she has established her own identity and successful career. As a real estate agent in Chicago, she continues to thrive professionally while maintaining the private lifestyle she values. Her story reflects strength, independence, and the ability to build a fulfilling life beyond fame.
