Who Was Lee Iacocca's Spouse
Lee Iacocca was married twice. His first wife was Mary McCleary, whom he wed in 1956. They had three children before divorcing in 1980. His second wife was Darrien Earle, a former model and actress, whom he married in 1986 and remained with until his death in 2019.
Iacocca's marriages coincided with his most prominent leadership roles at Ford and Chrysler. His first marriage overlapped with his rise at Ford Motor Company, while his second marriage aligned with his turnaround of Chrysler Corporation and later his public advocacy work.
Family Background and Children
Children from First Marriage
Lee Iacocca and Mary McCleary had three children: Kathryn, Lida, and Anthony. The children largely stayed out of the public spotlight, though Iacocca frequently discussed his family in interviews and in his autobiography.
Later Life and Legacy
After his death in 2019, Iacocca's legacy continued through his family and the institutions he shaped. His second wife, Darrien, remained a private figure, with limited public information available about her activities following his passing.
Lee Iacocca's Career and Public Life
Iacocca served as president of Ford Motor Company before being fired in 1978. He then became CEO of Chrysler Corporation in 1978 and led a dramatic turnaround that is widely studied in business schools. His leadership at Chrysler is documented in detail by financial and business outlets.
Beyond his corporate roles, Iacocca became a prominent public figure through Chrysler commercials and advocacy for causes such as diabetes research and the restoration of the Statue of Liberty. His personal life, including his marriages, was often discussed alongside his professional achievements.