Donna and Ed Kelce Biography
Introduction
A football fan immediately thinks of two NFL stars whenever the name “Kelce” is mentioned—Jason and Travis. Yet behind these heroes are two remarkable individuals: Donna and Ed Kelce, whose love, sacrifices, and perseverance shaped one of the most inspiring family legacies in American sports. Their story is one of falling in love at first sight, raising two strong-willed sons, navigating life’s challenges, and remaining supportive of each other even when taking different paths. This is the story of their lives—from their first encounter to family, careers, challenges, and legacy both on and off the football field. Donna and Ed Kelce’s story exemplifies togetherness, empowerment, and heritage, a legacy still admired by many families today.
Real Name
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Donna Kelce: Born Donna Blalock in Cleveland, Ohio. She is of Croatian descent on her maternal side, bringing a rich cultural heritage to the Kelce family.
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Ed Kelce: Known publicly as Ed Kelce. Very little is available about his middle name or birthplace, though his family background reflects strong military traditions.
BIO WIKI
| Attribute | Donna Kelce | Ed Kelce |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Donna Blalock Kelce | Ed Kelce |
| Date of Birth | October 9, 1952 | Early to mid-1970s (exact unknown) |
| Age (2025) | 72 | ~73 |
| Nationality | American | American |
| Heritage | Croatian (maternal side) | Military family background |
| Career | Banking & Commercial Real Estate | Steel & Industrial Work |
| Children | Jason Kelce, Travis Kelce | Jason Kelce, Travis Kelce |
| Net Worth | $1.55 million | Higher, undisclosed |
| Hobbies | Acting, baking, charity, football | Gardening, family time, outdoors |
| Favorite Things | 70s/80s music, cooking, traveling | Nature, conversations, watching sons play |
| Social Media | Active (Instagram & X) | Rare, mostly interviews & documentary |
| Notable Fact | Wore split Eagles/Chiefs jersey | Comforted losing son & celebrated winner in Kelce Bowl |
Early Life and Education
Donna Kelce
Donna grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. Life was challenging early on—her mother passed away when Donna was only twelve, an event that shaped her independence and character. After her father remarried, Donna was supported by her stepmother, Mary. Despite her father’s disapproval of women participating in sports, Donna secretly trained and excelled in athletics, winning competitions in track and field, including the Junior Olympics—a clear sign of her competitiveness and determination.
Ed Kelce
Ed was raised in a family steeped in military tradition, with relatives serving in World War II. Growing up in this disciplined environment instilled in him values of hard work, duty, and service, which would later influence his family life and parenting style.
Parents and Siblings
While there is limited public information about Ed’s parents and siblings, his family’s military background is well-known. Donna’s mother passed early, but her stepmother provided emotional support, stability, and guidance that contributed to her personal and professional development. Both Donna and Ed, despite their different backgrounds, shared core values of family, hard work, and responsibility, which became the foundation for raising their own family.
Children
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Jason Kelce: Born November 5, 1987, an offensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Travis Kelce: Born October 5, 1989, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Both brothers attended the University of Cincinnati and went on to have successful NFL careers. Jason is married to Kylie McDevitt Kelce, and they have four daughters. The Kelce children reflect the values and upbringing provided by Donna and Ed, maintaining close family bonds.
Age, Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
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Donna Kelce: Born October 9, 1952, making her 72 in 2025. Known for her vibrant personality, rainbow-colored game day attire, and iconic smile, she is often seen cheering for both sons with a split Eagles/Chiefs jersey.
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Ed Kelce: Exact birth year unknown, likely in his early to mid-seventies. He is a strong, hardy figure shaped by years in the steel and industrial industry and is well-loved by family and spectators alike.
Life Before Fame
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Donna Kelce: Had a successful career in banking and commercial real estate finance, including working with Mastercard. Known for her intelligence and devotion, she was highly respected in her field.
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Ed Kelce: Initially aimed for a military career but could not continue due to medical reasons. He worked in steel mills and industrial jobs, ensuring his family’s financial stability.
Their dedication and work ethic laid the foundation for their sons’ athletic success.
Career
Donna Kelce
Donna’s career spanned over thirty years, primarily in banking and commercial real estate. Beyond her professional life, she gained recognition through media appearances, charity work, and volunteering. Her warmth and community contributions earned her the affectionate nickname “Mama Kelce.”
Ed Kelce
Ed embodies integrity, discipline, and quiet strength. Although his military career was cut short, he succeeded in industrial work and became a model of hard work. Today, he resides near Jason’s home, actively participating in his sons’ and grandchildren’s lives.
Social Media Presence
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Donna Kelce: Active on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), sharing family updates, charity work, and behind-the-scenes moments during football season.
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Ed Kelce: Keeps a low social media profile but appears in interviews and the documentary Kelce, earning admiration for his humility and grounded perspective.
Nationality and Religion
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Both Donna and Ed are U.S. nationals.
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Donna’s Croatian heritage contributes to the family’s multicultural identity.
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While their religious beliefs are private, their moral values reflect respect, humility, love, and dedication to family.
Legacy and Impact
Donna and Ed Kelce’s influence extends far beyond football. They were the first parents in NFL history to watch their two sons compete against each other in the Super Bowl, dubbed the “Kelce Bowl” in 2023. Beyond sports, they are examples of co-parenting, resilience after divorce, and family unity. Even after separating, they continue to attend games together, supporting both sons equally. The 2022 documentary Kelce highlights their family life, humor, and parenting values, providing a deeper look at the legacy they built.
Hobbies
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Donna Kelce: Acting, community engagement, charity work, and baking (famously known for “Mama Kelce Cookies”).
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Ed Kelce: Gardening, spending time outdoors, visiting farms, and enjoying moments with family.
Net Worth
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Donna Kelce: $1.55 million
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Ed Kelce: Higher, though exact figure is undisclosed
Favorite Things
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Donna Kelce: 1970s and 1980s music (Chaka Khan, Earth, Wind & Fire), traveling, cooking, and football.
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Ed Kelce: Enjoys nature, conversations, family time, and watching his sons play.
Interesting Facts
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Donna became independent after losing her mother at a young age and excelled in athletics despite her father’s objections.
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She became a viral sensation at the 2023 Super Bowl wearing a split Eagles/Chiefs jersey.
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Donna and Ed maintained friendship and cooperation after divorce for the sake of their children.
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Ed comforted the losing son and celebrated with the winner during the Kelce Bowl.
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Ed experienced personal loss in 2025 when his girlfriend Maureen Maguire passed away at age 74.
FAQs
Who are Donna and Ed Kelce?
Parents of NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce. Donna worked in banking, and Ed worked in the steel and industrial sector.
Did Donna and Ed stay together while raising their sons?
They were married for approximately 25 years before divorcing, ensuring their sons’ upbringing remained stable.
What does Donna Kelce do now?
She participates in media, community events, charity work, and has starred in Hallmark films.
Where does Ed Kelce live now?
Near Jason’s home, about a mile from the family residence.
What is the Kelce documentary about?
A 2022 documentary focusing on the family, parenting, and NFL careers of Jason and Travis Kelce.
Conclusion
The story of Donna and Ed Kelce is one of love, perseverance, and commitment. From an accidental romance to raising two NFL superstars, they built a legacy of hard work, discipline, and humility. Though divorced, their unity as parents continues to set an example for families worldwide, proving that love, respect, and dedication extend far beyond the football field.