Kim Sexton | Biography of Don Mattingly’s Ex-Wife

Kim Sexton is best known as the first wife of Don Mattingly. Don Mattingly is a former baseball star and manager. Their relationship started in the early 1970s. Kim lived a private life away from the spotlight. She faced many personal challenges throughout her life. Kim’s story is one of love, struggle, and family. This article explores her life journey in detail.

Marriage with Don Mattingly

Kim Sexton met Don Mattingly during their teenage years. They fell in love in their hometown of Evansville, Indiana. The couple dated for several years before marriage. Their bond grew stronger as Don pursued his baseball dreams.

Kim and Don married in 1979. She was just 19 years old at the time. Don was beginning his professional baseball career. Kim supported him through minor league baseball struggles. Those early years were financially challenging for the couple.

The marriage lasted for nearly five years. They separated in 1983 and divorced in 1984. Their relationship ended as Don’s career took off. The split happened during Don’s rise to fame. Kim chose to stay out of the public eye after divorce.

Role as a Mother

Kim Sexton became a mother during her marriage. She gave birth to their son, Preston Mattingly. Preston was born in 1981. Kim dedicated herself to raising their child.

After the divorce, Kim faced single motherhood challenges. She worked hard to provide for Preston. Kim maintained a low profile while raising her son. She prioritized Preston’s wellbeing above everything else.

Preston grew up with both parents in his life. Kim ensured he had a relationship with his father. She never spoke negatively about Don publicly. Kim focused on creating a stable home environment. Her dedication shaped Preston into a responsible adult.

Personal Battles

Kim Sexton struggled with personal demons for years. She faced substance abuse problems after her divorce. The challenges of single parenthood were overwhelming at times. Kim’s struggles affected her relationship with her son.

Her addiction issues created distance in the family. Kim went through difficult periods of isolation. She battled depression alongside substance abuse. These struggles lasted for many years. Kim’s health deteriorated during this time.

The personal battles took a toll on everyone. Preston watched his mother struggle from a distance. Kim’s problems were kept private from the media. She fought these demons largely alone. The road to recovery seemed impossible at times.

Healing and Reconciliation with Family

Kim eventually sought help for her problems. She entered rehabilitation programs to overcome addiction. The journey to sobriety was long and difficult. Kim worked hard to rebuild her life.

She focused on repairing her relationship with Preston. Kim reached out to reconnect with her son. Preston welcomed his mother back into his life. The reconciliation process took time and patience. Both mother and son worked on healing old wounds.

Kim found peace in her later years. She focused on being present for her family. The reconciliation brought joy to everyone involved. Kim became a grandmother and embraced the role. Her transformation inspired those around her.

Don Mattingly also supported the healing process. He encouraged Preston to maintain ties with Kim. The family found a way to move forward together. Kim’s recovery showed strength and determination. She proved that change is always possible.

Kim Sexton’s Early Life and Background

Kim grew up in Evansville, Indiana. She came from a middle-class American family. Her childhood was relatively normal and stable. Kim attended local schools in Evansville. She was known as a friendly and kind person.

Kim met Don Mattingly in high school. They were young sweethearts in their hometown. Their relationship blossomed during their teenage years. Kim supported Don’s baseball ambitions from the start. She believed in his potential even then.

Her early life was typical of Midwest America. Kim dreamed of a traditional family life. She wanted marriage and children with Don. Their young love seemed perfect at the time. Kim had no idea what challenges awaited her.

Life After Divorce from Don Mattingly

The divorce marked a turning point for Kim. She suddenly had to navigate life alone. Kim faced financial difficulties as a single mother. The transition from married life was shocking. She struggled to adjust to her new reality.

Kim worked various jobs to support herself. She tried to maintain stability for Preston. The pressure of single parenthood was immense. Kim felt overwhelmed by her responsibilities. She had little support during this time.

Her life took a darker turn gradually. Kim began using substances to cope with stress. The addiction started as a way to escape reality. She felt isolated from her former life. Kim’s mental health declined as years passed.

The media never covered her struggles extensively. Kim remained a private figure throughout her troubles. She avoided public appearances completely. Kim’s story was known only to close family. This privacy protected her but also isolated her.

Don Mattingly’s Career Impact on Marriage

Don Mattingly’s baseball career soared in the 1980s. He became a star player for the Yankees. His fame brought pressure to their young marriage. Kim struggled with the baseball wife lifestyle. The constant travel and attention were overwhelming.

Don spent long periods away from home. Kim raised Preston mostly alone during baseball season. The separation strained their relationship significantly. She felt neglected and isolated. Kim couldn’t cope with the celebrity lifestyle.

The couple grew apart as Don’s fame increased. Their priorities became different over time. Kim wanted a normal family life. Don was focused on his career advancement. The marriage couldn’t survive these differences.

After divorce, Don remarried in 1988. His second wife Kim Mattingly (different Kim) became stepmother to Preston. The first Kim watched from a distance. She saw Don build a new family. This reality was painful for Kim Sexton.

Preston Mattingly: The Son’s Perspective

Preston Mattingly was caught between two parents. He loved both his mother and father deeply. The divorce affected him significantly as a child. Preston spent time with both parents growing up.

He witnessed his mother’s struggles firsthand. Preston felt helpless watching Kim’s decline. The teenage years were particularly difficult for him. He wanted to help but didn’t know how. Preston maintained his relationship with Don throughout.

As an adult, Preston found compassion for his mother. He understood addiction is a disease. Preston never gave up on Kim completely. He hoped she would find recovery someday. His patience and love eventually paid off.

Preston followed his father into baseball initially. He worked in baseball operations and coaching. Preston built his own successful career. He created a family of his own over time. Preston’s success happened despite childhood challenges.

Kim Sexton’s Privacy and Media Presence

Kim Sexton avoided the media throughout her life. She never gave interviews about her marriage. Kim refused to discuss Don Mattingly publicly. Her privacy was fiercely protected. She had no social media presence.

This privacy was both a blessing and a curse. Kim avoided public scrutiny during her struggles. Nobody exploited her addiction problems for headlines. She maintained dignity despite her challenges. The privacy allowed her to heal quietly.

However, isolation also meant less support. Kim had no platform to share her story. She couldn’t connect with others facing similar struggles. The silence around her problems felt heavy. Kim dealt with everything privately and alone.

Very few photos of Kim exist online. Her life remained largely undocumented publicly. Kim’s story is known mainly through family accounts. She always preferred anonymity over attention. This choice defined her entire life.

Kim Sexton vs. Kim Mattingly

Aspect	Kim Sexton (First Wife)	Kim Mattingly (Second Wife)
Marriage Period	1979-1984	1988-Present
Children Together	1 son (Preston)	3 sons
Public Profile	Very private, avoided media	More public, supportive baseball wife
Career Stage	Don’s early career/minor leagues	Don’s peak Yankees years
Post-Divorce Life	Struggled with personal issues	Still married, stable family

This table shows the contrast between Don’s two marriages. Kim Sexton’s experience was vastly different. She knew Don before fame changed everything. Kim Mattingly enjoyed Don’s success and stability. The timing made all the difference.

Impact of Baseball Life on Families

Baseball marriages face unique challenges constantly. Players travel extensively during long seasons. Wives often become single parents for months. The pressure and spotlight are intense. Many baseball marriages end in divorce.

Kim Sexton wasn’t prepared for this lifestyle. She married Don before he reached majors. The sudden change was too much. Kim expected a normal married life. Baseball took Don away from home constantly.

The baseball wife role requires sacrifice. Partners must accept the player’s schedule. They raise children largely alone. Social events and media attention are mandatory. Not everyone can handle this pressure.

Kim’s story isn’t unique in baseball. Many early relationships fail under pressure. The sport demands everything from players. Families often pay the price. Kim became a casualty of baseball life.

Addiction and Recovery Journey

Kim’s addiction began as casual use. She used substances to cope with stress. The divorce and single parenting overwhelmed her. Kim sought escape from her painful reality. What started small became uncontrollable.

Her addiction progressed over many years. Kim gradually lost connections with family gradually. She isolated herself from everyone. The substance abuse controlled her life completely. Kim’s health suffered tremendously.

Rock bottom came after years of struggle. Kim finally admitted she needed help. She entered treatment programs for recovery. The rehabilitation process was extremely difficult. Kim had to face her demons directly.

Recovery required complete lifestyle changes. Kim had to rebuild everything from scratch. She learned coping mechanisms for stress. Kim discovered her inner strength during treatment. The process taught her self-forgiveness and acceptance.

Sobriety brought clarity and peace. Kim could finally think clearly again. She realized what she’d lost. Kim wanted to reconnect with Preston. Recovery gave her hope for the future.

Mother-Son Relationship Restoration

Preston never stopped loving his mother. He kept the door open for reconciliation. Preston understood Kim’s struggles were real. He educated himself about addiction. Preston waited patiently for Kim’s recovery.

Kim reached out when she got sober. The first contact was terrifying for her. She feared rejection from her son. Preston responded with love and support. He welcomed his mother back immediately.

Rebuilding trust took considerable time. They started with phone calls initially. Kim and Preston gradually spent time together. They talked about the past honestly. Both shared their pain and feelings.

Kim apologized for her absence. Preston forgave his mother completely. They created new memories together. The relationship became stronger than before. Kim attended family events again.

Preston’s children got to know their grandmother. Kim embraced being a grandmother fully. She made up for lost time. The family healing was beautiful. Kim found purpose in these relationships.

Life Lessons from Kim Sexton’s Story

Kim’s story teaches important lessons. First, addiction can affect anyone. It doesn’t discriminate by background. Even people with loving families struggle. Compassion is essential for those suffering.

Second, recovery is always possible. Kim proved change can happen. It’s never too late to heal. Seeking help requires tremendous courage. Support from loved ones makes a difference.

Third, forgiveness heals everyone involved. Preston’s forgiveness freed them both. Holding grudges only creates more pain. Families can reconnect after years apart. Love can overcome past hurts.

Fourth, privacy isn’t always beneficial. Kim’s isolation made recovery harder. Community support aids healing significantly. Sharing struggles helps others too. Connection prevents dangerous isolation.

Finally, everyone deserves second chances. Kim’s transformation inspired her family. People can change with effort. Past mistakes don’t define futures. Hope exists even in darkness.

Don Mattingly’s Role in Kim’s Recovery

Don Mattingly supported Kim’s recovery indirectly. He encouraged Preston to reconnect with her. Don never spoke negatively about Kim publicly. He maintained respect for his first wife. Don understood addiction is a disease.

Don didn’t interfere with Preston’s relationship decisions. He let his son make choices. Don provided emotional support to Preston. He helped Preston understand his mother’s struggles. Don’s maturity helped the healing process.

Don’s second marriage remained stable throughout. He built a strong family foundation. Don never forgot his first wife completely. He showed compassion toward Kim’s situation. Don’s character showed in his actions.

The baseball legend kept Kim’s struggles private. He never exploited her problems publicly. Don protected Preston from media attention. He maintained dignity for everyone involved. Don’s handling of the situation showed class.

Kim Sexton’s Legacy and Current Life

Kim Sexton’s legacy is one of redemption. She overcame incredible personal obstacles. Kim proved recovery is possible. Her story inspires others battling addiction. Kim’s transformation gives hope to families.

Current details about Kim remain private. She continues living quietly away from spotlight. Kim focuses on family and grandchildren. She maintains her sobriety daily. Kim has found peace in simplicity.

Her relationship with Preston remains strong. They see each other regularly now. Kim participates in family celebrations. She’s present for important moments. Kim treasures every moment with family.

Kim’s health has improved significantly. Sobriety brought physical healing too. She takes care of herself better. Kim exercises and eats healthily. She values her second chance.

Kim never sought publicity or attention. She lives authentically and quietly. Kim’s story emerges through family accounts. She prefers private life. This consistency shows her true character.

The Importance of Mental Health Support

Kim’s story highlights mental health importance. Depression and addiction often connect deeply. Mental health support saves lives. Early intervention prevents severe problems. Society must reduce stigma around treatment.

Kim suffered alone for too long. She needed professional help earlier. Access to treatment is crucial. Affordable mental health care matters. Support systems prevent tragic outcomes.

Families need education about mental health. Understanding helps everyone involved. Judgment only makes problems worse. Compassion and support facilitate healing. Communities must support struggling members.

Kim’s recovery shows treatment works. Professional help makes a real difference. Therapy and rehabilitation save lives. Investment in mental health helps society. Kim’s story proves this fact.

Women in Baseball Families

Baseball wives live unique lives. They sacrifice personal dreams often. The baseball schedule controls everything. Wives raise children mostly alone. They handle household responsibilities independently.

Kim Sexton struggled with this role. She wasn’t prepared for demands. The lifestyle didn’t suit her personality. Kim needed more stability and routine. Baseball life offered neither.

Many baseball wives thrive in this role. They enjoy the perks and lifestyle. Some women adapt better than others. Personality and support matter tremendously. Kim didn’t have necessary support systems.

Modern baseball wives have more resources. Teams provide family support programs now. Counseling services are available. Community connections help families. Changes came too late for Kim.

Kim’s experience wasn’t universally negative. She met wonderful people through baseball. Some friendships lasted beyond divorce. The baseball community can be supportive. Kim’s personal struggles overwhelmed potential benefits.

Financial Aspects of Divorce

Kim’s divorce happened before Don’s peak earnings. He was still building his career. The financial settlement was modest. Kim didn’t receive millions of dollars. She worked to support herself mostly.

Child support helped with Preston’s expenses. Don fulfilled his financial obligations. Kim managed on limited resources. She worked multiple jobs at times. Financial stress contributed to her struggles.

Don became wealthy after their divorce. He signed lucrative contracts later. Kim didn’t benefit from later success. She watched from a distance as Don prospered. This reality was difficult to accept.

Financial security affects recovery significantly. Kim’s money struggles added stress. Poverty and addiction often interconnect. Better resources might have helped earlier. Financial stability aids the healing process.

Timeline of Kim Sexton’s Life

Year	Event
1960s	Born in Evansville, Indiana
1970s	Met and dated Don Mattingly in high school
1979	Married Don Mattingly at age 19
1981	Gave birth to son Preston Mattingly
1983	Separated from Don Mattingly
1984	Divorce finalized from Don Mattingly
1980s-2000s	Struggled with personal issues and addiction
2000s-2010s	Sought treatment and achieved recovery
2010s-Present	Reconciled with son Preston and family

This timeline shows Kim’s life journey clearly. Her story spans several decades. Each phase brought different challenges. Kim’s recovery marks her greatest achievement. The timeline shows resilience and hope.

Comparing First and Second Marriages

Don’s first marriage was youthful and naive. He and Kim married very young. They lacked life experience and maturity. The marriage couldn’t withstand pressure. Both were unprepared for challenges.

Don’s second marriage benefited from experience. He married later with more maturity. Don understood relationship requirements better. He chose a partner suited for lifestyle. The second marriage has lasted decades.

Kim Sexton wasn’t wrong for Don fundamentally. Timing and circumstances defeated them. They married too young for their lifestyle. Kim couldn’t adapt to the baseball world. Different timing might have changed everything.

Don’s growth between marriages is evident. He learned from first marriage failures. Don became a better partner the second time. Experience taught him valuable lessons. Maturity made all the difference.

Kim also grew tremendously through struggles. She learned about herself deeply. Kim discovered inner strength through recovery. Her personal growth was remarkable. Both former spouses evolved significantly.

Community Support in Recovery

Recovery requires strong support systems. Kim eventually found a supportive community. Treatment programs provided crucial connections. Other recovering addicts understood her struggles. Community support made recovery possible.

Isolation nearly destroyed Kim completely. Humans need connection to thrive. Support groups offer accountability and encouragement. Kim found people who believed in her. This support sustained her recovery.

Family support proved equally important. Preston’s love motivated Kim’s recovery. She wanted a relationship with her son. Family connections provide recovery purpose. Kim had reasons to stay sober.

Professional treatment offered structure and tools. Kim learned coping mechanisms for stress. Therapists helped her understand addiction. Medical support addressed physical health. Comprehensive treatment addressed all needs.

Ongoing support maintains sobriety long-term. Kim continues attending support meetings. She maintains connections with the recovery community. Lifelong commitment keeps her healthy. Support never ends in recovery.

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Preston’s Own Family and Career

Preston Mattingly built a successful life. He worked in baseball like father. Preston coached and managed teams. He understood the game deeply. Baseball runs in family blood.

Preston married and started own family. He has children who love him. Preston learned parenting from both parents. He takes his role seriously. Preston breaks negative cycles intentionally.

His career achievements stand independently. Preston isn’t just “Don’s son.” He earned respect through hard work. Preston made own name in baseball. His success is self-made.

Preston maintains a relationship with both parents. He includes Kim in family life. Preston’s children know their grandmother. He facilitates family connections actively. Preston’s forgiveness healed everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who is Kim Sexton?

Kim Sexton is Don Mattingly’s first wife. They married in 1979 and divorced in 1984. She is Preston Mattingly’s mother.

Why did Kim Sexton and Don Mattingly divorce?

They divorced due to the pressures of Don’s rising baseball career. Kim struggled to adapt to the baseball lifestyle. The marriage ended as Don’s fame grew.

What happened to Kim Sexton after divorce?

Kim faced personal struggles including substance abuse. She battled addiction for many years. Eventually she sought treatment and achieved recovery.

Did Kim Sexton reconcile with her son?

Yes, Kim reconciled with Preston after getting sober. They rebuilt their relationship over time. They now maintain a close relationship.

Where is Kim Sexton now?

Kim lives privately away from public attention. She focuses on family and maintaining sobriety. She enjoys being a grandmother to Preston’s children.

Conclusion

Kim Sexton’s life story is complex and deeply human. She experienced young love, difficult divorce, and personal struggles. Kim battled addiction for many years alone. Her journey shows that recovery is always possible. Kim’s reconciliation with her son Preston is inspiring.

Her story reminds us that everyone faces battles. Compassion and forgiveness heal deep wounds. Kim’s privacy should always be respected. She chose a quiet life away from fame. Kim’s greatest achievement is her recovery and restored family relationships.

Don Mattingly’s first wife deserves recognition for her strength. Kim overcame tremendous obstacles with determination. Her transformation gives hope to others struggling. Kim Sexton’s legacy is one of redemption, love, and second chances. She proves that it’s never too late to change your life.