Ed Kelce Mourns ‘Enormous Void’ After Partner’s Death at 74
Ed Kelce ‘Heartbroken’ After Loss of Partner Maureen Maguire
Ed Kelce, father of NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce, is reportedly mourning the death of his longtime partner, Maureen Maguire, who passed away at age 74 on Friday. Kelce shared Maguire’s obituary, which noted she was surrounded by loved ones during her final moments.
A source close to the family told PEOPLE that Ed is “feeling an enormous void,” adding, “Maureen wasn’t just his partner, she was his person. They were a team. They shared everything—games, concerts, travel, dogs, dinners with family.”
[Photo 1: Ed Kelce and Maureen Maguire at a 2023 Saturday Night Live taping in New York.]
Though Ed has not publicly commented, he shared photos memorializing their time together, including one with Taylor Swift, Travis’ girlfriend. The image shows the trio wearing Kansas City Chiefs gear, Swift holding a friendship bracelet and card.
Maguire and Swift had formed a playful bond. During a game last year, Maguire joked, “Hey, that’s my boyfriend!” when Swift took a selfie with Ed. Their connection highlighted Maguire’s late-in-life passion for football, fueled by Ed. Her obituary noted she embraced “football games, concerts, and adventures” with Kelce and their dog, Butch.
[Photo 2: Taylor Swift laughing with Ed Kelce and Maguire at a Chiefs game.]
Ed was married to Donna Kelce, the mother of Travis and Jason, for nearly 25 years before their divorce over a decade ago. Despite splitting, they maintained a close friendship focused on co-parenting. “We were a tag team,” Donna told The Los Angeles Times. “When one of [the boys] had to travel, the other parent stepped in. It worked perfectly.”
In a family documentary, Ed explained staying together longer for their sons: “Splitting would’ve been a logistical nightmare. We prioritized supporting the kids.”
[Photo 3: Ed Kelce with Travis and Jason during a podcast recording.]
Travis and Jason have not yet addressed Maguire’s passing publicly. Travis is currently in training camp with the Chiefs ahead of their 2025 season opener in Brazil.
The Kelce family’s fame surged after Travis began dating Swift in 2023. Her appearances at Chiefs games, often alongside Donna, drew global attention. Ed has since grown close to Swift, even joining her and Travis for casual outings.
[Photo 4: Ed “Papa” Kelce on his sons’ New Heights podcast.]
Maguire’s death leaves Ed navigating life without his steadfast companion. As tributes pour in, the Kelces remind the world that family—whether bound by blood, love, or friendship—endures even in grief.
—Additional reporting by PEOPLE and The Los Angeles Times.
