Who Is Stephen Ross’ Ex-Wife Kara Gaffney? Meet Jewelry Designer and Dolphins Owner’s Former Spouse

Stephen Ross’ previous marriage did not work out. But, the Miami Dolphins owner has great regard for his ex-wife, Kara Gaffney. Earlier, after his spit-up from Kara, he disclosed his feelings for her. “We have deep love and respect for each other. We will continue to be a part of each other’s lives and support what is best for the health and happiness of our family,” real estate magnate, Ross remarked.

Just like her ex-hubby, Ross who made his name in the real estate and sports world, Kara is also a businesswoman.  She had been supporting him throughout their marriage years.

Who is Kara Gaffney?

US real estate developer Stephen Ross’ ex-spouse, Kara Gaffney, is the owner of a luxury jewelry company, Kara Ross, in New York. Born in 1969, she is the daughter of Barbara and Edmund Gaffney. Before becoming a certified gemologist, she attended the Agnes Irwin School for her early education and received a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in art history. After her academic career, she chose to pursue her passion for fashion design and the jewelry industry.

Back in 2003, she founded Kara Ross. Additionally, she launched another luxury jewelry store, Diamonds Unleashed By Kara Ross, in 2015. According to her company’s profile, she partnered with the Obama White House on multiple orders. Allegedly, she has been designing jewelry since her teenage years and has earned multiple accolades for her stylish creations. Some of her major honors include the Women’s Jewelry Association Excellence in Design Award and the GEM Award for Design from the Jewelry Information Center.

Before launching her jewelry company, she was involved in the fashion industry. Gaffney worked with the American monthly women’s fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar. She also excelled in her clothing line, working with Ann Taylor and CNN.

Moreover, Stephen Ross’ second wife has served as a member of the Georgetown University Council Board of Directors and the Fashion Designers of America. Additionally, the Pennsylvania native was part of the Photography Committee of the Museum of Modern Art.

Beyond her passion for the jewelry industry, Kara is also involved in philanthropy, much like Ross. She primarily works to support women entrepreneurs and girls’ education. Gaffney runs a non-profit organization, “Unleashed World,” which aims to promote female leaders.  “We celebrate & support female artisans & entrepreneurs through authentic storytelling,” her philanthropic company homepage mentioned.

Beyond her professional career, she is also known for her relationship with the man behind New York’s Hudson Yards and Miami Dolphins owner, Stephen Ross. They supported each other as husband and wife for 18 years.

Stephen Ross and Gaffney’s relationship timeline

The Chairperson of Related Companies, Stephen Ross, and Kara shared a healthy relationship for years. Allegedly, the love between the former fan-favorite couple blossomed through a blind date. In 2003, Dolphins owner Ross and Gaffney exchanged vows.

During their marriage, they embraced parenthood together. Interestingly, each of them had two children from previous marriages. Kara was already a mother to her daughters Avery and Drew from her ex-husband Jonathan McCann. On the other hand, Ross has two children, Kimberly and Jennifer, from his first marriage.

However, after 18 years of marriage, the couple parted ways. Following their separation, they made headlines for their high-stakes divorce worth $8 billion in 2021. Even though the real cause of their divorce remains unclear, the former couple continues to support their children.