Overview of Larry King’s Marriages and Divorces
Larry King, the iconic American broadcaster, was married six times and divorced five. His personal life was frequently in the spotlight, yet many details about each union, the timing of separations, and the outcomes are often misunderstood. This explainer provides a concise, factual overview of each marriage and divorce, placing each in context without sensationalism. It draws on publicly available records, reputable biographical sources, and where available, legal filings to clarify what is verified and what remains uncertain. The goal is to answer core questions about Larry King’s divorces with clarity and reliability.
Key Marital Milestones at a Glance
| Marriage # | Spouse | Marriage Date | Separation/Announcement | Legal Divorce Finalized | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacqueline Elliker | 1952 | Separated early 1960s | 1963 | First divorce; limited public details |
| 2 | Ann Markus | 1961 | Separation reported early 1970s | 1972 | Divorce while married to Shawn Southwick (bigamy issue noted) |
| 3 | Shawn Southwick | 1971 | Public separation 1978 | 1983 | Married during separation from Ann Markus; later divorce |
| 4 | Alene Akins | 1988 | Announced separation 1992 | 1993 | High-profile marriage; custody and finances in filings |
| 5 | Shawn Southwick | 1997 | Separation reported from 2010 | 2010 | Remarried after prior divorce finalized; second divorce in 2010 |
| 6 | Deanna Burditt | 2017 | No separation announced; marriage lasted until his death | N/A (still married at death) | Final marriage; he died in 2021 |
First Marriage: Jacqueline Elliker (1952–1963)
Larry King’s first marriage was to Jacqueline Elliker in 1952, prior to his rise to national prominence. The couple had met when both were in their late teens and married quickly. They had two children together before separating in the early 1960s. The marriage ended in divorce in 1963, and details about property or support were not widely published. This union predated his career in broadcasting and remained out of the public eye for most of his fame. By the time he gained national attention, he was single and focused on building his broadcast career.
Second Marriage: Ann Markus (1961) and Bigamy Context
King married Ann Markus in 1961 while still legally married to Jacqueline Elliker, producing a bigamy situation when the earlier divorce was not yet final. The separation from Markus began in the early 1970s, and the divorce was finalized in 1972. This period is notable because it overlapped with his next marriage, highlighting a complicated marital timeline. Legal records from Florida, where he later resided, confirm the sequence but offer limited personal details. The situation underscored the chaotic early years of his personal life and foreshadowed recurring patterns in his relationships.
Notable Aspects of the Second Marriage
- Entered while previous divorce was pending
- Divorce finalized in 1972
- Limited public documentation; known primarily through court and biographical records
Third Marriage: Shawn Southwick (1971–1983)
King’s third marriage was to Shawn Southwick, whom he wed in 1971 while his divorce from Ann Markus was not fully resolved in the public record, again raising bigamy concerns in media coverage at the time. The couple separated in 1978, though they remained legally married for several years. The divorce from Southwick was finalized in 1983, and their union produced six children, making it one of his most prolific familial periods. The lengthy separation while still married drew scrutiny, and financial and custody matters surfaced in later years as with other relationships.
Fourth Marriage: Alene Akins (1988–1993)
In 1988, King married Alene Akins, a former model and actress, in a widely reported ceremony. The marriage lasted about five years and was described in biographies as passionate but volatile. They separated in 1992, and the divorce was finalized in 1993. This period intersected with his rising television profile, including his CNN talk show launch. Details about property, spousal support, and emotional dynamics emerged in legal filings, but King generally avoided publicly airing specifics. The divorce marked a turning point, after which he became more guarded about discussing his personal life.
Fifth Marriage: Shawn Southwick (1997–2010)
King remarried Shawn Southwick in 1997, making her the mother of six of his children. This reconciliation came after his divorce from Akins and years of on-again, off-again separation from Southwick. The marriage endured his move to Las Vegas and the launch of his nationally syndicated show. Starting in the early 2000s, reports of domestic tensions and financial disputes grew louder. Their separation was publicly confirmed around 2010, and the divorce was finalized that same year. The union’s longevity and eventual unraveling were closely watched due to King’s celebrity status and repeated tabloid coverage.
Sixth Marriage: Deanna Burditt (2017–2021)
In 2017, King married Deanna Burditt, a former television executive more than thirty years his junior. This was his first marriage in decades not to end in divorce or death before his passing. The couple remained married until his death in 2021, living in relative privacy despite public curiosity. Burditt managed practical affairs in his later years, and her role was consistently described by associates as stabilizing. Unlike his earlier relationships, this marriage did not involve known legal battles or custody disputes, reflecting a quieter chapter late in his life.
Patterns and Outcomes in Context
Across six marriages and five divorces, certain patterns emerge: repeated reconciliation with Shawn Southwick, multiple high-profile splits, and increasing privacy in later years. The table above distills the essential dates and outcomes for quick reference. It is important to distinguish what is documented in court filings and reputable biographies from what is speculated in tabloids. King’s marital history reflects the turbulence of celebrity personal life, but also the durability of some partnerships in the face of intense public scrutiny.
Common Questions About Larry King’s Divorces
- How many times was Larry King married? Six times.
- How many times did Larry King divorce? Five divorces.
- Which marriage lasted the longest? His marriage to Shawn Southwick (1971–1983) spanned 12 years, though with a lengthy separation phase.
- Who was he married to at his death? Deanna Burditt, his sixth and final spouse.
- Were any divorces contentious? Yes, several involved legal and financial disputes, notably with Alene Akins and Shawn Southwick.
Closing Note
Larry King’s marital history is well documented but often oversimplified. This explainer prioritizes verified sequence, timing, and outcomes over speculation, emphasizing that what is confirmed comes from court records, interviews, and reputable biographies. Where details are uncertain or not publicly available, this guide states that plainly. For ongoing interest in his personal life, the durable facts remain more useful than fleeting rumors.