Key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | March 23, 1939 |
| Birth Place | Unspecified, USA |
| Education | University of Colorado, Boulder |
| Religion | Christian |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Notable Role | Second wife of Arnold Palmer |
| Marriage | 2005 – 2016 |
| Net Worth Status | Not publicly stated; significant inheritance implied |
Early Life
Kathleen Gawthrop was born in the US on March 23, 1939, although her birthplace is unknown. She was raised in a devoted Christian home during a transformative time in American history, where faith, resilience, and service shaped her character and life choices. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder with a degree in an unspecified field, marking her transition into adulthood.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | March 23, 1939, USA |
| Upbringing | Devout Christian household, post-Depression America |
| University | University of Colorado, Boulder |
| Field of Study | Not publicly specified |
Career
Without widespread recognition, Kathleen Gawthrop worked quietly and served the community before marrying Arnold Palmer. She conducted weddings and offered pastoral support at a California church, demonstrating her compassionate nature and strong faith. Her marriage to the golfing star, where she supported him during his final decade, made her famous.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Church Work | Conducted wedding ceremonies in California |
| Public Profile | Known primarily as Arnold Palmer’s second wife |
| Independent Career | No documented professional career outside church work |
| Support Role | Accompanied Palmer at public and private events |
Net Worth
Kathleen Gawthrop’s financial status is mostly based on her marriage to Arnold Palmer, who accumulated an estimated $1.4 billion wealth through various companies and sponsorships before his 2016 dying. Her net worth is unknown, but she was a beneficiary of her husband’s large wealth. Her financial security after Palmer’s death shows his entrepreneurial success’s lasting impact.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Personal Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Palmer’s Estate Value | Approximately $1.4 billion at time of his death |
| Beneficiary Status | Named inheritor of significant portion of estate |
| Financial Security | Substantial post-2016 inheritance |
Family
Her family life spans generations and connections, representing her motherhood, marriage, and stepmotherhood. By the time of her second marriage, Blair Gawthrop Miller, Al Gawthrop III, and Lynn Bouck were adults from her previous marriage to Al Gawthrop Jr. After marrying Arnold Palmer in a small Hawaiian ceremony in January 2005, she became stepmother to his daughters Peggy and Amy Palmer and step-grandmother to Sam Saunders.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| First Marriage | Al Gawthrop Jr. |
| Children | Blair Gawthrop Miller; Al Gawthrop III; Lynn Bouck |
| Second Marriage | Arnold Palmer (January 2005–September 2016) |
| Stepdaughters | Peggy Palmer; Amy Palmer |
| Step-grandson | Sam Saunders (professional golfer) |
FAQ
When was Kathleen Gawthrop born?
She was born in the US on March 23, 1939, but the place remains unknown.
Where did she attend college?
Her topic of study is unknown, although she graduated from CU Boulder.
What was her career before marrying Arnold Palmer?
She officiated weddings and assisted community members in personal rituals in a California church.
Is her individual net worth known?
Her own wealth is unknown, although she benefited from Arnold Palmer’s $1.4 billion fortune.
Who are Kathleen Gawthrop’s children?
Her first marriage produced Blair Gawthrop Miller, Al Gawthrop III, and Lynn Bouck.
How does she know Sam Saunders?
Her marriage to Arnold Palmer made her Sam Saunders’ step-grandmother.
