While the Kelce brothers, Travis and Jason, have become two of the most recognizable faces in American football, their father, Ed Kelce, is navigating a deeply personal loss—away from the limelight.
The father of the NFL stars is said to be heartbroken following the death of his longtime partner, Maureen Maguire.
Remembering Maureen Maguire
Maureen passed away on Friday at the age of 74.
According to her obituary, she died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
For Ed, the loss is especially painful—not just because she was his partner, but because she was his closest companion.
A source told PEOPLE that “Maureen wasn’t just his partner, she was his person… They shared everything—games, concerts, travel, dinners, dogs, you name it. Now, there’s a huge void.”
Ed Stays Quiet, But Memories Speak Volumes
Though Ed hasn’t spoken publicly about Maureen’s passing, he’s been quietly honoring her memory through photos on social media.
Among the pictures he shared was a sweet snapshot of himself, Maureen, and Taylor Swift—all sporting Kansas City Chiefs gear.
In the photo, Swift is holding a card and a friendship bracelet, likely a nod to her famously thoughtful fan gifts.
Another photo Ed posted shows him and Maureen during Travis’s Saturday Night Live hosting gig back in March 2023.
It’s clear they loved being part of the whirlwind life that comes with having two superstar sons.
When Maureen Met Taylor Swift
In a past interview with the Los Angeles Times, Ed fondly recalled how Maureen playfully teased Taylor Swift during a game.
After Swift took a selfie with Ed, Maureen turned to the pop star and quipped, “Hey, that’s my boyfriend!” It was one of many lighthearted moments that showed Maureen’s warmth and humor—even in the high-profile world the Kelces now live in.
Falling for Football Later in Life
According to her obituary, Maureen wasn’t always a football fan—but that changed once she met Ed.
Through him, she developed a genuine love for the game, and the two shared plenty of laughter, road trips, and tailgate memories together.
“She grew an unexpected love for football later in life,” the obituary reads.
“She and Ed traveled often, went to concerts and games, and soaked up every joyful moment together.”
A Love Story That Remained Private
It’s not clear exactly how or when Ed and Maureen met, but their bond was clearly strong.
Ed had previously been married to Donna Kelce, the mother of Travis and Jason.
The couple divorced after nearly 25 years of marriage—around the time their sons were in college.
Despite the split, Donna and Ed have remained on good terms.
“We’re still friends,” Donna once said.
“We were like a tag team with the boys. It was perfect—we always made it work.”
Co-Parenting in the Kelce Household
In the family’s 2023 documentary, Ed reflected on why he and Donna stayed together during their sons’ upbringing.
“If we had split earlier, it would have been a logistical nightmare,” he explained.
“We stayed together to make sure the boys had everything they needed. That was the priority.”
And it paid off—Travis and Jason Kelce have not only found incredible success in their careers but also gained a reputation for being grounded and family-oriented.
Travis and Jason Stay Silent, For Now
Neither Travis nor Jason has publicly commented on Maureen’s passing.
Travis is currently deep in training camp with the Kansas City Chiefs, preparing for the 2025 NFL season opener in Brazil on September 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
It’s likely they’re choosing to mourn privately—something completely understandable in a world that’s constantly watching their every move.
A Family That Keeps It Together
The Kelce family has weathered both fame and heartbreak in recent years.
Since Travis and Taylor Swift went public with their relationship in late 2023—after she was spotted cheering him on at a Chiefs game alongside Donna—the spotlight on the family has only intensified.
But beneath the celebrity status and Super Bowl rings, the Kelces remain a family dealing with very human moments—like love, loss, and grief.
Honoring Maureen, Quietly and Tenderly
For Ed Kelce, Maureen Maguire wasn’t just a partner—she was part of the rhythm of his life.
Her death may not be making headlines the way his sons’ football careers do, but for those close to the family, her absence is deeply felt.
In the photos, the smiles remain. And maybe that’s Ed’s way of showing us what mattered most—those quiet, meaningful moments with someone he loved deeply.