Kayla Rae Reid, the Playboy model and realtor, is divorcing US Olympic swimming legend

Kayla Rae Reid, a former Playboy model turned real estate agent and wife of Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte, has officially filed for divorce after more than seven years of marriage. The couple, who met in 2016 and married in 2018, share three children: Caiden Zane, Liv Rae, and Georgia June.

Reid took to Instagram with a short but pointed message: “Time to exhale.” The caption and a serene photo came just days after her divorce news got traction. However, court records show that she filed the paperwork several months earlier, on March 26 in Gainesville, Florida.

In a formal statement, she described the decision as “one of the most painful and challenging times of my life,” adding that she chose a great deal of reflection.

Who is Kayla Rae Reid?

Born on July 5, 1991, in Fairfax, Virginia, Kayla Rae Reid moved to Palm Springs, California, aged 10. Her rise to fame began in 2015 when she was named Playboy’s Playmate of the Month for July.

Known for her confident screen presence, she built a strong following in the modeling world before shifting her focus to family life and new career ambitions.

Reid and Lochte met in 2016 via Instagram and quickly developed a high-profile romance.

Ryan surprised Kayla with a helicopter tour of L.A. and proposed at sunset over the Pacific Ocean, presenting her with a custom platinum ring featuring a radiant-cut diamond. The pair got engaged later that year and tied the knot in 2018.

Over the years, Reid maintained a relatively private profile while supporting Lochte during career highs and personal struggles.

New career and personal growth

Following her modeling career, Reid reinvented herself as a real estate professional. Based in Gainesville, Florida, she now works as a licensed realtor, balancing her career with motherhood. Her LinkedIn profile shows a steady transition into business, signaling her adaptability and drive.

She is also a popular social media figure, sharing glimpses of her life and occasional brand collaborations with her 300,000+ Instagram followers. Her recent posts suggest a renewed focus on wellness, self-reflection, and starting fresh.

Trouble behind the scenes?

While the exact reasons for the divorce remain private, reports indicate that the couple had been facing challenges for some time.

Lochte, one of the sport's most successful Olympians, has won 12 medals, including six gold, making him the second most decorated male swimmer in Olympic history after his teammate Michael Phelps.

In 2023, suffered a serious car accident that left him with a broken leg and lingering emotional effects. Though the couple had not made public any marital disputes, Reid’s filing cited irreconcilable differences.

Despite the separation, both Reid and Lochte have made a commitment to co-parenting their children and maintaining a respectful relationship going forward.