Carol J. Woliung is a name many people know because of her connection to baseball legend Pete Rose. However, her story goes far beyond being the ex-wife of a famous sports star. From her days as a cheerleader to her quiet life today, Carol’s journey shows strength, dignity, and the ability to stay true to herself even when life gets difficult.
Detailed Bio Table
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carol J. Woliung |
| Date of Birth | 1954 (exact date unknown) |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Known For | Ex-wife of Pete Rose, Former NFL Cheerleader |
| Profession | Former Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader |
| Marriage to Pete Rose | 1984 – 2011 (27 years) |
| Children | Tyler Rose (born 1984), Cara Rose/Chea Courtney (born 1989) |
| Current Residence | California, United States |
| Current Status | Living a private life |
Early Life and Career as a Cheerleader
Carol J. Woliung was born in 1954 and grew up in the United States. Not much is known about her childhood because she has always kept her personal life private. What we do know is that she had a strong love for sports and performance from a young age.
In her early adult years, Carol became a cheerleader for the Philadelphia Eagles, a famous American football team. This job brought her into the exciting world of professional sports. Being a cheerleader meant performing in front of huge crowds and being part of the energy and excitement of NFL games. The role required hard work, dedication, and teamwork – qualities that would help her throughout her life.
Carol’s time as a cheerleader gave her some public attention, but she never wanted to be famous for herself. Instead, she enjoyed supporting her team and being part of something bigger. It was during this time in the sports world that she would eventually meet Pete Rose, the man who would become her husband.
Marriage to Baseball Legend Pete Rose
In 1984, Carol J. Woliung married Pete Rose, one of baseball’s most famous players. Pete, nicknamed “Charlie Hustle“, was known for his incredible career with the Cincinnati Reds. He holds the record for the most hits in Major League Baseball history with 4,256 hits. Carol became Pete’s second wife after his first marriage to Karolyn Englehardt ended in 1980.
Their wedding was a happy celebration with family and friends. That same year, the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Tyler Rose. Five years later, in 1989, their daughter Cara Rose was born. Cara would later become an actress, using the professional name Chea Courtney, and appeared in popular TV shows like “Passions” and “Melrose Place.”
Throughout their 27-year marriage, Carol also became a stepmother to Pete’s children from his first marriage: Pete Rose Jr., Fawn Rose, and Morgan Erin Rubio. Carol worked hard to create a stable and loving family environment for all the children, even when life became difficult.
Related: The Quiet Strength of Karolyn Englehardt: Life of a Pete Rose’s First Wife
Life in the Public Eye
Being married to Pete Rose meant that Carol’s life was often in the spotlight. Pete was not just famous for his baseball achievements – he was also surrounded by controversy. In 1989, Pete was banned from baseball for life because he had bet money on games, including games involving his own team. This was a serious violation of baseball rules.
The scandal brought a lot of media attention and put enormous pressure on the Rose family. Despite all the challenges, Carol stood by her husband and tried to protect her children from the harsh attention of the media. She showed incredible strength during these difficult times, supporting her family while dealing with public criticism.
Living with a famous and controversial person was not easy. Pete’s gambling habits, legal problems, and constant pursuit of staying relevant in the sports world put a lot of stress on their relationship. Carol quietly handled these challenges with grace and dignity, focusing on keeping her family together.
The Divorce and Moving Forward
After nearly three decades of marriage, Carol filed for divorce from Pete Rose in March 2011. She mentioned “irreconcilable differences,” which means they had problems they couldn’t fix. The divorce process took a long time to complete.
Interestingly, when Pete Rose passed away on September 30, 2024, at age 83, the divorce had still not been legally finalized. This unusual situation meant that Carol was technically still considered his widow at the time of his death, even though they had been separated for many years.
Life After Divorce
After separating from Pete, Carol made a clear choice: she wanted privacy and peace. She moved to California, where she lives a quiet life away from the public eye. Unlike many people connected to celebrities, Carol did not try to make money from her famous ex-husband’s name. She did not give interviews to newspapers or TV shows, write a tell-all book, or appear on reality shows.
Instead, Carol chose to focus on her own well-being and her children. She values her privacy and has successfully stayed out of the media spotlight. Very little is known about what she does today, and that seems to be exactly how she wants it.
Her Children’s Lives
Carol raised two successful children who have made their own paths in life:
Tyler Rose was born in 1984 and has largely stayed away from public attention. He lives a private life, much like his mother.
Cara Rose, born in 1989, chose a different path. She became an actress and now goes by the professional name Chea Courtney. She has appeared in several television shows and has built her own career in the entertainment industry. The values Carol taught her – including hard work, strength, and staying true to yourself – have helped Cara succeed in Hollywood.
Carol’s Legacy and Strength
Carol J. Woliung’s story is one of quiet strength and personal courage. She represents many women who support famous partners while sacrificing their own public identity. Throughout every chapter of her life – as a cheerleader, wife, mother, and independent woman – Carol kept her sense of self and never let others define who she was.
Her ability to handle public life’s challenges while keeping her integrity makes her worthy of respect. In a world that often celebrates fame and attention, Carol chose something different: peace over publicity, substance over spectacle, and dignity over drama.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Carol J. Woliung?
Carol J. Woliung is the ex-wife of baseball legend Pete Rose. Before her marriage, she worked as a cheerleader for the Philadelphia Eagles. She is known for her strength and privacy throughout her life.
2. How long were Carol and Pete Rose married?
Carol and Pete Rose were married for 27 years, from 1984 until they separated in 2011. The divorce was not legally finalized before Pete’s death in 2024.
3. Does Carol J. Woliung have children?
Yes, Carol has two children with Pete Rose: Tyler Rose (born 1984) and Cara Rose, who became an actress using the name Chea Courtney (born 1989). She was also stepmother to Pete’s children from his first marriage.
4. What is Carol J. Woliung doing now?
Carol lives a private life in California. She has chosen to stay away from the media and public attention, focusing on her personal peace and family.
5. Why did Carol and Pete Rose divorce?
Carol filed for divorce in March 2011, stating “irreconcilable differences.” The pressures of Pete’s gambling problems, legal issues, and public controversies put stress on their marriage over many years.
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