Ryan Lochte Defends Getting Engaged Before Finalizing Divorce: 'My Mistake for Thinking the Hard Part Was Over'
Ryan Lochte Defends Getting Engaged Before Finalizing Divorce: 'My Mistake for Thinking the Hard Part Was Over'
Bailey RichardsTue, June 23, 2026 at 9:12 PM UTC
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Ryan Lochte and fiancee Molly GillihanCredit: Ryan Lochte/Instagram -
Ryan Lochte responded to criticism after announcing his engagement before finalizing his divorce from ex Kayla Reid
Lochte confirmed his engagement to fiancée Molly Gillihan on June 19 and addressed backlash to the news on June 22
Reid filed for divorce from Lochte in March 2025; he made his relationship with Gillihan Instagram official in July 2025
Ryan Lochte is responding to those criticizing his choice to propose to girlfriend Molly Gillihan before his divorce is finalized.
The former Olympic swimmer confirmed his engagement to Gillihan to PEOPLE on Friday, June 19, and in the days since Lochte was hit with backlash for popping the question and calling himself "divorced" before finalizing his split from estranged wife Kayla Reid.
In a statement shared on his Instagram Stories on Monday, June 22, Lochte wrote, "Correction: Apparently I'm not allowed to say I'm divorced until every signature is in place. So, while we've reached an agreement, the judge hasn't officially signed off yet."
"My mistake for thinking the hard part was over," he continued.
Ryan Lochte and Molly GillihanCredit: Ryan Lochte/Instagram
Reid — with whom Lochte shares son Caiden, 9, daughter Liv, 7, and daughter Georgia, 3 — filed for divorce from the Olympian in March 2025 after seven years of marriage and, according to records and sources, their split has continued to drag through the court system over various disputes.
Lochte and Gillihan made their relationship Instagram official in July 2025. In his statement, the former Olympic swimmer said that the response to his engagement has led the couple to a realization about their "new reality."
"Molly and I are realizing this may just be the beginning of a very tough and exhausting road," Lochte wrote.
He shared the statement along with the song "Trust In God" by Elevation Worship.
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Ryan Lochte's June 22 statement responding to critics of his engagementCredit: Ryan Lochte/Instagram
Lochte and Gillihan announced their engagement on Sunday, June 21 in a joint Instagram post that included a video of the moment Lochte got down on one knee. Alongside the post, Gillihan — who also has three kids and was previously married — shared a lengthy message about the couple's journey to their engagement.
"Since the world knows- yes, I am going to marry @ryanlochte," she wrote alongside the announcement, in part. "The truth is, words could never fully express how deeply, disgustingly obsessed and in love with this man I am. Never in my life have I met someone quite like him. And now that I know him, love him, and get to share my life with him, I can't imagine a future without him in it."
She went on to say that she "always said I would never get married again," but Lochte "gently, patiently, and faithfully changed that."
"I am so incredibly grateful that through all the twists and turns of life, we found our way to each other," she concluded the caption. "And now, I get to spend forever with you. 🤍✨💍."
Ryan Lochte and fiancee Molly GillihanCredit: Ryan Lochte/Instagram
The newly engaged couple first met at their kids' school in Gainesville, Fla. and moved in together in January, he previously told PEOPLE.
"It's so crazy this is happening so fast, our connection, but we can't hide it," he said while first confirming their romance in July 2025. "Everything happens for a reason," Lochte said at the time, "and it was God's way of saying enough is enough between both of you, between me and Kayla, of just being miserable and not happy and not living our best life. So we got separated and now I'm living my best life."
While sharing the update that the pair had moved in together six months later, he told PEOPLE, "She's my best friend, our kids have formed an incredible bond, and it became clear that being together under one roof was the right next step for all of us."
"We needed a bigger home to support our blended family," Lochte continued, "and we're focused on creating a loving, stable environment for all of our children."
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
