Is Mary Carillo Married? Inside Olympics Opening Ceremony Host’s Relationship History
Mary Carillo is stepping in to replace Savannah Guthrie as host of the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony on Friday, February 6. As the search continues for Guthrie’s missing mother, Carillo will be taking over the Opening Ceremony hosting duties alongside Terry Gannon.
Carillo, who has been covering the Olympics for years, was already booked as a correspondent for the 2026 Games, but this role will put her in the spotlight during the kickoff event.
With all eyes on Carillo, who came out as gay in 2014, we’ve rounded up everything we know about the broadcaster and former tennis star’s relationship history.
Is Mary Carillo married?
No, Carillo is not currently married, although she is private about her personal life these days. The former professional athlete was previously married to Bill Bowden from 1983 to 1998. Their marriage lasted for 15 years before they got divorced.
“We’re not still married, but things worked out for the both of us,” Carillo wrote in an essay for Racquet.com. “He’s still a gem, this guy.”
Who is Mary Carillo’s ex-husband?
Bowden is a former tennis instructor. In her essay for Racquet.com, Carillo admitted, “I know why I married my husband. I know the moment I know.” She said she realized it while they were both teaching at the Harry Hopman International Tennis Academy in Florida.
Carillo described Bowden as “one of the best of us,” and reflected on how much she admired his ability to “truly teach, not just coach.” As she recalled, “While every one of Bill’s students got better, I confess that pretty much of the time, mine just got tired. So I was full of admiration and respect for this handsome guy, and I was starting to have serious feelings for him, too.”
Does Mary Carillo have kids?
Yes, Carillo and Bowden welcomed two children together during their 15-year marriage. Their son, Anthony, was born in 1987, followed by daughter Rachel in 1991.
Of Bowden, Carillo gushed, “What a father he is.”
Both Anthony and Rachel were involved in athletics, although they didn’t follow in their parents’ tennis footsteps. Anthony played basketball, while Rachel was involved in volleyball and track.
Rachel graduated from Elon University with a degree in business management. She married Kavi Shelar in 2017 and lived in Atlanta before moving to Ohio with him amid their engagement. Per her LinkedIn, her latest job was as a middle school advisor until 2019.
Did Mary Carillo and John McEnroe date?
No, Carillo and John McEnroe were never romantically involved. The two grew up together in Queens, New York, and played tennis as children. In 1977, they won the mixed-doubles title at the French Open.
In the years since, Carillo and McEnroe have maintained their close friendship. In fact, he was the one who surprised her with the news that she was getting nominated into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2026.
2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, Friday, February 6, 2/1c, NBC and Peacock
