When you think of Donnie Wahlberg, you probably picture him as the tough Detective Danny Reagan on Blue Bloods or as the bad-boy heartthrob from New Kids on the Block. But before his high-profile marriage to Jenny McCarthy, Donnie shared nearly a decade of his life with his first wife, Kimberly Fey. While she may have stepped out of the spotlight, her story is one of quiet strength, career reinvention, and dedicated motherhood. Let’s take a closer look at who Kimberly Fey is and how she built a successful life after being married to a superstar .
Quick Facts About Kimberly Fey
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kimberly Fey |
| Birth Date | June 14, 1969 |
| Place of Birth | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Latino and Scottish |
| Profession | Sound Engineer, Real Estate Agent |
| Ex-Husband | Donnie Wahlberg (m. 1999–2010) |
| Children | Xavier Alexander Wahlberg, Elijah Hendrix Wahlberg |
| Current Residence | Woodland Hills, California |
| @kimfeyrealtor |
Early Life and Background
Born in the United States on June 14, 1969, Kimberly Fey is of Latino and Scottish descent . Growing up, she developed a passion for music—a path that would eventually lead her straight into the arms of a pop star. While Fey has kept most of her early life private, she pursued her education in California and earned a degree that helped her launch her career in the entertainment industry .
The Love Story: Meeting Donnie Wahlberg
The story of Kimberly Fey and Donnie Wahlberg sounds like the plot of a 90s rom-com. In 1991, when Fey was 22, she was hired for a specific job: to speak Spanish on a record for Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch—the hip-hop project of Donnie’s younger brother, Mark Wahlberg .
When Kimberly Fey walked into the studio, it was love at first sight for Donnie. He later recalled to the Chicago Tribune, “She walked in and … wow!” . They began dating and kept their relationship relatively private for the first few years .
A few years into their romance, the couple welcomed their first child, Xavier Alexander Wahlberg, on March 4, 1993 . Becoming a father was a turning point for the 23-year-old star. He later said, “It sounds cliche, but I stopped living for me and started living for him” . Kimberly Fey and Donnie eventually tied the knot in a family-oriented wedding ceremony on August 20, 1999 . Their second son, Elijah Hendrix Wahlberg, was born on August 20, 2001 .
Career: A Talented Sound Engineer
While many know Kimberly Fey because of her marriage, she had already established herself as a professional in the music industry. She worked as a sound engineer and producer in the early 1990s, contributing to the albums of artists like Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch .
Kimberly Fey even lent her talents to her husband’s band, New Kids on the Block, working as a producer on hit albums such as Music for the People and Face the Music . She was a respected figure behind the scenes, well-known for her technical skills in the recording studio .
The Marriage Crumbles
After nearly nine years of marriage, the relationship between Kimberly Fey and Donnie Wahlberg started to show signs of strain. By January 2008, the couple had already separated . On August 13, 2008, they both filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences” .
The divorce proceedings made headlines. During the filing, Kimberly Fey requested sole physical and legal custody of their two sons, Xavier and Elijah, while offering visitation rights to Donnie . The couple eventually reached an out-of-court settlement, and their divorce was finalized in September 2010 .
While the official reason for the split was “irreconcilable differences,” rumors swirled that Donnie had an affair with a Canadian model . However, neither Kimberly Fey nor Wahlberg have ever confirmed these allegations .
Life After Divorce: A Career Reinvention
After the divorce, Kimberly Fey made a conscious choice: she stepped away from the chaos of Hollywood to build a quieter, more stable life. She completely reinvented her career, transitioning from the recording studio to the world of real estate .
Today, Kimberly Fey works as a successful real estate agent, operating in California and Illinois . She frequently posts updates on her Instagram (@kimfeyrealtor), where she showcases properties she has sold, celebrates client victories, and shares snapshots of her daily life . She runs her business with a professional partner and has earned a reputation for her dedication and expertise .
Family and Co-Parenting Today
Kimberly has remained dedicated to her role as a mother. Her eldest son, Xavier, was born in 1993, and her youngest, Elijah, was born in 2001 . Kimberly Fey has successfully co-parented her sons with Donnie, who moved on and married comedian and actress Jenny McCarthy in 2014 .
Interestingly, Kimberly Fey appears to maintain a cordial relationship with the couple. She has reportedly had pleasant interactions with Jenny McCarthy and has stated she is happy for Donnie and his new family . It seems that despite the difficult divorce, the focus has remained on the well-being of the children.
Net Worth and Current Activities
As of 2026, Kimberly Fey’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million to $1.5 million . This wealth stems from her divorce settlement, her years as a sound engineer, and her thriving real estate career . She currently lives a comfortable and private lifestyle in Woodland Hills, California, enjoying a life far removed from the fame that once defined her .
Interesting Facts About Kimberly Fey
- She is not related to Tina Fey: Despite sharing a last name with the famous comedian, Kimberly Fey is not a relation .
- She supported Donnie on the Red Carpet: During their marriage, Kimberly Fey often accompanied Donnie to movie premieres, including Three Kings and The Perfect Storm .
- She still uses his name professionally: She sometimes operates under the name “Kim Fey Wahlberg” for real estate purposes .
- She is a huge sports fan: She enjoys catching live baseball games with her friends .
- She loves to travel: Even with a busy real estate career, Kimberly Fey makes time for vacations, often visiting the beach or going skiing in Aspen .
Conclusion
Kimberly Fey may have entered the public eye as the wife of a famous boyband member, but her life has been defined by much more than a headline. From her early success as a sound engineer to her steady reinvention as a top-tier real estate agent, she has proven to be a resilient and independent woman . Today, she enjoys a quiet life, focusing on her sons, her career, and her passions. While the spotlight has long since moved on, Kimberly Fey stands as an example of how to find personal success and stability, even after a very public and difficult chapter in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Kimberly Fey?
Kimberly Fey is a professional sound engineer and real estate agent, best known as the first wife of actor and singer Donnie Wahlberg .
2. When did Kimberly Fey and Donnie Wahlberg get divorced?
The couple initially separated in 2008, but their divorce was officially finalized in September 2010 .
3. Does Kimberly Fey have children?
Yes, she has two sons with Donnie Wahlberg: Xavier Alexander Wahlberg (born 1993) and Elijah Hendrix Wahlberg (born 2001) .
4. What is Kimberly Fey’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is approximately $1 million to $1.5 million as of 2026 .
5. What does Kimberly Fey do now?
She is currently a successful real estate agent based in California and Illinois, working with the company RE/MAX ONE .
6. Why did Kimberly Fey and Donnie Wahlberg break up?
They cited “irreconcilable differences” in their divorce filings. There were rumors of infidelity on Donnie’s part, but neither party has ever confirmed these claims .
