Donna Kelce has become an NFL star in her own right, thanks to the unwavering support she shows to her sporting sons Jason and Travis Kelce – and now she’s about to add another title to the roster, as Taylor Swift’s mother-in-law.
The 71-year-old has become a favourite among NFL fans and Swifties alike, regularly pictured cheering on Jason and Travis at their NFL games. When the duo went head to head at the Super Bowl in 2023 – becoming the first brothers to play against each other at the iconic sporting event – Donna famously wore split trainers and a shirt representing both teams and her son’s numbers: 62 and 87 respectively.
She’s a firm fixture in Travis’s life, meaning she’ll no doubt be a key figure in Taylor’s life, too. With her youngest son now engaged to the Eras Tour billionaire, here’s everything to know about Taylor Swift’s future mother-in-law, Donna Kelce.
Donna and Travis Kelce ©Steve Granitz/FilmMagic
Who is Donna Kelce?
Donna Kelce is a retired mum of two and grandmother of four – with eldest son Jason sharing daughters Wyatt, five, Elliotte, four, Bennett, two, and Finnley, six months, with wife Kylie Kelce.
Before retiring in October 2021, Donna spent three decades working in the banking industry. She holds an undergraduate degree from Ohio University in Communications, and she went on to achieve an MBA (Master of Business Administration) from Baldwin Wallace University.
Before giving up work, Donna had climbed the ladder to become the Senior Vice President of bank holding company Truist, which is based in North Carolina. She served in the position for 11 years.
How old is Donna Kelce?
Donna Kelce celebrates her birthday on 9 October. She was born in 1952, making her currently 72 years old.
Donna and Jason Kelce ©Cooper Neill/Getty Images
What gift did Donna Kelce give to Taylor Swift?
Last year, Donna and Taylor watched on as Kansas City Chiefs secured a 17-10 triumph against Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game – but it wasn’t just the Chiefs’ victory that became a talking point. With Taylor and Travis giving some on-pitch PDA after the game, the singer’s sweet tribute to her boyfriend didn’t go unnoticed – a ring engraved with his jersey number.
Well, it turns out that the jewellery was gifted to her by Donna.
As reported in the Daily Mail, Emily Bordner, owner of EB and Co. and designer of the ring, revealed, ‘We gifted Donna some pairs [of earrings]. We know that she loved our earrings. And so, we wanted to gift her even more of Kelce themed products. So, we sent those to her and then we were hoping that she would give them to Taylor. And she did.’
Donna Kelce and Taylor Swift ©Patrick Smith/Getty Images
What has Donna Kelce said about Taylor Swift?
While Donna and Taylor appear to be thicker than thieves now (Donna even updated her Facebook cover photo to include the Anti-Hero hitmaker), there was a time when Swifties feared their idol hadn’t got the seal of approval from her now-fiance’s mum.
When Donna was asked in 2023 about her son’s rumoured relationship with Taylor, she said she felt ‘okay’ spending time with her in the Arrowhead Stadium, sparking rumours she perhaps wasn’t keen. However, Donna later clarified in an interview that the romance was ‘fairly new’, meaning she couldn’t have a fully-formed opinion of Taylor at that time.
As time passed, a ‘beaming’ Donna told The Wall Street Journal in November, ‘I can tell you this, [Travis is] happier than I’ve seen him in a long time… God bless him. He shot for the stars!’
Taylor Swift and Donna Kelce ©David Eulitt/Getty Images
Following the release of Taylor’s The Tortured Poets Department, Donna also gushed about her soon to be daughter-in-law. ‘I listened to the whole album, and I listened to it all morning long when it was released. I was just very impressed. She is a very talented woman, and I think it is probably her best work.’
But while she certainly loves Taylor now, Donna wasn’t always a fan of the star’s music. When asked if she was a Swiftie prior to meeting Taylor, she shared, ‘I would say not. My era was Earth, Wind and Fire, Chaka Khan, things like that. That’s more my music. But obviously, talent is talent.’
Are Donna Kelce and Ed Kelce married?
Donna and Ed Kelce tied the knot in the late 70s, later divorcing after 25 years of marriage. Speaking on an episode of their sons’ podcast New Heights, Donna revealed how there has been zero animosity as they both continue to be Jason and Travis’ strongest support system.
‘I don’t hate [Ed],’ she said. ‘We’re friends to this day. We get along great. We were like a tag team with you two. We got to do all sorts of fun things. When one of you had to go out of town, the other person would help with the other child. It was perfect.’
In the 2023 documentary Kelce, it came to light that the couple stayed together for the sake of the boys when they were growing up. Ed explained, ‘If we had split as we probably both would have preferred, that would have been a nightmare with the logistics, getting kids where they had to be and providing all the support.’
Is Donna Kelce a millionaire?
Multiple reports suggest that Donna’s net worth sits around the $1.55 million mark (£1.2 million). It’s unknown whether she makes any money from her sons’ careers, but it seems as though she’s getting by just fine!
Does Donna Kelce have Instagram?
Yes! You can find her on Instagram @donnakelce.
Charlotte Roberts is a news and entertainment writer at Grazia UK. She spends her days covering everything celebrity, culture, and entertainment.
