Mary Lou Retton’s DUI arrest captured in newly released bodycam footage has sent shockwaves across the nation. Once hailed as America’s Sweetheart for her groundbreaking performance in the 1984 Olympics, Retton is now facing public scrutiny after a troubling police encounter. The viral bodycam video reveals a vulnerable, emotional side of the gold medalist—struggling through sobriety tests while pleading with officers. This article unpacks everything—from her net worth, health battles, and family life to the details of the arrest. If you grew up admiring her, this might be a difficult read—but it’s one worth understanding.
America once celebrated her for her perfect 10s and all-around Olympic glory. But today, Mary Lou Retton’s DUI arrest captured in newly released bodycam footage reveals a troubling chapter in the life of the former golden girl of U.S. gymnastics.
In the video, we see Mary Lou Retton, now 57, confused and emotional, struggling to complete field sobriety tests while clutching an oxygen tank. For those who grew up idolizing her athletic prowess, this footage is as heartbreaking as it is shocking.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know—from the details of the arrest, to her health issues, personal struggles, and what the future may hold.
Mary Lou Retton Net Worth: A Career Once Defined by Gold
Before diving into the incident, it’s important to understand Mary Lou Retton’s net worth—which reflects decades of public appearances, endorsements, and motivational speaking.
Estimated at around $2 million, her wealth largely stems from:
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Endorsements (Wheaties, Energizer, Revco)
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Television appearances
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Speaking engagements
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Her role on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness
But even with financial stability, personal and emotional challenges don’t go away.
What Disease Does Mary Lou Retton Have? From Health Crisis to Recovery
In 2023, Mary Lou Retton was hospitalized with a rare form of pneumonia. She was admitted to an ICU and required oxygen support. Her daughter revealed she was “fighting for her life.”
Retton later shared:
“They were about to put me on life support. I’m lucky to be alive.”
She’s been on supplemental oxygen since her recovery—something that became a visible part of her recent DUI arrest footage, making the situation even more distressing for fans.
Mary Lou Retton Bodycam Footage: A Sobering Look at the Incident
The bodycam footage released by Fairmont Police Department paints a raw and emotional picture.
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Retton slurs her speech and smells of alcohol
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She struggles to follow sobriety test instructions
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She says lines like:
“I’m a gold medalist!”
“Put me in the cell. I’ll die here and you’ll live with that.”
She also referenced her illness, exclaiming she had nearly died from pneumonia.
The footage shows officers being patient, but firm, eventually placing her in handcuffs around her oxygen tank.
Mary Lou Retton Husband: A Family Perspective Amid Scandal
Mary Lou Retton’s husband, Shannon Kelley, is a former University of Texas quarterback and sports administrator. The couple divorced in 2018 after nearly three decades of marriage.
They share four daughters, including McKenna Kelley, a former LSU gymnast who helped lead a GoFundMe campaign during her mother’s pneumonia recovery.
At the time of her arrest, there were no public comments from her ex-husband, but her family has been tight-lipped, likely prioritizing privacy during this difficult chapter.
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Mary Lou Retton Now: Public Image and Personal Battles in 2025
So where is Mary Lou Retton now?
After entering a no-contest plea for the non-aggravated DUI, she received:
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A $100 fine
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No jail time
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A $1,500 personal recognizance bond
She also released a heartfelt public apology:
“I take full responsibility for my actions. I have let you down, and for that I am deeply sorry.”
She says she’s committed to personal growth and learning from the incident.
Mary Lou Retton Height and Public Persona
For trivia lovers, Mary Lou Retton’s height is just 4 feet 9 inches (1.45 meters)—a typical stature for elite gymnasts, where low center of gravity and body control are key advantages.
Her small frame once made her the perfect athlete, but it contrasts sharply with the image in the DUI footage, where her fragility—physically and emotionally—is on full display.
What Does Mary Lou Retton Do for a Living Today?
After retiring from gymnastics, Retton didn’t fade from the spotlight. So what does Mary Lou Retton do for a living?
She’s spent the last few decades as:
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A motivational speaker
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A fitness advocate
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A media personality (including Dancing with the Stars)
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A health ambassador
She has long spoken about the importance of mental and physical well-being, making her arrest a deeply ironic and sobering twist.
Mary Lou Retton Age and Why It Matters
At 57 years old, Mary Lou Retton’s age plays an important role in this story—not as an excuse, but for context.
With age comes:
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Compounded health issues
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Emotional strain from decades in the public eye
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Possible challenges with medication or alcohol use post-illness
This isn’t the story of a rebellious young celebrity. It’s a tale of an aging icon confronting personal pain, addiction, and accountability—all under a microscope.
How Fans Can Respond: From Judgment to Support
While Mary Lou Retton’s arrest is undeniably serious, it’s also an opportunity for compassion. Here’s how fans and readers can turn concern into meaningful action:
Conclusion: Redemption May Still Be Possible
Mary Lou Retton’s DUI arrest captured in newly released bodycam footage is not the ending chapter to her life story—it’s a wake-up call, a mirror, and potentially, a turning point.
From Olympic glory to courtroom humility, her journey reminds us of a simple truth: heroes are human. And humans stumble.
Whether she rebuilds or retreats from public life, one thing is clear: she still has time to rise again—just maybe not on a balance beam.
