After 34 years, Kristi Noem is divorcing, says mother
Family Confirms Kristi Noem's Divorce After Three Decades of Marriage
A Long-Standing Union Reaches Its Conclusion
After 34 years Kristi Noem is divorcing - Corinne Arnold, the mother of former Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem, has confirmed that her daughter is ending her 34-year marriage to husband Bryon Noem. The announcement brings a public close to a relationship that recently faced intense examination following revelations about Bryon's personal life that emerged through tabloid reporting earlier this year.
According to Arnold, who spoke with the Daily Mail, Kristi shared her decision to divorce with close family members during the spring season. The timing of this disclosure proved significant, arriving several months after initial reports surfaced regarding Bryon's activities outside their marriage. A family spokesperson had previously indicated that the revelations left them completely surprised by the developments.
The Path to Divorce
Arnold recounted a candid conversation with her daughter that clarified the situation. The mother described asking Kristi directly about whether the couple might reconcile after the allegations became public knowledge.
"I said: 'What's the deal? Are you going to get together again?' And she said: 'No. No. We're going to get a divorce,'" Arnold told the outlet.
The announcement reportedly took place while family members had gathered for a celebration honoring one of the couple's grandchildren's birthday. This setting provided a moment for Kristi to share her plans with relatives in a more intimate environment before the news reached the broader public.
"It has been difficult, but we knew this was coming, that they were going to get divorced," Arnold said.
Context and Timeline of Events
The British tabloid Daily Mail had published extensive reporting suggesting that Bryon Noem engaged in activities including paying adult entertainers and cross-dressing during role-playing sessions. The newspaper stated that their investigation relied on various forms of evidence, including text messages, audio recordings, and photographs that allegedly captured him wearing women's clothing and utilizing props during these encounters.
Following the publication of these allegations, Kristi Noem's spokesperson communicated with the New York Post, expressing that the former secretary was deeply affected by the revelations. The family spokesperson emphasized that everyone involved felt caught off guard by the timing and nature of the reports.
"The family was blindsided by this, and they ask for privacy and prayers at this time," the spokesperson said.
Professional Developments Amid Personal Changes
The timing of the divorce announcement coincides with professional transitions for Kristi Noem. On March 5, she was removed from her position as Homeland Security secretary. Shortly thereafter, she received an appointment as special envoy to the Trump administration's "Shield of the Americas" initiative. Despite the personal news breaking, USA TODAY attempted to contact Kristi Noem directly for additional commentary but was unable to secure an immediate response.
Arnold indicated that Kristi had revealed her intentions to divorce shortly after the Daily Mail's report about Bryon's private life became public. This sequence suggests that the tabloid allegations may have accelerated or confirmed decisions already being considered within the family.
A Family History Spanning Decades
Bryon and Kristi Noem exchanged vows in 1992 in Watertown, South Dakota, beginning a partnership that would last more than three decades. According to the National Governors Association, the couple has raised three children together: Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker.
Beyond his role as a husband and father, Bryon Noem has built a career in the insurance sector. He holds a degree in business finance from Northern State University. Prior to entering the insurance industry, he served as a basketball coach and contributed to operations on the Noem family farm, demonstrating a commitment to both education and hands-on work throughout his life.
The conclusion of this marriage marks a significant chapter for one of South Dakota's most prominent political families, as Kristi Noem continues her public service while navigating this personal transition with her family's support.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.