Family means everything to Travis Kelce.
The Kansas City Chiefs great has a tight relationship with his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center turned ESPN analyst Jason Kelce, and their parents Donna and Ed Kelce still remain close friends despite divorcing over a decade ago.
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However, the family have been hit with some devastating news, as Ed announced via a Facebook post that his partner Maureen Maguire has passed away at the age of 74 after a bout of ill health.
Heartbreak for the Kelce family
His social media post included a link to his late partner’s official obituary information, published by Stretch Funeral Home.
“Maureen Maguire, born November 21, 1950, in the Bronx, New York, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones,” the obituary stated. “Though she began her life in New York City, Maureen spent the majority of her years in the suburbs of Philadelphia, where she built a warm and vibrant home filled with love, laughter, and family traditions…”
“She also grew an unexpected love for football later in life, sharing many laughs and adventures with her beloved friend Ed Kelce and her loyal dog Butch.
“Together, they traveled often and attended football games and concerts, and embraced every opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest.”
Although in the obituary, Ed had been referred to as ‘her beloved friend’, Maguire had been referred to as Ed’s girlfriend in an interview with The Los Angeles Times in 2024.
This came when the pair had been gushing over spending time with the Chiefs star tight-end’s popstar girlfriend, Taylor Swift.
While the pop star posed for pictures with Ed, Maguire pretended to be jealous and said, “Hey, that’s my boyfriend,” which made Swift laugh.
During a conversation on Audacy’s 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland in January 2024, Ed also revealed how he couldn’t remember Travis’ popstar beau’s name during an early interaction at his home, with Maguire having to remind him.
“When Travis has a lot of friends coming into town to go to the game, everyone meets at his house, although he’s not there,” Ed said. “They have a shuttle that comes and picks everybody up and takes them to the game.”
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“And Taylor comes in, walks in with a security guard and I look at her … and I had my girlfriend with me and I mention to Maureen, ‘Oh, my God, I know this kid but I don’t know what her name is.’ Geez, you know, like a real idiot,” he said.
Maguire then told him, “‘You don’t know her? This is Taylor Swift, you idiot.’”
‘Papa Kelce’ as he is known on Instagram, had been taking care of Maguire’s dog Butch, and shared a string of photos on Facebook on July 27 of him taking Butch to see Maguire in hospital, captioning the post “Visiting Mom.”
Expectedly, fans poured into the comments section, with one posting: “Sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort during this time.”
“Oh Ed – we are so very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers of comfort,” another commented.
“She sounded like the type of person that everyone needs in their lives,” a third added. “Seems you guys made some amazing memories together. Hold them close, and keep your head up. So sorry for your loss. May she Rest in Peace.”
Travis has a little extra to play for next season
With the news still very raw, none of the Kelce contingent have yet to post their own tributes, though that seems only a matter of time as they continue to process their devastation and mourn in their own ways.
Travis, who is widely considered one of the best tight ends in NFL history, is entering his 13th season and may be playing with some extra meaning as he honors his father’s late partner.
Having been criticized for his career-low production in the 2024 season as the Chiefs lost in devastating fashion to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, Kelce was already entering the 2025 campaign with a huge chip on his shoulder.
Nonetheless, the Kelce family are serial winners, and there is no doubt that Travis will find a way to turn pain into success, whether that is measured by helping Patrick Mahomes to win another Super Bowl, or just to perform at the level which has seen him become an eight-time All-Pro.
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