Pete Rose, the legendary baseball player, passed away on September 30, 2024, at the age of 83. While much of the public’s focus is on the circumstances of his death, many are curious
about his relationships, particularly his engagement to Kiana Kim. Almost 40 years younger than Rose, Kiana Kim is a former Playboy model who garnered attention due to her relationship with the baseball icon.
In this article, we’ll explore Pete Rose’s personal life, his marriages, and his relationship with Kiana Kim, as well as provide insight into their reality TV show and Kiana’s background.
Pete Rose’s Marriages and Children
Pete Rose’s personal life was as storied as his career on the field. His first marriage was to Karolyn Englehardt in 1964. During their marriage, the couple welcomed two children.
However, their relationship eventually ended in divorce in 1980. Four years later, in 1984, Pete married his second wife, Carol J. Woliung. The couple had two children together and remained married until their divorce in 2011. Carol, like Kiana Kim, was also a former Playboy model and a Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader.
Pete Rose and Kiana Kim’s Relationship
Following his second divorce, Pete Rose entered into a relationship with Kiana Kim. Their relationship began around 2009 while Pete was still legally married to Carol, leading to what has been described as an “open relationship.” Rose and Kim’s relationship became more public when they got engaged, which likely occurred between 2011 and 2012.
The couple starred in a reality TV show titled Pete Rose: Hits & Mrs., which premiered on TLC in January 2013. The show offered viewers a glimpse into the lives of Pete and Kiana, as well as Kiana’s children, Cassie and Ashton. The series ran for only one season, consisting of six episodes, with the finale airing in February 2013.
Despite their nearly 40-year age difference, Pete and Kiana seemed to have a close and loving relationship. In various interviews, including one with Playboy magazine, Kiana addressed the age gap, saying, “When I’m with him, he acts like he’s my age or younger. We always laugh
and have fun together.” Kiana emphasized the connection they shared beyond just their age, highlighting that it was their personalities and shared sense of humor that made their bond strong.
Kiana Kim: A Model and Businesswoman
Kiana Kim was born in South Korea and moved to the United States, where she eventually pursued a career in modeling. In 2010, she made her Playboy modeling debut in the Sexy 100
issue. Standing at 5 feet 4 inches tall, Kiana quickly gained attention not only for her beauty but also for her intelligence. In the same Playboy interview, Kiana was asked what she believed
made her sexy, to which she confidently responded, “I think what makes me sexy is my brain. When a woman is intelligent and can express her beauty through her personality as well as her looks, she’s the whole package.”
In addition to her modeling career, Kiana Kim also ventured into business, although much of her professional life remains out of the spotlight. Despite her brief stint in reality TV and
public modeling career, Kiana’s social media presence has dwindled. Her Instagram account, once active under the handle @kianakim, has not seen any updates since 2012. The link in her bio also appears to no longer work, leaving fans wondering about her current whereabouts and activities.
Pete Rose’s Legacy and Kiana Kim’s Role
As a legendary athlete with a complicated personal life, Pete Rose’s legacy goes beyond the baseball diamond. His gambling controversy in 1989 led to a suspension from the sport, a topic that has followed him throughout his career. Kiana Kim was open about her thoughts on
the matter, stating, “It’s a joke! He was suspended in 1989 — that’s 21 years ago! It’s time to move on.” Her defense of Rose shows the support she provided him during a time when his career was shadowed by controversy.
Despite their ups and downs, Kiana Kim and Pete Rose appeared to stay together up until his death in 2024. Their unique relationship, marked by the significant age difference and public scrutiny, remained intact throughout the years, as indicated by their appearance on reality TV and public interviews.
The Reality TV Series: “Pete Rose Hits & Mrs.”
The TLC reality series Pete Rose Hits & Mrs. aired in early 2013 and gave fans an inside look at the lives of Pete Rose and Kiana Kim. While the show was short-lived, it provided a candid
view of their relationship and family life. The series also featured Kiana’s two children, Cassie and Ashton, and how they all adjusted to life as a blended family. Although the show had potential, it ended after just six episodes, leaving fans curious about what might have come next for the couple.
Conclusion
Pete Rose’s personal life was as complex as his professional career, with a legacy that includes two marriages, four children, and a high-profile engagement to Kiana Kim. Despite their age gap and the controversies surrounding Rose, his relationship with Kim endured for more than a decade. Kiana Kim, once a prominent Playboy model, seemed to step back from the public eye after their reality TV series, raising questions about her current life and career.
Though Pete Rose has passed away, the public’s fascination with his life — and particularly his relationship with Kiana Kim — remains. As people reflect on his legacy, both on and off the field, it’s clear that Kiana Kim played a significant role in his later years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Pete Rose’s fiancée? Pete Rose’s fiancée was Kiana Kim, a former Playboy model nearly 40 years his junior. The couple got engaged around 2011-2012 and remained together until Pete’s death in 2024.
2. When did Kiana Kim debut in Playboy? Kiana Kim made her modeling debut in the 2010 issue of Playboy’s Sexy 100.
3. Did Pete Rose and Kiana Kim have any children together? No, Pete Rose and Kiana Kim did not have children together. However, Kiana has two children from a previous relationship: Cassie and Ashton.
4. What was the reality TV show featuring Pete Rose and Kiana Kim? Pete Rose and Kiana Kim starred in the TLC reality series Pete Rose Hits & Mrs., which aired in 2013. The show provided an inside look at their lives as an engaged couple and their blended family.
5. What is Kiana Kim doing now? Kiana Kim’s social media has been inactive since 2012, and there is little public information about her current life or activities.
