Senator Mark Kelly‘s story of service is deeply intertwined with a profound personal love story. While many know him as the Arizona senator, former astronaut, and Navy captain, his role as a devoted husband and father is the cornerstone of his public life. His journey with his wife, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, is a powerful narrative of resilience and partnership that has captivated the nation and shaped his path from spaceflight to the Senate floor.
Kelly’s family life is built on two strong marriages. He was first married to Amelia Victoria Babis in 1989. Together, they had two daughters, Claudia and Claire Kelly. After their divorce in 2004, Kelly found love again with Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords, then a sitting U.S. Representative from Arizona. The couple, who had met in 2003 during a young leaders’ forum in China, married on November 10, 2007, in an outdoor ceremony at an organic farm in Amado, Arizona. Their wedding was officiated by Rabbi Stephanie Aaron, reflecting Giffords’ Jewish faith.
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Mark Kelly and Gabby Giffords: A Partnership Forged in Adversity
The couple’s life together took a tragic turn on January 8, 2011, when Gabby Giffords was shot in the head during an assassination attempt at a constituent event in Tucson. Six people lost their lives in the shooting, and Giffords suffered a severe brain injury. Kelly became a steadfast advocate and caregiver during her long and difficult recovery, canceling his NASA training to be by her bedside.
His dedication was evident in small, intimate gestures; he knew Giffords recognized him when she would play with his wedding ring, a familiar habit she had always had. Their bond was visibly strengthened through this ordeal. In a poignant moment, when Kelly returned to space later that year as commander of the Space Shuttle Endeavour, he wore Giffords’ wedding ring into orbit while she kept his ring with her on Earth.
This shared experience with gun violence propelled them into a new chapter of public service. In 2013, they co-founded the nonprofit organization Americans for Responsible Solutions, which later became known as Giffords, dedicated to promoting gun safety measures and combating gun violence. Kelly often speaks about how his wife’s courage and commitment to policy that improves lives inspired his own political career.
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When he launched his successful campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2019, he did so with a video that highlighted Giffords’ recovery and their shared purpose. After his election victories, Giffords has been a constant presence by his side, from holding the Bible at his swearing-in ceremony to celebrating his re-election in 2022. Their partnership, which began with a hike at the Grand Canyon, has evolved into a powerful force in American public life, demonstrating the strength that comes from unwavering mutual support.
