Bridget Rooney is an American philanthropist, former actress, and socialite best known as the granddaughter of Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney and wife of billionaire businessman Bill Koch.
Born on May 26, 1962, Bridget is currently 63 years old as of 2026 and has lived a life that blends sports dynasty legacy with Hollywood connections and high society philanthropy.
Her journey from Pittsburgh’s legendary Rooney family to a brief romance with Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Costner, and finally to her enduring marriage with Koch Industries heir Bill Koch, represents a fascinating American story of privilege, resilience, and purpose.
Despite her high-profile connections, Bridget has maintained remarkable privacy while dedicating herself to charitable causes and family life.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts About Bridget Rooney
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bridget Rooney Koch |
| Date of Birth | May 26, 1962 |
| Age | 63 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | California, United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini ♊ |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Irish-American (White) |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) |
| Weight | Approximately 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Profession | Philanthropist, Former Actress, Socialite |
| Famous For | Rooney family heiress, Bill Koch’s wife, Kevin Costner’s ex |
| Education | Business Administration degree |
| Father | Timothy James Rooney |
| Mother | June Marraccaini |
| Grandfather | Art Rooney (Pittsburgh Steelers founder) |
| Husband | Bill Koch (married 2005) |
| Previous Relationship | Kevin Costner (1995-1996) |
| Children | 2 (Liam Costner, Kaitlin Koch) |
| Stepchildren | 4 (from Bill Koch’s previous marriages) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2-10 million (personal) |
| Husband’s Net Worth | $1.8-2 billion |
| Residence | Palm Beach, Florida |
Early Life and Birth Into Sports Royalty
Bridget Rooney was born on May 26, 1962, in California, United States, though her roots run deep in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She entered a world of extraordinary privilege and legacy as a member of one of America’s most respected sports families.
Her grandfather, Arthur Joseph “Art” Rooney Sr., founded the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1933 with just $2,500. This modest investment grew into one of the NFL’s most successful franchises, winning six Super Bowl championships and becoming a Pittsburgh institution.
Bridget’s father, Timothy James Rooney, followed the family tradition of excellence but carved his own path in horse racing rather than football. He became owner and operator of Yonkers Raceway in Yonkers, New York, one of the country’s premier harness racing tracks, running it successfully from 1972 onward.
Her mother, June Marraccaini, came from a family with strong ties to the arts and community initiatives. This maternal influence would later manifest in Bridget’s own philanthropic interests, particularly in supporting cultural institutions and charitable organizations.
Growing up, Bridget was surrounded by five siblings, creating a lively household. Her sisters include Kathleen McNulty (who married into the Mara family of New York Giants fame), Margaret Galterio, and Cara Rooney. Her brothers are Thomas Joseph Rooney and Timothy James Rooney Jr.
The Rooney family’s Irish-American heritage shaped Bridget’s upbringing. Her ancestors emigrated from Ireland in the 1840s during the Great Famine, eventually settling in Pittsburgh in the 1880s where they established deep roots in the community.
This heritage meant more than just lineage—it represented values of hard work, loyalty, community service, and family bonds that defined the Rooney approach to both business and life. These principles would guide Bridget throughout her own journey.
The Legendary Rooney Family Legacy
To understand Bridget Rooney, one must appreciate the extraordinary family she was born into. The Rooneys represent American sports royalty, with influence extending far beyond football into politics, horse racing, and civic leadership.
Art Rooney, Bridget’s grandfather, wasn’t just a team owner—he was a beloved figure who embodied integrity and character. Known as “The Chief,” he was respected throughout the NFL for his fairness, loyalty to Pittsburgh, and commitment to doing things the right way.
The Steelers under Rooney ownership became synonymous with excellence and stability. From 1969 to 2025, the team employed only three head coaches—Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin—the fewest of any American professional sports team during that span. This consistency reflected the Rooney management philosophy.
The family’s influence on football extends beyond their own franchise. Dan Rooney, Bridget’s uncle, served as United States Ambassador to Ireland from 2009 to 2012 under President Barack Obama, bringing diplomatic honor to the family name.
Dan Rooney also created the “Rooney Rule,” requiring NFL teams to interview at least one ethnic minority candidate when filling head coaching positions. This groundbreaking policy significantly impacted diversity in professional sports leadership.
The Rooney family’s connection to the New York Giants’ Mara family through marriage further solidified their sports dynasty status. Bridget’s sister Kathleen married Timothy Christopher Mara, making actresses Kate Mara and Rooney Mara (Kathleen’s daughters) Bridget’s nieces.
This means Bridget’s nieces are great-granddaughters of both Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney and New York Giants founder Tim Mara—an unprecedented convergence of NFL royalty that underscores the family’s unique position in American sports history.
Education and Early Career Pursuits
Despite being born into wealth and privilege, Bridget Rooney pursued formal education with genuine dedication. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from a respected American university, demonstrating intellectual ambition beyond her family’s established success.
This educational choice wasn’t merely ceremonial. Bridget wanted to understand organizational management, financial planning, and leadership principles that would later prove valuable in her philanthropic work and understanding of her family’s various business ventures.
Her business education gave her tools to navigate the complex world of high-net-worth philanthropy, charitable foundation management, and strategic giving that would define her later life. Unlike some heiresses who treat education as formality, Bridget genuinely engaged with learning.
After completing her degree, Bridget briefly explored acting, appearing in the 2011 independent film “Zombie or Not Zombie.” This modest foray into entertainment demonstrated her willingness to explore interests outside family expectations and create her own identity.
While her acting career remained limited to this single credit, the experience revealed something important about Bridget’s character—she wasn’t content simply being defined by her family name. She wanted to discover her own passions and capabilities.
Her early twenties and thirties remain relatively private, though she likely was involved in family business discussions, Pittsburgh social circles, and beginning to explore the philanthropic interests that would later become central to her life.
The Kevin Costner Chapter
In 1995, Bridget Rooney’s life took an unexpected turn when she met Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Costner. The timing was significant—Costner had recently divorced his wife of 16 years, Cindy Silva, and was at the peak of his Hollywood fame.
Costner was America’s leading man, having won Best Director and Best Picture Oscars for “Dances with Wolves” (1990) and starred in massive hits like “The Bodyguard,” “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” and “Field of Dreams.” His star power was at its absolute zenith.
Bridget was 33 years old when they began dating, working at a television station in Aspen, Colorado. The relationship developed quickly, capturing media attention given Costner’s celebrity status and Bridget’s sports dynasty background.
Their romance was passionate but brief, lasting approximately one year. However, the relationship had life-changing consequences when Bridget became pregnant in early 1996. The news became a media sensation given Costner’s recent divorce and high public profile.
On November 15, 1996, Bridget gave birth to a son, Liam Timothy Costner, in Los Angeles, California. The birth should have been a joyous occasion, but instead sparked a painful paternity dispute that played out publicly.
Initially, Kevin Costner questioned whether he was the child’s biological father and requested DNA testing. This public doubt must have been devastating for Bridget, who found herself defending her integrity while caring for a newborn.
The paternity test confirmed what Bridget had always maintained—Liam was indeed Costner’s son. Following this confirmation, Costner acknowledged paternity and reportedly established a trust fund for Liam, though their relationship as a couple had already ended.
Despite the painful circumstances, Bridget handled the situation with remarkable dignity. She didn’t seek media attention, didn’t badmouth Costner publicly, and focused entirely on providing Liam with a stable, loving upbringing away from Hollywood’s spotlight.
Motherhood and Raising Liam Costner
After the relationship with Kevin Costner ended, Bridget Rooney faced single motherhood with the added complexity of her son having one of Hollywood’s most famous fathers. She approached this challenge with quiet strength and clear priorities.
Bridget raised Liam largely out of the public eye, ensuring he had as normal a childhood as possible despite his celebrity parentage. She avoided exploiting his connection to Costner for media attention or financial gain, prioritizing his wellbeing over visibility.
According to reports, Bridget and Costner established a custody arrangement involving shared visitation rights. This allowed Liam to maintain relationships with both parents while primarily residing with his mother, who provided day-to-day stability and care.
Costner visited Liam occasionally, though not on a regular basis during his early years. The actor later acknowledged his son publicly and has included him in discussions of his seven children, though Liam’s relationship with his father’s other children isn’t extensively documented.
Bridget ensured Liam understood both sides of his heritage—the Rooney family’s sports legacy and community values, as well as his father’s Hollywood success and creative achievements. This balanced approach helped Liam develop his own identity.
Now in his late twenties, Liam Costner has chosen a career path completely separate from both his mother’s family legacy and his father’s entertainment world. He works as a real estate agent with the Frankel Bell Group in Northern Palm Beach County, Florida.
Liam’s choice to pursue a private, professional career outside sports or entertainment reflects the grounded upbringing Bridget provided. She successfully raised a well-adjusted son despite extraordinary circumstances and public scrutiny during his early years.
Meeting Bill Koch: A New Chapter
In the early 2000s, Bridget Rooney’s life changed direction again when she met William “Bill” Koch, the billionaire businessman and industrialist. Their meeting brought together two American dynasties—the Rooney sports legacy and the Koch industrial fortune.
Bill Koch, born May 3, 1940, is a member of the famous Koch family but carved his own distinct path. Unlike his politically active brothers Charles and David Koch, who ran Koch Industries, Bill founded his own energy company, Oxbow Carbon.
Bill is also a competitive sailor who won the America’s Cup in 1992 with his yacht America³. He’s an obsessive art collector with one of the world’s finest private collections, and a wine connoisseur with legendary cellars.
The couple’s courtship was relatively private, keeping their developing relationship away from media scrutiny. This privacy suited Bridget, who had learned from her experience with Costner that high-profile romances brought unwanted attention and complications.
On a beautiful day in 2005, Bridget Rooney married Bill Koch in an intimate ceremony in Colorado. The wedding united two individuals who shared values around family, philanthropy, and using their resources to make positive impacts.
Bill’s wedding gift to Bridget demonstrated his devotion and wealth. He presented her with a stunning 31-carat yellow diamond ring from renowned diamond tycoon François Graff, one of the world’s most valuable engagement rings.
Additionally, Bill gifted Bridget artwork valued at over one million dollars, including a piece featuring three semi-nude women. His lavish gifts reflected both his passion for art collecting and his desire to honor his new wife.
Marriage to Bill Koch: Building a Life Together
Bridget’s marriage to Bill Koch marked the beginning of a partnership that has now endured over two decades. Their union represents more than wealth—it’s a collaboration centered on family, shared interests, and meaningful philanthropic work.
In 2006, one year after their marriage, the couple welcomed their daughter, Kaitlin “K.K.” Koch. Bridget’s experience as a mother to Liam prepared her for this new chapter of motherhood, now within a stable marriage.
Bridget also became stepmother to Bill Koch’s four children from his previous relationships: Wyatt Koch, Charlotte Koch, William Koch Jr., and Robin Koch. Blending this family required patience, love, and the diplomatic skills Bridget had developed throughout her life.
The couple divides their time between multiple luxurious residences, with their primary home in Palm Beach, Florida. This exclusive community attracts the world’s wealthiest individuals, and the Kochs are prominent members of this elite social circle.
In 2012, Bill Koch threw an extravagant party for Bridget in their 42,000-square-foot oceanfront mega-mansion in Palm Beach. The lavish celebration demonstrated his continued devotion and their enjoyment of their privileged lifestyle.
Despite their immense wealth—Bill’s net worth is estimated at $1.8-2 billion as of 2026—the couple maintains relative privacy compared to many billionaires. They attend high-society galas and events but avoid unnecessary media exposure.
In 2014, they were spotted at Le Cirque, the legendary New York restaurant, dining on ultra-premium Japanese pure-bred beef from Koch’s 7X Ranch in Colorado, paired with a 1996 Cheval Blanc wine. These moments of luxury represent their lifestyle but don’t define their entire existence.
Philanthropic Work and Impact
One of the most significant aspects of Bridget Rooney’s life is her extensive philanthropic work. She has dedicated considerable time, energy, and resources to supporting causes that align with her values and create meaningful community impact.
Bridget has been a strong supporter of the United Way of Allegheny County, which serves the greater Pittsburgh area where her family’s roots run deep. This organization addresses poverty, education, and health issues affecting vulnerable populations.
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has also benefited from Bridget’s support. This organization revitalized Pittsburgh’s downtown cultural district, creating venues and programming that make arts accessible to diverse audiences and contribute to the city’s renaissance.
The Carnegie Museum of Art, one of Pittsburgh’s premier cultural institutions, counts Bridget among its benefactors. Her support helps maintain collections, fund exhibitions, and provide educational programming that enriches the community.
Bridget is passionate about environmental protection and has supported initiatives focused on reducing pollution, protecting wildlife habitats, and promoting sustainable living practices. These efforts align with growing awareness about climate change and environmental responsibility.
Animal welfare represents another cause close to Bridget’s heart. She has advocated for policies and organizations that protect animals from cruelty and promote responsible treatment of wildlife and domestic animals.
Social justice issues have also received Bridget’s attention. She has supported programs addressing inequality, promoting fair treatment regardless of background, and creating opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
Perhaps most significantly, Bridget and Bill Koch founded Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida. This private high school provides top-tier education to students from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the couple’s belief in education as a transformative force.
Bridget Rooney’s Net Worth in 2026
Determining Bridget Rooney’s exact personal net worth is challenging due to her marriage to a billionaire and her family’s private financial management. However, estimates provide reasonable ranges based on available information.
Bridget’s personal net worth is estimated between $2 million and $10 million as of 2026, earned through family inheritance, her brief acting work, and potentially investments or business interests not publicly disclosed.
The wide range reflects uncertainty about her specific inheritance from the Rooney family fortune, which is substantial but distributed among multiple children and grandchildren. The Pittsburgh Steelers franchise alone is valued at billions of dollars.
However, Bridget’s financial reality is dramatically different when considering her marriage to Bill Koch. His estimated net worth of $1.8-2 billion means she enjoys extraordinary wealth regardless of her personal holdings.
Bill Koch made his fortune initially through Koch Industries, the massive industrial conglomerate founded by his father Fred Koch. In 1983, Bill and his brother Frederick sold their stakes to brothers Charles and David for $800 million.
Bill then founded Oxbow Carbon, a company dealing in petroleum coke and sulfur products. This venture proved enormously successful, generating hundreds of millions in annual revenue and cementing Bill’s billionaire status independent of his family’s larger enterprise.
His diverse investment portfolio includes real estate, art collections worth hundreds of millions, rare wine collections, and various business interests. This diversification protects and grows wealth across multiple asset classes.
As Bill Koch’s wife, Bridget has access to extraordinary resources. Their primary Palm Beach mansion is valued at tens of millions of dollars. They own multiple properties, vehicles, artwork, and other luxury assets worth hundreds of millions combined.
Age, Appearance, and Public Persona
As of January 2026, Bridget Rooney is 63 years old, having celebrated her most recent birthday on May 26, 2025. Despite being in her early sixties, she maintains an elegant appearance that reflects both good genetics and access to premium healthcare and wellness resources.
Bridget stands 5 feet 8 inches tall (1.73 meters), giving her a statuesque presence that serves her well in high-society settings. Her height, combined with impeccable fashion sense, creates a striking impression at galas and events.
She maintains a weight of approximately 132 pounds (60 kilograms), indicating commitment to health and fitness. Access to personal trainers, nutritionists, and wellness experts undoubtedly helps, but it also reflects personal discipline.
As a Gemini (born May 26), Bridget’s zodiac sign is associated with adaptability, intelligence, and excellent communication skills. These traits align with her ability to navigate different worlds—sports dynasty, Hollywood, and billionaire society.
Her Irish-American heritage is visible in her features, though specific physical descriptions remain private as Bridget avoids detailed media coverage. She presents as polished and refined without appearing overly done or artificial.
Unlike many socialites who embrace social media and constant publicity, Bridget maintains minimal online presence. She has private accounts accessible only to family and close friends, protecting her privacy in the digital age.
This preference for privacy has served her well. She avoids the controversies and negativity that plague many public figures, maintaining dignity and control over her narrative despite connections to famous individuals.
Family Connections and Nieces’ Fame
Bridget Rooney’s family connections extend into unexpected areas of American culture, particularly through her famous nieces, actresses Kate Mara and Rooney Mara, who have brought the family name to Hollywood in a way Bridget herself never pursued.
Kate Mara, born in 1983, and Rooney Mara, born in 1985, are daughters of Bridget’s sister Kathleen McNulty Rooney, who married Timothy Christopher Mara, vice president of player evaluation for the New York Giants.
This marriage united two of the NFL’s founding families—the Rooneys of Pittsburgh and the Maras of New York. Kate and Rooney Mara are therefore great-granddaughters of both Art Rooney (Steelers founder) and Tim Mara (Giants founder).
Kate Mara achieved fame through roles in “House of Cards,” “American Horror Story,” “The Martian,” and “Fantastic Four.” She’s established herself as a talented actress with diverse roles across television and film.
Rooney Mara, whose first name honors the family surname, earned even greater critical acclaim. Her breakthrough role in “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (2011) earned her an Academy Award nomination, followed by another nomination for “Carol” (2015).
Interestingly, Bridget was actually the first in her extended family to pursue acting, appearing in “Zombie or Not Zombie” in 2011. Her nieces later achieved the Hollywood success she never sought, though they credit family support for their opportunities.
The Mara sisters occasionally reference their unique heritage—being descended from two NFL founding families—in interviews. This heritage provided them opportunities and connections but also required them to prove themselves on their own merit.
Life in Palm Beach Society
Bridget Rooney and Bill Koch’s primary residence is in Palm Beach, Florida, one of America’s most exclusive communities. This barrier island has been a playground for the wealthy since the Gilded Age, and the Kochs are prominent members of this elite society.
Palm Beach attracts billionaires, celebrities, and old-money families who value privacy, luxury, and proximity to others of similar wealth and status. The community offers world-class dining, shopping, golf courses, and social clubs.
The Kochs’ oceanfront mansion spans 42,000 square feet, providing ample space for family, entertaining, displaying Bill’s art collection, and enjoying Florida’s tropical climate. The property value likely exceeds $50 million in today’s real estate market.
Living in Palm Beach means participating in a social calendar filled with charity galas, fundraisers, cultural events, and exclusive parties. Bridget navigates this world with grace, using social connections to further her philanthropic goals.
The community’s discretion appeals to Bridget’s privacy preferences. Unlike Los Angeles or New York where paparazzi culture thrives, Palm Beach society generally respects residents’ desire for privacy while maintaining active social engagement.
Bridget and Bill also maintain homes in other locations, allowing them to travel and spend time in different environments. Their Colorado property connects to Bill’s Western interests and provides a retreat from Florida’s summer heat.
Current Life and Activities in 2026
As of 2026, Bridget Rooney continues living a life balanced between family responsibilities, philanthropic commitments, and enjoying the privileges her position affords. At 63, she’s entering a new phase of life with grown children and established routines.
Her son Liam Costner, now 29 years old, has built his own career in real estate. Bridget’s relationship with her adult son appears strong, and she’s successfully navigated the complicated dynamics of his relationship with Kevin Costner.
Her daughter Kaitlin Koch, now 20 years old, is likely pursuing higher education or beginning her own adult journey. Bridget’s experience raising Liam under difficult circumstances has undoubtedly informed her approach to parenting Kaitlin in very different circumstances.
As stepmother to Bill Koch’s adult children from previous relationships, Bridget maintains connections to an extended blended family. These relationships require ongoing attention and diplomacy, which she reportedly handles with warmth and fairness.
Her philanthropic work continues, though specific current projects aren’t publicly detailed due to her privacy preference. Oxbridge Academy remains a flagship initiative, now well-established and serving students in its second decade of operation.
Bridget supports the Pittsburgh Steelers, staying true to her family roots despite living in Florida. She occasionally attends games and likely follows the team’s fortunes with the pride that comes from generations of family connection.
Her marriage to Bill Koch, now in its 21st year, appears strong and stable. They’ve weathered the challenges that come with significant age differences (22 years) and blended family complexities, creating a partnership that works for both.
Privacy in the Digital Age
One of Bridget Rooney’s most remarkable achievements is maintaining genuine privacy in an era when most people, especially those connected to fame and wealth, live much of their lives publicly through social media and media coverage.
Bridget has no public social media presence on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or any other platform. This complete absence is increasingly rare among people of her demographic and social position, demonstrating intentional commitment to privacy.
She maintains private accounts accessible only to family and close friends, allowing her to share moments with loved ones without exposure to strangers. This approach reflects wisdom about the downsides of public social media engagement.
Unlike many socialites who court publicity, attend every possible event, and seek magazine coverage, Bridget appears at select occasions when required by social obligations or philanthropic commitments but otherwise avoids unnecessary exposure.
This privacy has protected her from the controversies, criticisms, and negativity that plague many public figures. By controlling information flow about her life, she maintains agency over her narrative and dignity in public perception.
Her approach contrasts sharply with some other wealthy individuals who embrace reality television, social media influence, or constant publicity. Bridget apparently believes her worth comes from substance—family, philanthropy, character—rather than visibility.
This privacy also protects her children and stepchildren from unwanted attention. By modeling discretion, she’s taught them that privilege carries responsibility and that not everything needs to be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How old is Bridget Rooney in 2026?
Bridget Rooney is 63 years old as of 2026. She was born on May 26, 1962, making her a Gemini. Despite being in her early sixties, she maintains an elegant appearance and active lifestyle.
What is Bridget Rooney’s net worth?
Bridget Rooney’s personal net worth is estimated between $2 million and $10 million as of 2026. However, as the wife of billionaire Bill Koch (net worth $1.8-2 billion), she enjoys access to extraordinary wealth and resources.
Is Bridget Rooney still married to Bill Koch?
Yes, Bridget Rooney is still married to Bill Koch. They married in 2005 and have been together for over 20 years as of 2026. Their marriage appears strong despite a 22-year age difference.
How is Bridget Rooney related to the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Bridget Rooney is the granddaughter of Art Rooney, who founded the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1933. Her father Timothy James Rooney is Art Rooney’s son, making Bridget part of the legendary sports dynasty.
Did Bridget Rooney date Kevin Costner?
Yes, Bridget Rooney had a brief relationship with actor Kevin Costner in 1995-1996. Their romance resulted in the birth of their son Liam Costner in November 1996, though the relationship ended before Liam’s birth.
How many children does Bridget Rooney have?
Bridget Rooney has two biological children: son Liam Costner (born 1996) with Kevin Costner, and daughter Kaitlin Koch (born 2006) with husband Bill Koch. She is also stepmother to Bill Koch’s four children from previous relationships.
Are Kate Mara and Rooney Mara related to Bridget Rooney?
Yes, actresses Kate Mara and Rooney Mara are Bridget Rooney’s nieces. They are the daughters of Bridget’s sister Kathleen McNulty Rooney, who married into the Mara family (New York Giants owners).
What does Bridget Rooney do for a living?
Bridget Rooney is primarily a philanthropist and socialite. She briefly worked in acting (appearing in “Zombie or Not Zombie” in 2011) and has a business administration degree, but focuses on charitable work and family.
Where does Bridget Rooney live?
Bridget Rooney lives primarily in Palm Beach, Florida, with her husband Bill Koch in their 42,000-square-foot oceanfront mansion. They also maintain properties in other locations including Colorado.
Does Bridget Rooney have social media?
No, Bridget Rooney has no public social media presence. She maintains private accounts accessible only to family and close friends, preferring privacy over public engagement in the digital age.
Conclusion
Bridget Rooney’s life story defies simple categorization—she’s simultaneously an heiress to sports royalty, a mother who navigated complicated celebrity co-parenting, a wife to a billionaire industrialist, and a dedicated philanthropist committed to meaningful causes.
At 63 years old in 2026, she has lived through extraordinary experiences while maintaining remarkable privacy and dignity throughout.
Born into the legendary Rooney family that founded the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bridget inherited a legacy of excellence and community service that has guided her choices.
Her brief but highly publicized relationship with Kevin Costner thrust her into unwanted spotlight, yet she handled the challenging paternity dispute and subsequent single motherhood with grace.