Danica Patrick’s approach to her personal life boundaries during divorce, and afterward, has drawn attention for its unwavering consistency. The racing icon, then 43, made headlines in 2012 by standing by her refusal to discuss intimate details about her split from husband Paul Hospenthal, a decision she reinforced during media interviews at the time.
Throughout her years in motorsports, including time with Andretti Global in IndyCar and then moving to NASCAR, Patrick maintained a clear separation between her public and private life. The divorce from Paul Hospenthal, announced in 2012 after seven years of marriage, brought increased media interest. Yet, when questioned about the reasons behind their separation by journalist Amy Nelson in November 2012, Patrick maintained her silence on specifics.
“So obviously it’s tough, but you know, my personal life is something that I have always kept really personal, and you know, I am not going to lay that out any differently. But of course, it’s a tough time. So, thanks for your concern. And thanks for asking.”
—Danica Patrick, Racer
The divorce proceedings finalized in April 2013, with both Patrick and Hospenthal citing that the relationship had irretrievably broken down. Afterward, Danica Patrick began dating fellow NASCAR driver Richard Lynn Stenhouse Jr., a relationship that lasted until 2017. Her personal life again became a topic of interest when she dated former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers between 2018 and 2020. Both breakups generated public curiosity and questions, which Patrick handled with her characteristic privacy.
Recent Discussions About Danica Patrick’s Relationship Status
In recent months, Patrick addressed her relationship status in an interview, once more keeping answers straightforward but without unnecessary detail. During a conversation on the Believe in Good podcast with Haley Dillon, she confirmed her single status with a simple, “Yeah.” When asked if people were reaching out to her, Patrick added:
“That makes me screwed—so screwed. Not literally either.”
—Danica Patrick, Racer
Despite being a high-profile figure from Wisconsin with numerous past relationships making news, Patrick has not been publicly linked with anyone since 2022. In reflecting on her past connection with NFL star Aaron Rodgers, Patrick revealed the emotional toll it took. Speaking on The Sage Steele Show, she described how the relationship impacted her daily life, extending far beyond typical concerns.
“It wore me down to nothing. You know, when you live with somebody and it’s, like, your whole life. It’s your dentist appointment, it’s your hairdo, it’s your clothes, it’s your mailing address. It’s, like, everything,”
she stated. —Danica Patrick, Racer
Following her time with Rodgers and before her current single status, Patrick was reportedly in a relationship with Carter Comstock, an American businessman, in 2021.
By choosing to set and consistently maintain her boundaries, Danica Patrick continues to navigate personal and public scrutiny with a resolute stance. Her approach offers an example of prioritizing self-care and privacy, even when facing intense public and media interest during and after significant life events. Her handling of personal matters, especially during challenging times like her divorce and relationships with celebrities, highlights the complexities faced by public figures balancing career and personal boundaries.
