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Michael Strahan with his second ex-wife Jean Mugglie© Getty Images

Michael Strahan's ex-wife holds onto GMA star in unexpected way years after messy breakup

The host shares his twin daughters with Jean Muggli

Hannah Hargrave
US Deputy Editor
February 5, 2025
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Michael Strahan and his second ex-wife, Jean Muggli, famously had a very bitter divorce that was both painful and lengthy. 

The Good Morning America host was with the mother of his twins, Isabella and Sophia, from 1999 to 2006. 

But it was a years-long battle following their breakup as they fought angrily over custody and money.

Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: Inside Michael Strahan's family life

Despite everything that went on between them, with ugly accusations being slung from both parties, Jean has hung on to her ex in an unexpected way. 

Nine years after their split, Jean still goes by Jean Muggli Strahan on Instagram, refusing to delete her famous ex-husband's last name. 

Michael Strahan's ex-wife jean Muggli's instagram profile© Instagram
Michael Strahan's ex-wife still uses his last name

It's a move which fans have commented on in the past but Jean hasn't publicly addressed. 

There is no doubt that their relationship has improved over the years and Isabella's recent cancer battle has united them as a family. 

It has been just over a year since Isabella was diagnosed with medulloblastoma.

Michael Strahan and ex-wife Jean Muggli© Getty Images
Michael and Jean share two children

Both Michael and Jean have spoken about her fight, most recently opening up in an interview with People

Jean told the outlet: "Isabella's strength and resilience was the same as it was when she was a little girl. The way she handled every day with grace was amazing."

Michael mirrored her statement, adding: "One of the things she said, probably the hardest thing I had to hear was, 'Dad I'll do whatever. I want to live.'"

Michael Strahan second wife Jean Muggli© Getty Images
The divorce was bitter

Isabella documented much of her journey battling cancer in a YouTube series to raise funds for her hospital. She will further shed light on the experience with her ABC special, Life Interrupted: Isabella Strahan's Fight Against Cancer, which airs tonight, February 5 at 10pm EST.

Michael — who has been in a longtime relationship with Kayla Quick and was married to Wanda Hutchins before Jean — previously confessed his relationship with Jean wasn't the best. 

Isabella and Sophia Strahan pose with their horses on their mom Jean Muggli's farm, shared on Instagram© Instagram
Isabella and Sophia

In an interview on In Depth with Graham Bensinger, he confessed: "My second marriage was definitely not the greatest experience," before adding: "But I did learn a lot from that and I ended up with two incredible teenagers.

Jean was awarded over $15 million in addition to $18k a month in child support and their custody issues spanned more than 15 years. 

Michael was still playing in the NFL when he met Jean.

Michael Strahan enjoyed Disney with his daughters© Instagram
They're close to their mom and dad despite the breakup

She lives a more quiet life away from the spotlight but did an on-camera interview for Isabella's special. 

Michael previously said divorce is "probably one of the toughest things I've ever gone through."

He maintains a close friendship with Wanda, who he shares his two oldest children with. 

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