Carole Krumenacher is best known as the first wife of Hall of Fame sportscaster Bob Costas. Although she has maintained a very private life, her story offers a glimpse into the person who stood behind one of the most recognizable names in sports broadcasting. This article explores Carole’s life, career, family, and her legacy beyond the public eye.
Early Life and Background

Birth and Family Origins
Carole Krumenacher was born on March 27, 1955, in New York City. Growing up away from the limelight, she came from a background that included English, German, and Irish ancestry. Details about her childhood and family are scarce, reflecting her preference for privacy.
Education and Early Career
Though specific details about her schooling are not widely known, Carole pursued education with a focus that would later shape her career. She became an elementary school teacher, working with young children and developing a nurturing approach that marked her early professional life.
Career and Professional Life

Teaching Career
Carole worked as a third-grade teacher at a private school in St. Louis during the early years of her marriage. Teaching provided her a meaningful career that allowed her to positively impact children’s lives. Her dedication to education and nurturing young minds defined this period of her life.
Supportive Role During Bob Costas’s Rise
As Bob Costas’s broadcasting career advanced, Carole balanced her professional and family responsibilities. Eventually, she shifted her focus toward managing their household and raising their children while supporting her husband’s demanding schedule.
Personal Life and Family
Marriage to Bob Costas
Carole met Bob Costas in 1982, and the two married on June 24, 1983. Their relationship flourished during a time when Costas was emerging as a leading sportscaster. Carole was a steady presence throughout his rapid career rise.
Children and Family Life
Together, Carole and Bob had two children: Keith, born in 1986, and Taylor, born in 1989. Both children have followed in their father’s footsteps, building successful careers in sports television production and earning Sports Emmy Awards. Carole played a central role in creating a stable, supportive home environment that fostered their success.
Home Life and Parenting
Carole devoted much of her time to raising her children and managing the household. She prioritized family life and offered the support and structure needed to help her family thrive amidst the demands of Bob Costas’s career.
Divorce and Life Afterward
End of Marriage
After 18 years of marriage, Carole and Bob divorced in 2001. The split was amicable, and both parents remained committed to co-parenting their children. Carole chose to maintain a low profile, avoiding public attention during and after the separation.
Privacy and Focus on Family
Following the divorce, Carole continued to focus on her children’s upbringing and her personal life. She deliberately avoided media exposure and has lived quietly since then, away from public scrutiny.
Legacy and Influence
Supporting a Sports Media Family
Though she never sought the spotlight, Carole’s influence is evident through her support of Bob Costas during his rise and the nurturing environment she provided her children. Her role as a mother and partner helped lay the foundation for the family’s achievements.
Children’s Success
Keith and Taylor Costas have both built successful careers in sports broadcasting, a testament to the strong family support system Carole helped create. Their Sports Emmy wins highlight the lasting impact of her dedication behind the scenes.
Current Life and Public Profile
Private Lifestyle
Carole Krumenacher remains largely out of the public eye. She has no known social media presence or public-facing roles. Her life today is private, focused on family and personal interests.
Media Presence
Unlike her ex-husband, Carole has avoided media attention. Her name rarely appears in the news except in connection with Bob Costas or their children, reinforcing her preference for privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Carole Krumenacher?
She is the former wife of sportscaster Bob Costas and a former elementary school teacher.
When were Carole and Bob Costas married?
They married in 1983 and divorced in 2001.
How many children do they have?
They have two children, Keith and Taylor.
What did Carole do professionally?
She worked as an elementary school teacher before focusing on family life.
Is Carole involved in media or public events?
No, she maintains a private lifestyle without public appearances.
Did Carole remarry after her divorce?
There is no public information indicating she remarried.
Where was Carole born?
She was born in New York City.
Are her children involved in sports media?
Yes, both have careers in sports television production.
Does Carole use social media?
No, she does not have a known public social media presence.
What is Carole’s legacy?
Her legacy is the strong family she helped nurture and support during Bob Costas’s career.
Conclusion
Carole Krumenacher may not be a public figure by choice, but her quiet influence is felt deeply within her family and those close to her. Through her commitment to education, family, and privacy, she has crafted a life that supports others’ success while remaining her own person. Her story reminds us that sometimes, the most important roles are played behind the scenes.