Marguerite Whitley, known to many as the first wife of former NFL star and actor O.J. Simpson, has lived much of her adult life away from public attention. Although her name frequently resurfaces in connection with Simpson’s past, particularly during media coverage of his infamous trials, many people are unaware of her own story. As of 2025, questions continue to circulate: Is Marguerite Whitley still alive? What happened to her after her high-profile marriage ended? How has she lived in the decades since?
In this detailed article, we explore Marguerite Whitley’s current life status, her background, the media attention surrounding her, and how she built a quiet life after one of the most publicized divorces in American celebrity history.
Who Is Marguerite Whitley?
Marguerite L. Whitley is best known as the first wife of O.J. Simpson, a former professional football player, actor, and media figure. The couple met while still in high school and married on June 24, 1967. At the time, Simpson was a rising star in college football, eventually becoming a Heisman Trophy winner and an NFL icon.
Whitley played a pivotal role in Simpson’s early life and supported him during the formative years of his professional career. The couple had three children together:
- Arnelle Simpson (born 1968)
- Jason Simpson (born 1970)
- Aaren Simpson (born 1977, died 1979 in a tragic accident)
Their marriage lasted until 1979, when the couple divorced due to personal differences, reportedly tied to Simpson’s increasing fame and infidelities.
Is Marguerite Whitley Still Alive in 2025?
Yes, Marguerite Whitley is still alive as of 2025.
Despite the constant public interest in her former husband, Marguerite has intentionally avoided media exposure. She lives a quiet and private life, far removed from the chaos and controversies that have long surrounded O.J. Simpson. There have been no credible reports of health issues or passing, and all available public records confirm her life status.
Her decision to remain outside the spotlight has helped preserve her privacy, which she has consistently valued since her separation from O.J. Simpson over four decades ago.
Life After Divorce from O.J. Simpson
Marguerite Whitley’s divorce from Simpson marked a significant turning point in her life. At the time, Simpson was transitioning from professional football into Hollywood acting and commercial endorsements, a shift that brought him immense fame. Marguerite, however, chose a different path.
Following the divorce, she focused on raising her children and building a more private, stable environment. Her daughter Arnelle has occasionally spoken publicly, often supporting her father during his trials, but Marguerite herself has remained silent and unseen in the public domain.
It is believed that she remarried in the 1980s, although details about her new partner and family life remain scarce. Her deliberate absence from media and public events is evidence of her desire to separate herself from the Simpson legacy and preserve her own identity.
The Death of Aaren Simpson: A Tragic Loss
One of the most tragic moments in Marguerite Whitley’s life was the loss of her youngest child, Aaren Simpson. Aaren tragically drowned in the family pool shortly before her second birthday in 1979.
This heartbreaking incident occurred just months before Marguerite and O.J. finalized their divorce. The death of a child is unimaginable, and the tragedy reportedly took a heavy emotional toll on Marguerite. After Aaren’s passing, she receded further from the public eye and began focusing entirely on her remaining children and personal healing.
The event is seldom discussed publicly, but it remains a defining moment in Marguerite’s journey and a source of continued empathy from those who know her story.
Marguerite Whitley’s Public Image
While O.J. Simpson has been a constant subject of media attention—from his Hall of Fame football career to his highly publicized trials—Marguerite Whitley’s image has always been markedly different.
She has never sought celebrity status, media attention, or public recognition. In fact, her refusal to engage with the press or capitalize on her association with Simpson has garnered a degree of quiet respect. In a media landscape often dominated by sensationalism, Marguerite’s decision to remain private has helped maintain her dignity.
There are no known interviews, book deals, or television appearances featuring her perspective, even during the height of O.J. Simpson’s criminal and civil trials in the 1990s and 2000s.
Relationship with O.J. Simpson After Divorce
After their divorce, Marguerite Whitley reportedly maintained a minimal relationship with O.J. Simpson, primarily focused on co-parenting their two surviving children, Arnelle and Jason. During Simpson’s legal battles in the 1990s and his later imprisonment (2008–2017), Marguerite did not appear in court or participate in any public support or condemnation.
This neutral stance is consistent with her lifelong approach of staying away from media narratives. It is believed she maintained contact with her children throughout these events but chose not to involve herself directly in Simpson’s public drama.
Today, her children are adults, and they manage their relationships with their father independently. Marguerite continues to live privately, with no confirmed information about her involvement in current family dynamics.
The Importance of Privacy in Her Legacy
Marguerite Whitley’s story is a powerful example of choosing privacy and peace over fame and attention. In an era where many associated with celebrities often seek the limelight, her choice to live quietly sets her apart.
Her refusal to engage with gossip, media speculation, or capitalize on O.J. Simpson’s notoriety reflects a desire for dignity, healing, and personal freedom. Her quiet resilience has allowed her to maintain her life and identity outside the shadow of her ex-husband’s fame and controversies.
This stance has made her somewhat of a mystery to the public, but also a figure of quiet strength to those who understand her background.
Marguerite Whitley in Modern Discussions
Marguerite Whitley is still referenced in modern documentaries, articles, and biographies about O.J. Simpson, especially when detailing his early life and personal relationships. However, these mentions are usually brief, and always limited to her role as Simpson’s first wife and the mother of his children.
She has never responded publicly to any portrayals of her in books or documentaries. Her children, especially Arnelle, have occasionally spoken on behalf of the family, but even they tend to avoid discussing Marguerite in detail—further underscoring her commitment to privacy.
As true crime stories and retrospective documentaries gain popularity, Marguerite’s name may continue to surface, but her legacy remains rooted in silence, strength, and separation from the narrative that has long followed her ex-husband.
FAQs
Is Marguerite Whitley still alive in 2025?
Yes, Marguerite Whitley is alive as of 2025. There are no credible reports indicating otherwise, and she continues to live a private life away from public attention.
Who is Marguerite Whitley?
Marguerite Whitley is the first wife of O.J. Simpson. They were married from 1967 to 1979 and had three children together. She is the mother of Arnelle and Jason Simpson.
What happened to Marguerite Whitley after divorcing O.J. Simpson?
After their divorce, she withdrew from public life, focused on raising her children, and later remarried. She has intentionally stayed out of the media and maintained a private lifestyle.
Did Marguerite Whitley ever speak publicly about O.J. Simpson’s trials?
No, Marguerite Whitley has never spoken publicly about any of O.J. Simpson’s legal troubles. She remained silent during the criminal and civil trials and continues to avoid media appearances.
What happened to her child Aaren Simpson?
Aaren Simpson, Marguerite’s youngest child, died in a tragic drowning accident in 1979 shortly before her second birthday. The incident occurred shortly before Marguerite and O.J.’s divorce was finalized.
Conclusion
Marguerite Whitley is alive and well, living on her own terms far from the spotlight that has followed her ex-husband for decades. Her story is one of quiet endurance, dignified privacy, and unwavering strength in the face of personal tragedy and national scrutiny.
While her name remains linked to one of the most infamous public figures of the late 20th century, Marguerite Whitley has carved out a legacy of her own—not in headlines, but in resilience. Her choice to walk away from the spotlight is a powerful reminder that not every story needs a stage to be meaningful.