Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries’ whirlwind romance and 72-day marriage dominated headlines in 2011. Their lavish wedding was watched by more than 10 million viewers and became one of the year’s biggest pop culture moments. But more than a decade later, Humphries has chosen a life far removed from Hollywood fame.The former NBA player, who was once thrust into the global spotlight through Keeping Up with the Kardashians, now lives a relatively private life in Minnesota, where he has focused on building a business empire in the fast-food industry.
From reality TV fame to a quiet life in Minnesota
Humphries and Kardashian began dating in late 2010 before tying the knot in a lavish ceremony in August 2011. Their four-hour televised wedding special attracted millions of viewers, but the marriage lasted just 72 days before Kim filed for divorce.What followed was an 18-month legal battle, with Humphries seeking an annulment on the grounds of fraud while Kardashian pursued a divorce. The pair officially settled the case in June 2013, just days before Kim welcomed her first child, North West, with then-boyfriend Kanye West.Following the split, Humphries largely disappeared from the entertainment spotlight.
Kris Humphries now runs Dave’s Hot Chicken franchises
After retiring from professional basketball, Humphries shifted his attention to business. He is now an investor and franchise owner of several Dave’s Hot Chicken outlets across Minnesota.Unlike his former life surrounded by red carpets and celebrity events, Humphries has embraced a hands-on role in the business. His social media frequently features updates from inside the restaurants, including menu tastings, store visits and interactions with customers.He has also expanded the family’s involvement in the restaurant industry, with relatives operating other food franchises, including Five Guys and Crisp & Green locations.
Why he chose to leave the spotlight
Humphries has rarely spoken publicly about his marriage to Kardashian or his decision to step away from fame. However, after retiring from basketball, he admitted he intentionally wanted a quieter life.“Since I’ve stepped away from the game, I’m trying to stay under the radar and work on a new phase of my life,” he said. “I’ve been developing some business ventures.”Announcing the launch of Dave’s Hot Chicken in Minnesota, he added, “Super excited to bring Dave’s Hot Chicken to Minnesota with my family. This is the best chicken ever! Get ready Minnesota.”
Kim Kardashian later admitted she regretted how the marriage ended
While Humphries has largely stayed silent about the relationship, Kardashian has reflected on the marriage several times over the years.During the final season of Keeping Up with the Kardashians in 2021, she admitted she felt pressured to go through with the wedding despite having doubts.“I thought, ‘Okay, we’re filming this for a TV show. If I leave, I’m going to be known as the runaway bride forever,'” she said.Kardashian also revealed that she spent both her and Humphries’ television earnings from the wedding special to create the lavish ceremony she had always dreamed of.Following the divorce, Kardashian admitted she handled the breakup poorly and said she had tried reaching out to Humphries to apologise.“Absolutely [I owe an apology], and I tried to. I tried calling him for months,” she said.
A very different life today
While several former members of the Kardashian family’s inner circle have continued making headlines, Humphries has remained largely out of public view.Today, instead of living the celebrity lifestyle that once came with being married to one of the world’s biggest reality stars, the former NBA player spends his time growing his restaurant business in Minnesota, a life that is worlds apart from the Hollywood spotlight he briefly experienced.
