John McCain’s Complex Marital Legacy: A Wartime Marriage to a POW and a Separate Life with a Wealthy Heiress
John McCain's marital history is a complex and often controversial topic, reflecting critical periods of his life, including his time as a prisoner of war (POW) and his divorce and remarrying a wealthy heiress. This article delves into the intricacies of his relationships and their impacts on his personal and political life.
Multiple Wives and Personal Choices
Early answers suggested multiple wives for John McCain: two named Carol and Cindy. However, recent accounts include a third wife who was a prostitute he married in Vietnam, before his first wife was involved in a disfiguring accident. In total, it appears that John McCain may have had a total of three wives.
John McCain’s divorce from his first wife, Carol, was distressing for the Reagans, whose close relationship with her was strained as a result. The senator later acknowledged his actions, attributing the marriage's collapse to his own selfishness and immaturity.
A Long-Distance Marriage in Wartime
John McCain met his first wife, Carol Shepp, at the Naval Academy in 1958. They were married in 1965 and she became a mother to McCain’s adopted sons and their daughter, Sidney. Carol was an active participant in the POW-MIA movement and dedicated herself to her children during John McCain’s time as a POW in Vietnam.
During her time as a POW, Carol McCain faced a severe car accident that left her with extensive injuries, including the loss of height and significant health issues. Her swift divorce and subsequent remarriage caused a rift in her relationship with the Reagans, who had offered significant support during her difficult times.
A New Life with Cindy Hensley
After spending time with Cindy Hensley, a young heiress to the Coors beer company fortune, while serving in the Senate, John McCain divorced Carol and married Hensley in 1980. Their marriage marked a significant shift in his personal life and relationships, reflecting his engagement with powerful individuals in the corporate and political worlds.
The relationship with Cindy Hensley was not without scandal, as it occurred during a time when Carol was still legally married to McCain. The Reagans and their circle were initially shocked and upset by McCain’s actions. Nancy Reagan described their relationship as "strained" and noted her daughter’s difficult time after the divorce.
The Impact of Divorce on Friends and Allies
McCain’s broken marriage not only affected Carol and his first family but also strained ties with the Reagans. Nancy Reagan, who was known for her warm demeanor, found themselves at a distance from McCain due to his actions. However, “Nancy remains to this day John’s biggest supporter.”
Memories and Reflections of Carol McCain
Carol McCain remains a significant figure in John McCain's life, even after his divorce. She described John as "turning 40 and wanting to be 25 again." Despite the challenges, Carol McCain has continued to share her thoughts on her life and marriage, often reflecting with a mixture of nostalgia and pain.
Conclusion
John McCain’s marital history includes multiple wives, each representing different periods in his life and contributing to the multifaceted aspects of his personal narrative. His enduring relationship with Carol McCain and his complex marriage to Cindy Hensley highlight the choices one must make during times of war and prosperity, and the impact these choices have on personal and political life.