If you’ve spent any time watching daytime TV over the last twenty years, you know the vibe. Judge Greg Mathis isn't just a guy in a robe. He’s the Detroit-raised, tough-love icon who went from a jail cell to the bench. But even the best judges can lose control of their own courtroom—especially when that courtroom is a 39-year marriage.
In late 2024, the news hit like a ton of bricks. Linda Reese Mathis, Greg’s wife since 1985, filed for divorce. People were floored. After nearly four decades and four kids, it looked like one of Hollywood’s most stable couples was done. Honestly, for a minute there, it really was.
The Shocking Split of Judge Mathis and His Wife
The filing happened on August 22, 2024. Linda cited "irreconcilable differences." She listed their official separation date as July 17. For the public, it was a "wait, what?" moment. They had just done a reality show together, Mathis Family Matters, where they looked like goals.
But behind the scenes? Things were rocky. Greg was honest about it afterward. He admitted he had "neglected" his wife. Not because of another woman—he shut those rumors down fast—but because of work. He was always gone. He was always "the Judge." He wasn't being the husband Linda needed.
Linda’s perspective was pretty clear when she finally spoke out on The Tamron Hall Show in late 2025. She said she reached a point where she just needed to "take care of me." After 39 years of supporting his massive career, she felt lost in the shuffle. She wasn't angry; she was just done.
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A Summer of "Overtime"
Greg Mathis didn't just accept the papers and move on. He went on what he called a "mission" to win her back. He told TMZ at the time that he was in the "doghouse" and intended to stay there until he earned his way out.
He compared the feeling of losing her to the pain of losing his mother. That’s heavy.
To save the marriage, Greg had to actually change. He started staying home. He stopped taking every speaking gig. He practiced what he preached on TV about accountability. He basically had to "court" his own wife again.
How They Saved the Marriage in 2025
By November 2024, the "divorce" was effectively dead in the water. They were spotted together, looking happy, and Greg confirmed they were reconciling. But the real work happened throughout 2025.
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They didn't just go back to the way things were. They "learned each other again," as Linda put it. They did the therapy. They did the hard conversations. In July 2025, fans saw them kissing in New York City. A few months later, Greg was posting videos of himself serenading her at karaoke.
The Mathises by the Numbers
Instead of a boring list of facts, let’s look at the actual foundation of this family. Greg and Linda met at Eastern Michigan University. They got married in June 1985.
Together, they raised four successful kids:
- Jade Mathis: The oldest, who followed her dad into law and became a prosecutor.
- Camara Mathis: Also an attorney, focusing on the entertainment world.
- Greg Mathis Jr.: An actor and producer who’s been very vocal about his own journey and supporting his parents.
- Amir Mathis: A producer who was actually the "brains" behind their reality show.
Having four adult children meant there were no custody battles to worry about during the split, but the emotional toll on the family was still massive. Greg Jr. later admitted that the "media whirlwind" was a lot to handle, but seeing his parents work through it was a relief.
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What We Can Learn From the Mathis Reconciliation
Most celebrity divorces end in a generic "we remain friends" statement and a lot of lawyer fees. This one was different. It was a rare public look at a long-term marriage hitting a wall and actually bouncing back.
Greg Mathis has been using his platform recently to talk about "Black Love" and why it’s worth fighting for. He’s been calling himself a "cautionary tale" for other men. His big takeaway? Don't let your success come at the expense of your partner’s presence.
As of early 2026, the couple is still going strong. They even appeared together for a network taping of Greg's stage play, Don't Judge Me, in January 2026. It seems the "Judge" finally learned that the most important verdict isn't the one he delivers from the bench, but the one his wife gives him every morning.
Next Steps for You:
If you're interested in more than just the gossip, take a page from Greg's book on accountability. Whether it's a marriage or a friendship, check in on your "neglect" levels before someone has to file paperwork to get your attention. You can also follow their family's journey on social media to see how they're navigating their "re-learned" marriage in real-time.