Don Johnson is a name that instantly brings back images of white linen suits, Ferraris, and the peak of 80s cool. But while his character Sonny Crockett was always chasing the next bad guy, the real-life Don Johnson spent a long time chasing "the one." If you're wondering who is actor don johnson married to right now, the answer isn't a fellow Hollywood starlet or a tabloid regular.
It is Kelley Phleger.
She isn't an actress. She isn't a singer. Honestly, she’s the woman who managed to tame one of Hollywood's most notorious wild spirits. They’ve been together for over a quarter of a century, which in Hollywood years is basically an eternity.
The Woman Who Changed Everything: Meet Kelley Phleger
Kelley Phleger was a schoolteacher when she met the Miami Vice icon. Specifically, she worked at a Montessori nursery school in California. Talk about a contrast. You have the guy who defined "bad boy" style for a generation falling for a woman who spent her days teaching toddlers.
But Kelley wasn't just anyone. She came from a pretty prominent San Francisco family. Her father, the late Atherton Macondray Phleger, was a well-known attorney. Before she met Don, she was actually linked to Gavin Newsom—yeah, the Governor of California.
✨ Don't miss: The Billy Bob Tattoo: What Angelina Jolie Taught Us About Inking Your Ex
They met in the mid-90s at a birthday party for Willie Brown, who was the mayor of San Francisco at the time. Apparently, the spark was instant. Don has gone on record saying that the minute he saw her, he just knew. Producer Jo Schuman Silver once told People that Don walked right up and said he was going to marry her. He wasn't kidding. They started dating in 1997, and by April 29, 1999, they were exchanging vows in a high-society wedding at the Getty mansion in Pacific Heights.
Why This Marriage Stuck When the Others Didn't
If you follow celebrity history, you know Don's track record wasn't exactly "stable" before Kelley. He was married to Melanie Griffith. Twice. He had a long-term relationship with Patti D’Arbanville. There were two other marriages in his early twenties that were annulled.
So, what changed?
Don has been pretty open about his past struggles with drugs and alcohol. He hit a point where he needed a shift. He credits a lot of his stability to his faith and, frankly, to Kelley’s temperament. He often calls her a "saint."
🔗 Read more: Birth Date of Pope Francis: Why Dec 17 Still Matters for the Church
In a 2023 interview with Parade, Don mentioned a piece of advice he got from none other than Bob Dylan. Dylan told him that love is basically about kindness, trust, and respect. Don says Kelley is the embodiment of those three things. It’s not just about the red carpet glamour; it’s about having a partner who is also a best friend.
The Johnson-Phleger Family Tree
Since tying the knot, the couple has welcomed three children. They aren't as constantly in the spotlight as their half-sister Dakota Johnson, but they're making their own waves:
- Atherton Grace Johnson: Born in 1999, she goes by Grace and has made a name for herself as a model, even walking for Gucci.
- Jasper Breckenridge Johnson: Born in 2002, he’s stayed mostly out of the Hollywood fray, focusing on sports and business.
- Deacon James Johnson: The youngest, born in 2006 on the couple’s seventh wedding anniversary.
The coolest part? This isn't one of those fractured "step-family" situations you see in the tabloids. Kelley is reportedly very close with Don’s older kids, Jesse (with Patti D’Arbanville) and Dakota. At Don's recent 75th birthday party in December 2025, the whole crew was there together. Melanie Griffith even maintains a friendly relationship with the family.
Is Don Johnson Still Married to Kelley Phleger in 2026?
Yes. Absolutely.
💡 You might also like: Kanye West Black Head Mask: Why Ye Stopped Showing His Face
In early 2026, the couple is still going strong. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary (the silver one!) in 2024 with a massive party where Don reportedly bought her "several different blings."
He’s currently starring in the medical drama Doctor Odyssey, and even with a busy filming schedule, he’s often seen with Kelley at premieres. They’ve traded the chaotic L.A. scene for a more grounded life in Santa Barbara. It’s a quieter existence, focusing on their kids and their long-term bond.
What This Means for the Legacy of Don Johnson
For years, Don was the poster child for the "troubled star." His marriage to Kelley Phleger changed that narrative. It’s a classic story of redemption through the right partnership.
If you're looking for lessons from their relationship, it’s probably this:
- Timing matters: Don had to go through his "wild" phase to appreciate the stability Kelley offered.
- Mutual Respect: As he mentioned, the "Dylan advice" of trust and kindness is the foundation.
- Privacy works: Unlike his previous high-profile romances, Don and Kelley keep their private life relatively shielded from the paparazzi.
Don Johnson's journey from the neon lights of Miami to a 25-year marriage in Santa Barbara is one of Hollywood's rare success stories. It turns out the guy who played the ultimate bachelor just needed the right "saint" to help him settle down.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to keep up with the couple today, you should follow Don Johnson's official Instagram, where he frequently shares "appreciation posts" for Kelley and photos from their family gatherings. You can also see Grace Johnson's modeling work in major fashion campaigns to see how the next generation is carrying on the family name. For those interested in his current work, check out Doctor Odyssey on ABC/Hulu to see Don back in his element on the small screen.