John Daly Wife: Marriage History, Current Partner, and Personal Life

When fans search for John Daly’s wife, they’re not just looking for a name—they’re diving into one of the most dramatic, talked-about personal histories in professional golf. John Daly, known equally for his powerful drives and colorful lifestyle, has lived a life filled with triumph, controversy, resilience, and reinvention. His marital history alone spans four marriages, several public scandals, and ongoing questions about his romantic life today. While Daly’s professional achievements have solidified his legacy, his relationships tell another story—one that mirrors the emotional struggles and unpredictable highs and lows that have defined him. This article takes a deeper look at Daly’s past wives, his current partner, and the complex personal journey behind the golf icon.

Who Is John Daly? A Brief Introduction

John Daly was born on April 28, 1966, in Carmichael, California, and grew up to become one of the most recognizable figures in golf history. Known as “Long John” for his extraordinary distance off the tee, Daly burst onto the PGA Tour scene in 1991 with an unexpected victory at the PGA Championship after entering as the ninth alternate. His fearless gameplay, charisma, and underdog story turned him into a fan favorite overnight.

Beyond his athletic ability, Daly became widely known for his rebellious spirit. He smoked, drank, gambled, wore bright clothing, and lived life on his own terms—all while defying expectations on the course. His authenticity made him popular, but his personal life soon became just as public as his golf career. Daly’s romantic history, marked by multiple marriages and tabloid headlines, remains a major point of curiosity.

Does John Daly Currently Have a Wife?

At present, John Daly does not have a wife. Although he has been married four times, he has not remarried since his fourth marriage ended. Instead, Daly has been in a long-term relationship with Anna Cladakis, who has been a stable and supportive presence in his life for more than a decade.

Anna is not his wife, but she is widely recognized as the woman who has helped Daly maintain stability in both his personal and professional life. Because the couple appears together frequently at tournaments and charity events, many fans mistakenly assume she is his wife. However, as of now, the pair remains unmarried but committed.

John Daly’s Marriage History

John Daly’s journey through marriage reflects the same emotional intensity and volatility that characterize his golfing career. He has been married and divorced four times, with each relationship reflecting different parts of his life—his early struggles, rising fame, personal battles, and eventual search for stability.

His marriages, often turbulent and highly publicized, involved financial challenges, legal disputes, emotional turmoil, and moments of happiness. Understanding Daly’s marital past helps illuminate the complexities of his character and the pressures that accompanied his fame.

First Marriage: Dale Crafton

John Daly’s first marriage was to Dale Crafton, a hand model from Arkansas. They met while Daly was still a young golfer trying to find his place in the sport. The couple married in 1987, long before Daly became a household name.

Their relationship, however, was strained from the beginning. Dale enjoyed a lifestyle rooted in social events and structured routines, while Daly preferred freedom, independence, and an unfiltered approach to life. After Daly began traveling frequently for golf, the distance between them only grew.

The marriage ended in 1990. Daly later described this relationship as one in which they were simply too different to build a long-term life together.

Second Marriage: Bettye Fulford

Shortly after his first divorce, Daly married Bettye Fulford in 1992. This marriage quickly became the subject of national headlines. During their brief relationship, Daly was accused of assaulting Bettye, though the charges were later dropped. The incident overshadowed Daly’s early rise in the golfing world and sparked widespread discussion about his temper and emotional struggles.

Bettye and Daly had a daughter named Shynah Hale, born in 1992. Despite their efforts to reconcile, the couple ultimately divorced in 1995. Their relationship remains one of the most turbulent chapters in Daly’s personal history.

Third Marriage: Paulette Dean

Daly’s third marriage was to Paulette Dean, a model from Georgia. They married in 1995 and welcomed their daughter Sierra Lynn in 1995. For a time, this relationship appeared to bring Daly stability. However, his ongoing battles with drinking, gambling, and emotional stress strained the marriage.

By 1999, Daly and Dean divorced. Although their split was less dramatic than his previous breakup, it still reflected the broader issues that Daly struggled with during his peak years—pressure, fame, and addiction.

Despite the marriage ending, Daly has remained committed to being present in his children’s lives and continues to maintain a relationship with Sierra.

Fourth Marriage: Sherrie Miller

John Daly’s fourth marriage was to Sherrie Miller, and it may be the most infamous of all. The couple married in 2001 and had a son named John Daly II in 2003. Known as “Little John,” he has followed in his father’s footsteps as a talented golfer, already earning recognition in junior tournaments.

The marriage, however, was troubled almost from the beginning. In 2007, Daly accused Sherrie of attacking him with a steak knife, and she later faced charges related to money laundering in connection with an illegal gambling operation. Daly claimed she assaulted him physically, while Sherrie accused him of exaggerating public stories for sympathy. Their relationship became a legal and emotional battleground that played out in the press.

The couple divorced in 2010, ending one of Daly’s most chaotic personal chapters.

Daly’s Current Relationship and Life Today

In the years following his fourth divorce, John Daly eventually found stability with Anna Cladakis, a former Hooters marketing executive. Anna has accompanied Daly on tour, helped manage his business ventures, and supported his health battles, including his fight against bladder cancer.

Their relationship is notably calmer and more grounded than Daly’s previous marriages. Anna’s steady presence has been credited with helping Daly maintain healthier habits and a more structured lifestyle. She manages aspects of his merchandise business, assists in organizing events, and shares a passion for charitable work with him.

Although they are not married, Daly often speaks warmly about Anna, praising her loyalty and the positive influence she has had on his life. Many fans consider her his true partner, regardless of marital status.