The love story between Rhett Hartzog and Andie MacDowell is one of those Hollywood tales that mixes romance, fate, and heartbreak. For many fans, their short marriage became a headline because it connected a private businessman with a world-famous actress. Their journey shows how love can return after years apart, but also how even deep bonds may not survive. This article explores the life of Rhett Hartzog, his relationship with Andie MacDowell, and what happened after their union ended.
Quick Bio Table of Rhett Hartzog
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rhett DeCamp Hartzog |
| Known For | Jewelry businessman, ex-husband of Andie MacDowell |
| Birthplace | Reported as Houston, Texas (some sources say Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Gaffney High School, South Carolina |
| Relationship to Andie | High school classmate, later second husband |
| Marriage Date | November 10, 2001 |
| Wedding Location | Asheville, North Carolina |
| Number of Guests | Around 450 |
| Divorce Year | 2004 |
| Profession | Jewelry entrepreneur |
| Public Recognition | Best known for his marriage to Andie MacDowell |
| Current Status | Lives privately, away from media spotlight |
Who is Rhett Hartzog
Rhett Hartzog is not a celebrity actor or musician, but a businessman who built his career in jewelry retail. Born and raised in the United States, his exact early details remain less public than those of Hollywood stars. What is clear is that he lived for many years in Atlanta, Georgia, where he became known for running a jewelry business. His quiet lifestyle kept him far from gossip columns until his connection with Andie MacDowell.
Early Connection with Andie MacDowell
Both Rhett Hartzog and Andie MacDowell grew up in Gaffney, South Carolina. They were classmates at Gaffney High School, though their teenage paths did not lead to romance then. Reports suggest that Rhett Hartzog admired her from afar during school days. It was not until much later, when Andie’s sister reconnected them in 1999, that the two finally began to date. Their story quickly captured the public’s imagination because it felt like a “small-town boy finds love with Hollywood star” kind of tale.
The Proposal and Wedding
After rekindling their connection, Rhett Hartzog proposed to Andie MacDowell, and she accepted. Their wedding took place on November 10, 2001, in Asheville, North Carolina. It was a grand ceremony with about 450 guests at Central United Methodist Church, followed by a reception at the Biltmore Forest Country Club. The actress’s three children from her first marriage also attended. Media at the time highlighted the event as a fairy-tale union between a jewelry entrepreneur and one of Hollywood’s most graceful stars.
Life as a Married Couple
During the marriage, the press often reminded fans of their “high school classmates turned spouses” backstory. Rhett Hartzog seemed comfortable staying in the background while Andie MacDowell continued her career in films like “Crush” (2001) and “Beauty Shop” (2005). Their home life was kept private, and both avoided constant media attention. Still, every appearance together drew headlines, because the world was curious about this businessman who had won the heart of a global star.
The End of the Marriage
In October 2004, after less than three years together, Andie MacDowell filed for divorce from Rhett Hartzog. News outlets described it as a “painful and private” time. No detailed reason was given, and both remained respectful in public statements. For fans, it was a shock because the story seemed destined for a long happily-ever-after. The divorce proved that even relationships built on long history and affection can face struggles beyond what the public sees.
Andie MacDowell’s Marriages
To understand the place of Rhett Hartzog in her life, it helps to look at the wider story of Andie MacDowell marriages. She first married Paul Qualley in 1986, a former model and rancher. The couple had three children: Justin, Rainey, and Margaret. They stayed together for 13 years before divorcing in 1999. Soon after, she dated actor Dennis Quaid briefly, before marrying Rhett Hartzog in 2001. The second marriage lasted only three years, ending in 2004.
Who Was Andie MacDowell Married To
For readers asking who was Andie MacDowell married to, the answer is two men. First, Paul Qualley, who shared her life during her big Hollywood rise in the 1980s and 1990s. Second, Rhett Hartzog, who re-entered her world thanks to her sister and gave her a new chapter in love. These two marriages show different sides of her journey one as a young actress building a family, the other as a mature woman revisiting a high school connection.
Who is Andie MacDowell Married To Now
Fans also ask who is Andie MacDowell married to now. The answer is that as of 2025, she is not married. She enjoys life as a single woman and has spoken about embracing her age and independence. Living back in South Carolina, she spends time with her children and continues her work in both film and fashion. Appearances at events and interviews show her happy and active, proving that her personal journey continues even without a current spouse.
Career Highlights During the Marriage
When Rhett Hartzog and Andie MacDowell were married, her career was still in full swing. She was already famous for roles in “Four Weddings and a Funeral” (1994), “Groundhog Day” (1993), and “Green Card” (1990). Her grace, southern charm, and beauty made her a star who balanced family life with Hollywood work. Rhett Hartzog appeared occasionally by her side at premieres, showing a supportive role. Though he was not a film star, his presence in her life placed him in the spotlight during those years.
Public Reactions and Media Interest
The marriage of Rhett Hartzog to Andie MacDowell drew big interest because it showed how a private businessman could step into Hollywood’s world. Media often played up the “ordinary man marries actress” angle. For fans, it gave hope that true love could cross social circles. After the divorce, press coverage softened, focusing more on Andie’s career and less on Rhett Hartzog, who returned to private life.
What Happened to Rhett Hartzog After Divorce
After the marriage ended, Rhett Hartzog kept a low profile. Unlike actors or musicians, he did not seek new fame. Reports still describe him as a jewelry businessman based in Atlanta, but he rarely appears in media. His decision to step back shows his nature as a private man who never chased celebrity. Today, he remains best known as the second husband of Andie MacDowell, though his career stands apart in its own world.
Why the Story Still Matters
The tale of Rhett Hartzog and Andie MacDowell is remembered because it blends romance, fate, and human struggle. They were high school classmates who found each other again, married in a grand celebration, and then parted ways quietly. For many, it serves as a reminder that love stories can be powerful even if they do not last forever. It also highlights how public figures and private people navigate marriage under the spotlight.
Timeline of Their Relationship
- High school classmates at Gaffney High School
- Reconnected in 1999 through Andie’s sister
- Married on November 10, 2001 in Asheville, NC
- Divorce filed in October 2004
- Andie MacDowell continues single life in 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is Rhett Hartzog?
Rhett Hartzog is an American businessman known for his jewelry trade and for being the second husband of actress Andie MacDowell.
Q2. When did Rhett Hartzog and Andie MacDowell marry?
They married on November 10, 2001, in Asheville, North Carolina, in a ceremony with about 450 guests.
Q3. Why did Rhett Hartzog and Andie MacDowell divorce?
Their marriage ended in 2004 after less than three years. The couple never gave specific reasons, calling it a “private matter.”
Q4. Who was Andie MacDowell married to before Rhett Hartzog?
She was first married to Paul Qualley from 1986 to 1999, with whom she had three children.
Q5. Who is Andie MacDowell married to now?
As of 2025, Andie MacDowell is not married and enjoys single life in South Carolina while continuing her acting career.
Final Thoughts
Rhett Hartzog may not have stayed long in the Hollywood spotlight, but his role in Andie MacDowell’s life is unforgettable. Their story shows how love can return after many years, how marriage can shine brightly, and how endings do not erase the value of what came before. For fans curious about Andie MacDowell marriages, the answer is simple: she has been married twice, once to Paul Qualley and once to Rhett Hartzog. Today, she is not married, but she remains admired as an actress, mother, and woman who lived fully.
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