Who Was Matt Keough? Meet Jeana Keough's Late Ex-Husband Amid Her Tongue Cancer Diagnosis
'Real Housewives of Orange County' alum, Jeana Keough's daughter, Kara, recently revealed that her mother was diagnosed with tongue cancer some time ago.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleFormer The Real Housewives of Orange County star Jeana Keough is getting major support from the internet users after her family revealed her tongue cancer diagnosis. Jeana was part of the show for its first five seasons and made a special place in fans' hearts as the OG cast member. Meanwhile, fans are looking back at the life of her late ex-husband, Matt Keough, whose career and marriage to Jeana were a major plot in the show.
Who was Jeana Keough's ex-husband, Matt Keough?
Matt Keough was a former Major League Baseball pitcher, coach, and executive. He was born in a well-known Baseball family. In turn, he followed in the footsteps of his father, Marty Keough, and uncle, Joe Keough, who both had significant stints in the major leagues.
Matt started his MLB career in 1977 and spent nine seasons in professional Baseball. He was best known for playing with the Oakland Athletics, where he earned an American League All-Star selection during his debut season in 1978.
Eventually, after a difficult 1979 campaign, he made an impressive comeback. In turn, he was named the American League Comeback Player of the Year in 1980.
Later, Matt also played for the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, and Houston Astros. After his retirement, Matt stayed involved in the sport as a coach, scout, and front-office executive with the Oakland Athletics. In fact, the former MLB Pitcher reached new audiences through his stint on The Real Housewives of Orange County. He featured in the show with Jeana during the initial season.
Matt and Jeana Keough's marriage and separation
Matt and Jeana tied the knot in 1984. Eventually, they welcomed three children, Shane, Kara, and Colton. Soon, their family becomes the focus throughout the first five seasons of The Real Housewives of Orange County, where viewers see their personal and marital struggles.
Although Matt filed for legal separation in 2004, before the show started, he continued to live with Jeana for several years due to their complex bond. Eventually, they finalized their divorce after 15 years in 2019.
Jeana had earlier mentioned that Matt suffered a serious head injury during a 1992 spiring training game that changed his personality. For those unaware, he was stuck in the head by a foul ball while he was sitting in the dugout. In turn, he underwent a major surgery for a brain injury and a blood clot, according to Jeana and their kids. The accident strained their marriage.
Later, just months after their divorce was finalized, Matt died on May 1, 2020, at the age of 64. Jeana confirmed that he died from a pulmonary embolism.
Jeana Keough is fighting a severe cancer battle
After keeping it under wraps for months, Jeana's daughter, Kara Keough, revealed that the former reality star was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
According to Kara, Jeana initially believed that she had a painful sore on her tongue caused by a tooth rubbing against it. In turn, she even visited her dentist multiple times. However, after the sore failed to heal for nearly a year, a biopsy confirmed that she had cancer.
Since then, Jeana has undergone two surgeries. One was to remove the tumor, and the other was to remove the lymph nodes. But doctors later found that her cancer had spread. So, they had to go for an intensive treatment plan with chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.
Kara explained that the treatments have left hr mother exhausted. She is struggling to eat due to severe pain in her tongue and throat. Kara also mentioned that Jeana had been unable to continue her commission-based job during the treatment. Therefore, they had to start a GoFundMe to help cover her expenses, nutritional needs, and extra support during her recovery.
We wish Jeana Keough, a speedy recovery.
Pic credits: kara Keough/ Instagram
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