Ken Mattingly’s Wife: Learn more about Ken’s life partner of the celebrated astronaut, Elizabeth Dailey, after he tragically passed away on October 31, 2023.
Ken Mattingly, the legendary astronaut who played a vital role in the Apollo 13 mission and later flew to the moon on Apollo 16, died on October 31, 2023 at the age of 87.
He was one of only 24 people to ever visit the lunar surface and one of only two to also fly in the Space Shuttle. He was a hero, a pioneer and an inspiration to many.
But behind every great man stands a great woman. In this case, that woman was Elizabeth Dailey, Mattingly’s wife of 53 years.
She was his partner, his support and a trusted person. She shared his joys and sorrows, his victories and challenges, his dreams and achievements.
Who was Elizabeth Dailey? How did she meet Ken Mattingly? How was their life together?
In this article, we will explore those questions and pay tribute to the woman who stood by one of America’s most famous astronauts.
Ken Mattingly’s Wife: Who Was Elizabeth Dailey?
Elizabeth Dailey was born in Hollywood, California in the mid-1940s. She grew up in a family that loved movies and music, and developed a passion for both.
She attended UCLA, where she majored in English literature and minored in theater. She was a talented actress and singer, and during her studies she played in several plays and musicals.
She met Ken Mattingly in 1969 when he was training for the Apollo 13 mission as a command module pilot.
They met through a mutual friend at a party in Houston, where Mattingly was stationed at the Johnson Space Center. They immediately connected and soon started dating.
They married in June 1970, just two months after Apollo 13’s dramatic return to Earth.
Mattingly was originally assigned to fly that mission, but was exposed to German measles and replaced by Jack Swigert at the last minute.
He later joked that he married Elizabeth because she was immune to measles. Elizabeth supported Ken’s career as an astronaut, even though it meant long periods of separation and constant worry.
She moved with him to Florida, where he trained for Apollo 16, his first lunar mission. She watched him take off on April 16, 1972 and anxiously awaited his safe return 11 days later.
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She was proud of his accomplishments, but she also appreciated his humility and kindness. She once said he was “the most down-to-earth person I know.” She also said that he had a great sense of humor and love for life.
Ken Mattingly & Elizabeth Dailey Children: Son Thomas Kenneth Mattingly III
Elizabeth and Ken had one child, a son named Thomas Kenneth Mattingly III. He was born in 1972, just two months after Ken’s historic moon landing.
He inherited his his father’s interest in science and engineering, and he graduated from MIT with a degree in aerospace engineering.
He followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Navy as an aviator. He flew the F/A-18 Hornet on several missions around the world.
He later became a test pilot and instructor at Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland.
He married Jennifer Lee in 1998 and they have two children: Thomas Kenneth Mattingly IV and Katherine Elizabeth Mattingly. They live in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Thomas said his father was his role model and mentor and taught him everything he knew about flying.
He also said that his mother is his best friend and cheerleader and that she always encouraged him to follow his dreams.
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Thomas said both of his parents were loving and supportive of each other and their family. He said they had a strong marriage based on mutual respect and admiration.
He also said he will miss them both greatly, but will always remember their legacy of courage, excellence and compassion.