Cullman Mercury
Cullman Mercury
min read · July 9, 2025 · Entertainment

Ryan Lochte's New Flame: Romance Sparks Amid Divorce Drama

Ryan Lochte looked besotted with new girlfriend Molly Gillihan during a date to the movie theaters on Monday, exclusive Daily Mail photos show

LOCHTE'S LOVE LIFE HEATS UP AS HE KISSES NEW FLAME MOLLY IN STEAMY PDA SESSION

It's official, folks! Ryan Lochte has moved on from his estranged wife Kayla Rae Reid and is now smitten with kindergarten teacher Molly Gillihan. The 40-year-old Olympic swimmer was spotted sharing a passionate kiss with the 37-year-old blonde beauty outside a movie theater in Gainesville, Florida.

This new development comes just weeks after Lochte's divorce from Kayla was announced, leaving fans wondering what's next for the former couple and their three young children. But it seems like Ryan is ready to move on and start fresh with Molly, who has already stolen his heart.

The two did not shy away from packing on the PDA as they shared a steamy smooch outside the theater in Gainesville, Florida

According to eyewitnesses, the lovebirds couldn't keep their hands off each other as they watched Brad Pitt's new F1 film at a local theater. They shared popcorn and candy before snuggling up together for the movie, leaving onlookers wondering if this is the real deal or just a publicity stunt.

In an exclusive interview with TheScholarlyNote.com, Ryan gushed about his newfound love life: "I cried during the movie because I can relate to someone achieving greatness. Molly had to hold me." He also raved about their simple night out, saying it was one of his favorite evenings in a long time.

But what's really juicy is that this new romance might just be the real deal for Ryan. Sources close to the couple reveal that they met through mutual friends and hit it off immediately. Molly, who has three kids of her own, was impressed by Ryan's dedication as a father and his commitment to being an active role model in his children's lives.

The legendary swimmer, 40, revved up his relationship with kindergarten teacher Molly, 37, by taking her to see Brad Pitt’s new F1 film

As for Kayla, she's still going through the motions of their divorce proceedings, which have been ongoing since March. According to court documents, she's seeking alimony, sole parenting responsibility, and major timesharing with Ryan. But it seems like Ryan is already moving on and focusing on his new life with Molly.

In a shocking turn of events, Kayla revealed in her Instagram post that their marriage had been on the rocks for years. "What people don't really realize is that me and my ex haven't really been together for a very long time," she wrote. "Kayla is the mother of my children. I'll always love her but I'm not in love with her."

TheScholarlyNote.com previously reported on Ryan's tumultuous relationship with Kayla, which included his stint in rehab for alcoholism and a severe car accident that left him depressed and unable to walk for months.

He held hands and locked lips with mom-of-three Molly in front of fellow moviegoers

But it seems like Ryan is finally finding happiness again with Molly. And as their romance continues to heat up, fans can't help but wonder what's next for this love-sick couple. Will they be the next power couple in Hollywood? Only time will tell!

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: RYAN LOCHTE AND MOLLY GILLIHAN'S STEAMY KISSING SESSION

[Insert photos here]

It's been less than a month since Lochte and estranged wife Kayla Rae Reid, who have three young children together, announced the news of their split last month after seven years of marriage

UPDATE: Ryan Lochte has responded to Kayla's divorce filing, insisting that he and Molly didn't start dating until after his marriage was already over. In a statement to TheScholarlyNote.com, he said: "I want people to understand that Molly didn't take me away from my ex-wife. She didn't take me away from my kids... We got a divorce and I left. I moved down the street because I wanted to be in my kids' lives and I will always be in my kids' lives."

The drama continues, folks! Stay tuned for more updates on Ryan Lochte's love life and the ongoing saga of his divorce proceedings.

The Olympic gold medalist treated his blonde date to popcorn and candy before they took their seats for the blockbuster drama on Monday

Speaking to Daily Mail afterwards, Lochte joked that Pitt's feel-good movie reduced him to tears and 'Molly had to hold me'

The Olympic swimmer, 40, confirmed he split from his wife last month, saying it's 'the right step toward peace and well-being for us both'

Lochte told Daily Mail that the romance began after he was served with divorce papers and insisted 'there was no infidelity with Molly'

Molly was also previously married with children but finalized her divorce last year

Lochte openly flaunted his new relationship this week with a series of recent snaps with his new love on social media