Last updated on: November 21, 2024

Dr. Phil McGraw is a well-known psychologist and TV personality. He became famous with the talk show Dr. Phil, when he guides people with their personal problems. However, before his rise to fame, Dr. Phil had a different life, one of them a marriage to Debbie Higgins McCall. Their marriage lasted for only a few years, but it was an important part of his early life. Let’s take a closer look at Debbie Higgins and her life before and after her marriage with Dr. Phil.

Early Life and Marriage with Dr. Phil

Debbie Higgins McCall was born in the USA. Not much about her past or family is known, but she worked as a teacher. She married Phil McGraw in 1970, when he was still a young man, working towards his career in psychology. At that time, Dr. Phil had not yet gained the fame he would later achieve through his TV show.

Tragically, the marriage did not survive. They divorced in 1973, only three years into the marriage. Again, it was believed that their relationship suffered challenges that led to their separation. After marrying Dr. Phil, Debbie Higgins McCall gained popularity but remained relatively private after divorcing her famous ex-husband.

Life After Divorce

After settling with Dr. Phil, Debbie Higgins went on and settled life. Little is known about what she did in the years after the split, as she remained incognito, staying away from the limelight and public attention altogether. Debbie has never remarried and, instead, continued to pursue a good career and personal life.

Even though it ended in divorce with Dr. Phil, her name still comes up in conversations about his past. On the other hand, Dr. Phil recovered fast and married his second wife, Robin McGraw in 1976. The two have been together ever since, and Robin has played a more visible role in the public and private life of Dr. Phil. She has appeared on the show on many occasions, and both of the couple’s sons are Jordan and Jay McGraw.

Family Background of Dr. Phil

Dr. Phil was born to a very big family. He was raised by his mother and father, who are three sisters named Donna, Deana, and Brenda and an only son. His parents played a big role in his life. His father, Dr. Joseph J. McGraw, worked in the oil fields earlier but later specialized in psychology. His mother, Geraldine “Jerry” McGraw, was strong in his upbringing, teaching him about his obligations to hard work and family.

Phil has frequently talked about the family bonds with his sisters. Deana was a nurse and one of the closest people to him; in fact, they even collaborated with each other on a weight reduction project. Donna Jo was another sister who worked as a nurse; she died in 2022. Family and values have always been much in evidence throughout Phil’s life.

READ ALSO: Phil McGraw Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More

Phil’s Second Marriage and Children

Dr. Phil’s marriage to Robin McGraw has been very visible for quite some time. The couple married in 1976 and has two children, Jay McGraw and Jordan McGraw. Both sons joined their father in the entertainment line. Jay McGraw is a TV producer and author, while Jordan McGraw is a musician and lead singer of the band Hundred Handed.

Robin McGraw, Phil’s wife, has appeared on his show numerous times. She has been an associate in both his private life and professional career. Their marriage, and thus their relationship, has featured significantly in the success of the Dr. Phil show.

Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com