Untangling the Truth: Is Vivian Howard Really Divorced?

AvatarByKelsey Garrison Divorce

Vivian Howard, the renowned chef and star of the hit television show “A Chef’s Life,” has captured the hearts of audiences with her down-to-earth personality and mouth-watering dishes. However, amidst her successful career, fans have been left wondering about her personal life, particularly her marital status. With rumors circulating of a possible divorce, many are curious to know: is Vivian Howard divorced? This question has sparked much speculation and in this article, we will delve into the truth behind the rumors and shed light on Howard’s current relationship status. From her rise to fame to her marriage, let’s uncover the truth about one of America’s most beloved chefs.

Who is Vivian Howard?

Vivian Howard is an award-winning chef, cookbook author, and television personality. She rose to fame with her popular PBS cooking show, “A Chef’s Life”, which showcased her culinary skills and Southern background. She was born and raised in Deep Run, North Carolina, where her family owned and operated a popular restaurant called the Chef & the Farmer. After studying at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, Howard returned to her hometown to help her parents run the restaurant.

Howard’s cooking style showcases her love for Southern cuisine and her innovative twist on traditional dishes. She has received numerous accolades for her work including a James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Personality/Host for “A Chef’s Life” and being named one of the top 10 chefs in America by Food & Wine Magazine.

In addition to her TV show, Howard is also a successful cookbook author with two best-selling books: “Deep Run Roots: Stories and Recipes from my Corner of the South” and “This Will Make It Taste Good: A New Path to Simple Cooking”. She continues to inspire home cooks with her delicious and approachable recipes.

Marriage to Ben Knight

Howard met her husband, Ben Knight, while they were both working at a New York City restaurant. They got married in 2006 and decided to move back to Howard’s hometown of Deep Run when they found out she was pregnant with their first child.

Knight has been an integral part of Howard’s success as they both worked together to turn her family’s restaurant into a more upscale establishment. He currently serves as the general manager of their flagship restaurant, Chef & the Farmer, and their other restaurants: Boiler Room Oyster Bar and Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria.

The couple has also partnered together on various business ventures, including opening a boutique hotel in Kinston, North Carolina, called The O’Neil. They have also collaborated on several TV projects, with Knight serving as the executive producer for “A Chef’s Life”. Their strong partnership has not only led to culinary success but also a solid and happy marriage.

Divorce Rumors

Despite their seemingly perfect partnership, rumors of Howard and Knight’s divorce have been circulating in recent years. These rumors were fueled by Howard’s decision to buy out Knight’s shares in The O’Neil and Boiler Room Oyster Bar in 2018, which led to speculations that they were splitting up.

In an interview with Garden & Gun Magazine, Howard addressed these rumors and stated that their successful partnership extends beyond their personal relationship. She clarified that buying out Knight’s shares was a business decision to allow him to focus more on being a father to their children rather than managing multiple restaurants.

The couple has also addressed the divorce rumors on social media and in various interviews, reaffirming their strong marriage and business partnership. They continue to work together on their successful ventures and share a strong bond built on love and respect.

Coping with Divorce

While it is clear that Howard and Knight are still happily married, there are valid reasons why some marriages may end in divorce. Coping with divorce can be a difficult process emotionally, mentally, and financially for both parties involved.

If you are going through a divorce or contemplating one, it is essential to first seek support from family, friends, or even professional counseling. It is crucial to take care of your mental health during this challenging period and surround yourself with positive influences.

In terms of financial coping strategies, it is important to consult with a lawyer to ensure that your rights and assets are protected throughout the divorce process. This includes dividing assets, such as property and businesses, and determining child custody and support arrangements if applicable.

It is also important to remember to prioritize your well-being during this time and take things one step at a time. With time and patience, you will find ways to cope with the changes that come with divorce.

Vivian Howard’s marriage to Ben Knight is still going strong, despite divorce rumors that have surfaced in recent years. Their strong partnership has not only led to success in the culinary world but also a solid and happy marriage built on love, respect, and hard work.

While divorce is a difficult process, it is important to lean on your support system and seek professional help if needed. Coping with divorce takes time, but with patience and self-care, you can overcome this challenging chapter in your life.

Who is Vivian Howard?

Vivian Howard is a celebrity chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author who gained nationwide recognition for her charming Southern cooking style. She was born and raised in Deep Run, North Carolina and grew up watching her mother’s traditional home-cooked meals. After graduating from the North Carolina School of the Arts, Howard worked as a waitress and hostess at various restaurants before pursuing her culinary dreams.

In 2006, together with her husband Ben Knight, Howard opened her first restaurant Chef & the Farmer in Kinston, North Carolina. The restaurant has become a popular destination for food lovers from near and far due to Howard’s inventive take on Southern classics. It has also been featured on PBS series A Chef’s Life, which follows Howard in the kitchen and explores how she brings local ingredients to life with her cooking.

With Chef & the Farmer’s success, Howard opened another restaurant, The Boiler Room Oyster Bar in 2013. She has also published two cookbooks about traditional Southern dishes with modern twists – Deep Run Roots: Stories and Recipes from my Corner of the South and This Will Make It Taste Good: A New Path to Simple Cooking.

Vivian Howard’s Marriage and Divorce

In 2005, Vivian Howard married her high school sweetheart Ben Knight. They had been dating since they were teenagers and have two children together – twins Theo and Flo.

However, in early 2019, after nearly 14 years of marriage, Howard announced that she and Knight were separating. In an emotional Instagram post, she explained that they have been struggling to put their marriage back together for some time but ultimately decided to part ways.

Howard shared that their decision was supported by their families and friends who encouraged them to focus on themselves as individuals first before anything else. She also mentioned that they will continue to co-parent their children and support each other in their individual endeavors.

The Impact on Howard’s Career

Many fans of Howard were understandably surprised and saddened by the news of her divorce. As a beloved public figure, she has often shared glimpses of her personal life on social media and her TV show, A Chef’s Life. Fans had grown to admire not just her cooking skills but also her loving family life with Knight and their children.

However, despite the end of their marriage, Howard and Knight have continued to work together in their restaurants and cookbook publications. According to Howard, they remain business partners and will continue to focus on growing their ventures together.

Some may speculate if the divorce had any impact on Howard’s career or if it affected the dynamic between her and Knight in the kitchen. However, there has been no indication of any negative effects on either front. In fact, Chef & the Farmer continues to thrive, attracting customers from all over the country, while Deep Run Roots remains a best-selling cookbook.

Their Relationship Today

While much is still unknown about Howard and Knight’s current relationship status, they have both moved on in their personal lives. Howard is now engaged to be married to reporter Ben Simpkins. She announced their engagement via Instagram in September 2019 with a photo of them smiling happily together.

Knight, on the other hand, has also found love again with his longtime friend Joani Hedrick. The two have been dating for some time now and even bought a house together in Kinston.

Despite going through a difficult time with their divorce, Howard and Knight seem to be amicable towards each other and have both found happiness in new relationships. They continue to co-parent their children together and work side by side as business partners.

The news of Vivian Howard’s divorce was unexpected for many of her fans who have grown to love and admire her over the years. However, despite the challenges that come with the end of a marriage, Howard and Knight have managed to remain amicable and continue to work together in their successful ventures.

Howard’s personal life may have had its share of ups and downs, but her passion for Southern cooking remains unwavering. She continues to inspire others with her delicious recipes and innovative take on traditional Southern dishes. As for her fans, they can take comfort in knowing that Howard is happy and thriving both in her career and personal life.

1. Is Vivian Howard Divorced?
Yes, Vivian Howard and her husband Benjamin Knight got divorced in 2017 after 10 years of marriage.

2. When did Vivian Howard get divorced?
Vivian Howard and her husband Benjamin Knight got divorced in 2017 after 10 years of marriage.

3. What was the reason for Vivian Howard’s divorce?
The exact reason for Vivian Howard’s divorce has not been publicly disclosed, but in a statement, she mentioned that they had grown apart and were no longer able to make their marriage work.

4. Does Vivian Howard have children with her ex-husband?
Yes, Vivian Howard and her ex-husband Benjamin Knight have two children together – Theodore “Theo” Knight and Flo Grace Kitchen.

5. How did Vivian Howard handle her divorce while running a successful restaurant?
Vivian opened up about her divorce on her TV show “A Chef’s Life” and has mentioned that it was a difficult time for her both personally and professionally. However, she credits the support of her friends, family, and team at the restaurant for helping her get through it.

6. Did Vivian Howard’s divorce affect her career as a chef?
No, despite going through a divorce during a critical time for her career, Vivian continued to manage and run her restaurant “Chef & the Farmer” successfully. She also went on to publish multiple cookbooks and star in various cooking shows, proving that personal struggles do not have to hinder professional success.

In conclusion, despite the rumors and speculation surrounding her personal life, there is no evidence to suggest that Vivian Howard is divorced. In fact, she has been happily married to her high school sweetheart, Ben Knight, for over 20 years. Throughout her successful career as a chef and television personality, Howard has remained transparent about her relationship with Knight and their commitment to each other.

Throughout this discussion, we have explored the reasons behind the false reports of Howard’s divorce and the impact of such rumors on her personal life and professional reputation. We have also delved into the factors that contribute to a successful marriage, including communication, support, and mutual respect.

Moreover, Howard’s dedication to highlighting the food culture and traditions of Eastern North Carolina shines through in her work. Whether through her award-winning restaurants or acclaimed TV show “A Chef’s Life,” she continues to showcase the vibrant community that raised her and celebrates its culinary heritage in a meaningful way.

Ultimately, it is evident that Vivian Howard is not only a talented chef but also a devoted wife and advocate for her hometown. Her contributions to the culinary world and commitment to preserving Southern food traditions are truly admirable. As readers, we should take away the importance of authenticity in both our personal relationships and professional endeavors. Let us remember

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Kelsey Garrison
Kelsey Garrison, our esteemed author and a passionate writer in the world of weddings and bridal fashion, has been an integral part of our website since its inception.

With a rich history in creating engaging content, Kelsey has consistently brought fresh insights and valuable information to our readers.

Starting in 2024, Kelsey made a significant transition to focus specifically on the "Wedding/Bridal Fashion, Wedding Tips" niche. This shift was driven by her desire to delve deeper into the intricacies of wedding planning and bridal fashion—a field that blends timeless elegance with contemporary trends.

Her articles are meticulously researched and designed to provide thorough answers and innovative ideas for all things wedding-related.