Danica Patrick’s marriage with her ex-husband ended tumultously in 2013. But it was only 10 years later that we found out what really happened between them.
During an interview with Graham Bensinger in 2023, she shed light on the distressing aspects of what she called a ‘toxic’ relationship. In the interview, the former race car driver revealed the emotional manipulation she experienced during the time.
She said,
I was in a relationship where I was forced to choose [between my husband and my parents].
Patrick also highlighted her sense of isolation, noting that she missed family gatherings during Thanksgiving and Christmas for five consecutive years because she was forced to make a choice.
She later realized that whatever was going on, is not good for her. Reflecting on this period, she mentioned,
Once I started understanding what I really wanted in life…I realized how important my family was to me.
As this article unfolds, we intend to explore more than just the dark corners of this high-profile relationship. We aim to provide a fuller picture of Paul Edward Hospenthal, touching on his life beyond his identity as a celebrity spouse, including a serious sexual misconduct allegation.
Paul’s Profile Summary
- Age: 61-Years-Old as of 2026
- Ethnicity: Swiss
- Height: 6ft 5inches
His Sexual Relationship with a Minor Patient Rocked His Entire Career
Hospenthal is a prominent physiotherapist, who specializes in fitness for Golfers but also worked closely with players from the NBA, NFL, and even race car drivers. His career, however, came under fire, following a scandal involving a past sexual relationship with a patient, who was only 16 years old at the time.
So, in the year 2006, a woman came forward claiming that she and Hospenthal had been involved in a consensual sexual relationship while she was his patient. She also added that they even had sex on one occasion in his office.
Adding to the sordid details, she revealed that their relationship began in the year 2000 and included visits to his home where, bizarrely, she did housework and homework.
Paul’s reaction to these accusations? He chalked it up to ‘bad judgment,’ while also maintaining that they only became sexual when she turned 18. But his confession did little to mitigate the situation, as the Arizona State Board of Physical Therapists unanimously sided with the accuser, leading to Hospenthal being placed on a six-month probation.
Then on September 27th, 2007, Hospenthal surrendered his license to the Pennsylvania Department of State Health Licensing Boards. The statement read,
Paul E. Hospenthal, license no. PT001940E of Scottsdale, Ariz., agreed to a permanent, voluntary surrender of his license because he had a license disciplined by the proper licensing authority of another state.
While this does mean, his license was revoked, this often happens in the face of pending disciplinary actions or investigations that are likely to lead to suspension or revocation of the license.
Meanwhile, the board also decided Paul needed a psycho-sexual evaluation, a decision made by unanimous vote.
And just when you think it couldn’t get any more dramatic, records from the Arizona State Board reveal that this wasn’t Hospenthal’s first rodeo.
In the year 2000, another patient had previously accused him of initiating a four-year sexual relationship that began during her physical therapy sessions. Talk about mingling with your own patients.
But what really is shocking is that despite all this, he still managed to impress, date, and marry, Danica.
As of 2026, he has started practicing again and is currently based in Greenway Hayden Loop, Scottsdale, AZ. He used to practice at his institute Desert Institute of Physical Therapy, but a few years ago, he sold the company.
His Father Was a Swiss Who Served In the US Army
Paul comes from a family with strong Swiss roots. He is one of five children of the late Joseph and Louise Hospenthal (née Müller), both of whom trace their origin back to the European country.
His dad, Joseph aka Joe, moved to the U.S. from Switzerland in 1952 and eventually settled in Ripon, California.
But just a few years later, he got drafted and stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington with the U.S. Army.
Paul has one sister Heidi Spitzli, and three brothers, Karl, Mark, and Kurt. The Hospenthal household was a mix of Swiss traditions and American life.
Sadly, Paul’s father passed away on March 23, 2017.
He First Crossed Paths with Danica while She was his Patient
Paul was Danica’s physical therapist after she injured her hip during a yoga session in 2002. Their relationship took a personal turn a year later when Patrick, finding herself back in the Phoenix area, asked him out on a dinner date—a proposal he accepted.
From that dinner onwards, they found themselves in constant conversation. After getting engaged during the 2004 Thanksgiving, they exchanged vows on November 19, 2005, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Danica shared with People magazine in 2005 how much she cherished her quieter moments with her husband and their miniature schnauzer, Billy, away from the fast-paced world of racing.
Unfortunately, their marriage wasn’t built to last, and they called it quits. They split in November 2012. She then filed for divorce on January 3rd, 2013, according to ESPN. The divorce was finalized on April 17th, 2013.
Initially, Danica announced the news, through her Facebook account. She said,
My marriage is irretrievably broken and there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation.
At the time of their split, a lot of people claimed she may have cheated on him with Ricky Stenhouse, who later became her future BF.
As for the financial settlement, well, the former flames had a prenuptial agreement made before their 2005 wedding.
He Swears Off Kids
While they were married, Danica and Paul agreed on one thing, not welcome children in their lives. This stance on not starting a family continues today for Paul, but similar cannot be said about Danica.
Her perspective shifted when she began dating Ricky Jr. It was with him that she started reconsidering the idea of having kids.
Danica even underwent IVF treatments in hopes of conceiving, a challenging experience that she openly discussed. She shared with AmericanSongwriter,
I did IVF treatments, I froze my eggs, hormones, I gained four pounds, and I’m five foot one, so four pounds make a difference. I just decided I needed to try something new.
He Is Happily Married Again
Paul moved on in his personal life after separating from Danica. In 2015, he found love again and married Marisa Catherine Henrichs, 48, a native of Napa.
His new wife is also much younger than him, around 13 years, just like his previous partner. The couple currently live in Montoya, Scottsdale, Arizona.
Marisa, who graduated from Carondelet High School, pursued a career in education and previously taught at the San Ramon Unified School District. She currently teaches at The Scottsdale School.
On the other hand, Hospenthal’s former lover Danica has also been active on the dating scene since their separation. She has been linked with several high-profile figures including Carter Comstock, former NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and NASCAR driver Rickey Stenhouse Jr.
He Owns a Vineyard
Hospenthal has a net worth of $15 million. His fortune primarily stems from his vineyard in Coombsville, known for its high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
This venture adds significant value to his portfolio, given the premium nature of Napa Valley wines. The organic and sustainable methods he uses further boost the value of his wines.
What’s more, his work as a physiotherapist is no joke. Considering his high profile clientele, he has earned substantially, through the years.
