The Untold Truth About Chris Appleton's 'Ex-Wife': Who Is Katie Katon And What Is Her Life Like Now?

The name "Chris Appleton's ex-wife" frequently appears in online searches, but the truth behind the title reveals a powerful story of modern co-parenting and mutual support. As of December 2025, the celebrity hairstylist, renowned for his work with clients like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, has only been married once, to actor Lukas Gage, a union that recently ended in divorce. However, the woman often mistakenly referred to as his "ex-wife" is his long-term former partner and the mother of his two children, Katie Katon.

This article dives deep into the life of Katie Katon, an accomplished professional in her own right, and explores the incredibly supportive relationship she maintains with Appleton, particularly after he came out as gay—a personal journey he has discussed in detail in recent 2025 podcast interviews. It’s a story that redefines what a post-relationship family can look like, setting a platinum standard for ex-partners in the public eye.

Who is Katie Katon? A Biographical Profile

Katie Katon is a highly respected professional hairstylist and businesswoman from England, best known publicly as the mother of Chris Appleton's two children, Billy and Kitty-blu. Her life, though private, is marked by professional success and a deep commitment to her family and community.

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• Full Name: Katie Katon
• Nationality: British (English)
• Children: Billy Appleton (born December 1, 2002) and Kitty-blu Appleton (born November 3, 2004)
• Relationship Status with Chris Appleton: Former Partner (never married)
• Profession: Professional Hairstylist, Salon Executive
• Current Role: Managing Director of George's Hairdressing in Leicester, England
• Key Role in Chris's Life: The first person Chris Appleton came out to as gay in 2009.

The Truth Behind the 'Ex-Wife' Title and the Leicester Connection

The persistent use of "ex-wife" is a common misconception that stems from the fact that Katie Katon and Chris Appleton were a long-term couple who raised two children together. They met and began their relationship in their shared hometown of Leicester, England, long before Appleton became a globally recognized figure in the beauty industry.

Their professional lives were initially intertwined at the renowned salon, George's Hairdressing, which has been a staple in the Leicester community since 1979. Appleton began his career there at the young age of 13, and Katon eventually worked her way up to the position of Managing Director. This shared foundation in the UK hairdressing scene cemented a bond that transcended their romantic relationship.

The couple's two children, Billy Appleton and Kitty-blu Appleton, were born in the early 2000s. Chris and Katie were raising their young family when Chris made the life-changing decision to share his truth. This pivotal moment would define their future relationship.

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Chris Appleton's Coming Out and Katie Katon's 'Incredible Support'

The most compelling and unique part of Chris Appleton and Katie Katon's story is the manner in which their relationship ended and evolved. Appleton came out as gay in 2009 when he was 26 years old. He has consistently credited Katie as being the first person he told and his most unwavering supporter during this challenging period.

In recent, highly candid interviews in 2025, including appearances on the *Just B with Bethenny Frankel* and *On Purpose with Jay Shetty* podcasts, Appleton spoke openly about the difficulties of coming out while being a father to two young children. He revealed that the transition was incredibly hard, but Katon handled the news with remarkable grace and understanding.

Appleton’s description of Katon highlights her maturity and kindness. She was not only supportive of his sexual identity but helped him navigate the complexities of co-parenting while living authentically. This mutual respect allowed them to maintain a close, functional, and loving relationship as co-parents, ensuring their children, Billy and Kitty-blu, grew up in a stable environment.

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The children, now young adults, have embraced their father's journey and are often featured on his social media, showcasing a strong, blended family unit. Kitty-blu, in particular, has followed in her parents' footsteps, showing an interest in the fashion and beauty industry.

The Context of Chris Appleton's Actual Marriage and Recent Divorce

To fully understand why the "ex-wife" title is misleading, it is essential to look at Chris Appleton's official marital history. His one and only marriage was to actor Lukas Gage.

The high-profile couple married in a spontaneous Las Vegas ceremony in April 2023, with Kim Kardashian officiating the wedding. However, the marriage was short-lived. Appleton filed for divorce in November 2023, citing irreconcilable differences after just nearly seven months of marriage.

The divorce proceedings were finalized in 2024, with the couple reaching a settlement that included waiving spousal support. This quick split brought a new wave of public attention to Appleton's personal life, prompting him to discuss his past with Katie Katon in a way that offered a stark contrast between his short-lived marriage and his enduring, supportive relationship with his children's mother.

The narrative of the Lukas Gage divorce serves to underline the unique and powerful bond Appleton shares with Katie Katon. While his legal marriage ended quickly, his partnership with Katon, though non-romantic, has lasted for over two decades and remains a source of stability and strength in his life. The two continue to be friends and effective co-parents to their two children, demonstrating that a successful family structure does not always require a traditional marital bond.

Katie Katon’s Life and Professional Success Now

Katie Katon continues to thrive in her career as a business executive in the hairdressing world. Her role as Managing Director at George's Hairdressing in Leicester is a testament to her professional dedication and leadership skills. Beyond the business side, Katon has been recognized for her commitment to the well-being of her staff, having provided mental health services to her stylists, showcasing her focus on holistic wellness in the workplace.

While Chris Appleton lives a high-octane, celebrity-driven life in Los Angeles, Katon maintains a more grounded, private life in England. This balance allows both parents to provide different, yet equally valuable, perspectives for their children. She is a powerful example of a woman who has successfully navigated a complex personal situation, maintained a positive relationship with her ex-partner, and achieved significant professional success away from the Hollywood spotlight.

For those searching for "Chris Appleton's ex-wife," the true answer is not a tale of a failed marriage, but an inspiring story of Katie Katon, a supportive partner, dedicated mother, and successful businesswoman who helped the celebrity stylist become the authentic person he is today.

Key Topical Entities & LSI Keywords

• Celebrity Hairstylist
• Kim Kardashian
• Jennifer Lopez (JLo)
• Lukas Gage
• Las Vegas Wedding
• Irreconcilable Differences
• Divorce Settlement
• Co-Parenting Relationship
• Billy Appleton
• Kitty-blu Appleton
• George's Hairdressing
• Leicester, England
• Bethenny Frankel Podcast (*Just B*)
• Jay Shetty Podcast (*On Purpose*)
• Coming Out Story
• Former Partner / Ex-Girlfriend
• Beauty Industry
• Spousal Support
• Managing Director