Richard Rawlings, the high-octane entrepreneur behind the global phenomenon Gas Monkey Garage, has always lived life in the fast lane, a trait that extends to his personal life. As of December 2025, his marriage to Katerina Rawlings (née Panos, formerly Deason) remains a pillar of his life, a relationship that began after a whirlwind romance and a beautiful Key West wedding. Their partnership has solidified his image not just as a master car builder and reality TV star from Fast N' Loud, but as a man who has finally found his lasting co-pilot in life, navigating the complexities of fame, fortune, and a very public Dallas lifestyle.
The story of Katerina Rawlings is far more complex than simply being the wife of a celebrity; she is a figure of intrigue with her own history, including a previous high-profile marriage to a Texas billionaire. While Richard is known for his automotive empire, Katerina brings a background of acting, philanthropy, and a sophisticated social presence that perfectly complements the Gas Monkey brand. This article dives deep into the little-known facts about the woman who captured the heart of the automotive world’s biggest dealmaker, providing the most current and verified details about her life, career, and role in the Rawlings' dynasty.
Katerina Rawlings: Complete Biography and Profile
Katerina Rawlings is a prominent figure in the Dallas social scene and an American actress, best known to the world as the third wife of television personality and entrepreneur Richard Rawlings.
- Full Name: Katerina Panos Rawlings (Maiden Name: Panos)
- Date of Birth: December 5, 1967
- Age (as of December 2025): 58 years old
- Place of Birth: Washington, D.C., United States
- Current Residence: Dallas, Texas
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Caucasian
- Profession: Actress, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Celebrity Spouse
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
- Marital Status: Married (to Richard Rawlings since 2020)
- Children: None
- Previous Marriage: Darwin Deason (American Billionaire, 2008–2019)
- Social Media: Active on Instagram (@katerina_rawlings)
The High-Profile Romance: From Dallas Socialite to Gas Monkey Co-Pilot
Richard Rawlings and Katerina's relationship began after both had concluded previous high-profile marriages. Katerina was previously married for 11 years to Texas billionaire Darwin Deason, the founder of Affiliated Computer Services (ACS), a marriage that ended in 2019. Richard, meanwhile, had divorced his second wife, Suzanne Rawlings, for the second time.
The couple's courtship was relatively quick, culminating in an engagement that Richard announced on social media in August 2019. Their wedding was a spectacular, intimate affair that captured the attention of their fans and the media, taking place on June 28, 2020, in the picturesque setting of Key West, Florida. This location, a world away from the hustle of Dallas, provided a romantic backdrop for what Richard has openly referred to as finding his true love.
The marriage marked a significant shift for Richard, who has been candid about his personal life. Katerina is Richard Rawlings' third wife, following his first marriage to Karen K. Grames in 1993 and his on-again, off-again marriage to Suzanne. This third union appears to be a foundation of stability, with Katerina often seen supporting Richard at various Gas Monkey events and in their shared Dallas lifestyle. Their relationship is characterized by mutual support in their respective entrepreneurial and social endeavors.
The couple resides in Dallas, Texas, where they navigate the world of celebrity, automotive excellence, and high-society philanthropy. Katerina's elegant presence is a noticeable contrast and complement to Richard's rugged, car-focused persona, creating a dynamic duo that is frequently discussed across celebrity and automotive news outlets. Their ongoing public appearances confirm their commitment and the continued strength of their bond as of late 2025.
7 Intriguing Facts That Define Katerina Rawlings
Beyond her status as a celebrity spouse, Katerina Rawlings has a rich personal history and a distinct identity. These facts shed light on the woman behind the headlines, providing topical authority and answering the curiosity surrounding her background.
1. She is an Accomplished Actress
While she is now primarily known for her association with the Gas Monkey brand, Katerina Rawlings has a professional background as an actress. This career path demonstrates that she is not new to the public eye, possessing a creative and performance-oriented side that likely helps her navigate the realities of being married to a reality television star. Her experience in media offers a unique perspective on Richard's career in the automotive entertainment industry.
2. Her Previous Marriage Was to a Texas Billionaire
Before marrying Richard, Katerina was married to Darwin Deason, a self-made billionaire entrepreneur. Deason was a major figure in the business world, known for founding Affiliated Computer Services (ACS), which was later sold to Xerox. This previous marriage placed Katerina at the center of the elite Dallas social and philanthropic scene for over a decade, establishing her as a well-known and respected figure in her own right long before she met Richard Rawlings.
3. Katerina is Richard Rawlings' Third Wife
Katerina is Richard's third wife. Richard was first married to Karen K. Grames in the early 1990s, followed by his relationship with Suzanne Rawlings, whom he married and divorced twice. This history highlights Katerina's significance as the woman who appears to have finally brought a lasting sense of permanence and stability to the life of the famously restless entrepreneur.
4. She Has No Children from Any Marriage
A frequently asked question about the couple is whether they have children. Katerina Rawlings has confirmed that she does not have any children from her marriage to Richard, nor does she have children from her previous marriage to Darwin Deason. This detail allows the couple to focus entirely on their shared life, businesses, and extensive travel, maintaining a lifestyle that is unencumbered by parental responsibilities.
5. Her Maiden Name is Panos
While she was known publicly as Katerina Deason during her previous marriage, her maiden name is Panos. This detail, often sought after by fans and media, provides a complete picture of her identity and heritage, connecting her past with her present life as Katerina Rawlings.
6. The Couple Shares a Passion for the Dallas Lifestyle
Both Richard and Katerina are deeply rooted in the Dallas, Texas, community, which serves as the hub for the Gas Monkey empire. While Richard's business involves the gritty world of garage life, Katerina's influence is often seen in their more refined social outings and philanthropic endeavors. They balance the high-octane world of custom cars with the luxurious, high-society life of Dallas, making them a power couple in the city's diverse landscape.
7. Their Relationship Began After Mutual Divorces
Richard and Katerina met and began dating after both had finalized their respective divorces. Richard's divorce from Suzanne was finalized in 2019, the same year Katerina's marriage to Darwin Deason ended. This synchronicity allowed them to start a fresh chapter together, free from the complications of their past relationships, leading quickly to their 2020 Key West wedding. Their story is often cited as a modern example of finding true love later in life after navigating the complexities of previous commitments.
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