Carol Held Knight: Astronaut Neil Armstrong’s Second Wife

Carol Held Knight, the second wife of history-making astronaut Neil Armstrong, has an inspiring and touching story to tell. As much as Neil Armstrong is being revered for his giant feat of becoming the first human being to step on the moon, Carol Held Knight had her part in Neil’s later life, giving him company and a shoulder to cry on. This blog delves into her life, her relationship with Neil Armstrong, and her contributions to preserving his legacy.

Early Life and First Marriage

Carol Held Knight was born in 1945 to Victor Held and Rosario Cota. She is from the United States and later got married to Ralph Knight, with whom she had two children, Andrew and Molly. Life took a turn for the worse when Ralph Knight passed away in a plane crash in 1989, leaving Carol to bring up their kids alone. She was able to juggle the work of a single mother and owner of a small family business in Cincinnati.

Meeting Neil Armstrong

Carol’s life changed dramatically in 1992 when she met Neil Armstrong at a golf tournament. They had been brought together by mutual acquaintances, Paul and Sally Christiansen, who sat them down together at the pre-tournament breakfast. Even though Carol was nervous at first, she introduced herself to Neil, and an instant rapport developed between them. Neil, although still married to his first wife, Janet Elizabeth Shearon, was attracted to Carol’s personality and warmth.

Marriage and Life Together

The relationship between Neil and Carol developed in the subsequent two years, and they finally got married in 1994 after Neil’s divorce from Janet was finalized. They relocated to Carol’s home in Indian Hill, Ohio, and lived there for the next 18 years. The marriage between them was characterized as being that of mutual respect and profound love. Carol filled Neil’s life with happiness and stability, assisting him to get through the difficulties associated with his post-astronaut life.

Contributions to Neil Armstrong’s Legacy

Following Neil’s passing in 2012, Carol Held Knight remained very much involved in helping to keep his legacy alive. She found a white cloth bag in Neil’s closet, which proved to be the McDivitt Purse that had allegedly been left behind on the moon. Carol donated the bag and everything in it, including a tiny camera that filmed Neil’s historic first steps on the moon, to the National Air and Space Museum in Washington. She also donated Neil’s letters and paper records to Purdue University, where his legacy of space exploration could be remembered.

Carol Held Knight Net Worth

Carol Held Knight’s net worth is more than $8 million. Her wealth is mostly from the inheritance she gained following the death of her husband, Neil Armstrong. Neil Armstrong’s successful astronaut, engineer, and public career significantly contributed to their total wealth.

Life After Neil Armstrong

Ever since Neil’s death, Carol has led a fairly secluded life. She still resides in Ohio and is supported by her children and friends. Carol’s commitment to keeping Neil’s memory alive has won her accolades from the space exploration fraternity and beyond. Her efforts have guaranteed that Neil Armstrong’s work continues to inspire future generations.

Carol Held Knight Today

As of 2023, Carol Held Knight still leads a private life, keeping Neil Armstrong’s legacy while preserving her own autonomy. She continues to be active in the causes that were dear to Neil’s heart, such as education and space travel. In spite of the difficulties she has endured, Carol has become an icon of strength and poise.

Carol’s tale is one to remind us that a great man always has a great woman behind him. Neil Armstrong’s feats will forever be remembered, but Carol’s contribution to his life must not be forgotten. She was his friend, his confidante, and his pillar of strength at some of the most trying times of his life.

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Conclusion

Carol Held Knight did not walk on the moon, but her impact on Neil Armstrong’s life and legacy cannot be measured. As the lady behind one of the world’s most renowned astronauts, Carol’s tale is one of love, encouragement, and strength. Her life with Neil Armstrong is a testament that even the greatest feats are usually the product of collaboration, and that every great man is usually preceded by a great woman.

As we go on celebrating Neil Armstrong’s landmark moonwalk, let us not forget Carol Held Knight, the lady who stood by his side and contributed significantly to his endeavors. Her life is a testament to how strong love and companionship are, and a reminder that even when faced with such monumental achievements, it is the ones we love who make life worthwhile.