Phyllis Minkoff: Maury Povich’s First Wife — Career, Life, and Facts

Phyllis Minkoff is an American public relations and communications professional who’s best recognized as the first wife of television host Maury Povich. The two were married for 17 years before divorcing in 1979, and they share two daughters. While Maury went on to become one of daytime TV’s biggest names, Phyllis built a quieter but accomplished career in PR — and she’s kept her personal life firmly out of the spotlight ever since.

Here’s what we know about her background, career, marriage to Maury, and where she is today.

Early Life and Background

Phyllis Minkoff was born on February 15, 1941, in Washington, D.C. She grew up in the D.C. area during the post-war years, and her family had roots in the local business community — her father, Hyman Joseph Minkoff, ran a business called Acme Liquors, which he’d established around 1940.

Not much else has been made public about her childhood, siblings, or education. What’s clear is that she developed strong communication skills early on, which she’d later put to work in her professional life.

Career in Public Relations and Communications

Phyllis carved out a career as a PR and communications expert, primarily based in the Washington, D.C. area. Her work involved media strategy, public messaging, and organizational communications — the kind of behind-the-scenes expertise that doesn’t always make headlines but keeps institutions running smoothly.

D.C. is one of the most competitive PR markets in the country, sitting at the intersection of politics, media, and nonprofit advocacy. Working in that environment for decades speaks to genuine professional skill. Phyllis reportedly also lent her communications know-how to community organizations and advocacy groups over the years, particularly those focused on women’s issues and charitable causes.

Marriage to Maury Povich (1962–1979)

Phyllis Minkoff and Maury Povich got married on August 26, 1962. At the time, Maury was still early in his broadcasting career — years away from the national fame that would come later. They were both in their early twenties, and the marriage seemed like a solid foundation as Maury climbed through local TV news markets.

Together, they had two daughters. For nearly two decades, Phyllis supported Maury through the ups and downs of a career in broadcast journalism, including multiple city relocations that are typical for TV news professionals working their way up.

But by the late 1970s, the marriage had run its course. They divorced in 1979 after 17 years together. The split didn’t generate the tabloid frenzy it might have later — Maury wasn’t yet the household name he’d become in the 1990s with his syndicated talk show.

Who Is Maury Povich?

For context, Maury Povich is an American television presenter born on January 17, 1939, in Washington, D.C. — which means he and Phyllis were both D.C. natives. Maury’s father, Shirley Povich, was a well-known sports columnist for The Washington Post.

Maury built his career in local TV news before launching A Current Affair in 1986 and later Maury, the daytime talk show that ran from 1991 to 2022. The show became famous — or infamous — for its paternity test segments.

After divorcing Phyllis, Maury began a relationship with journalist Connie Chung. They married in 1984 and have been together since, adopting a son named Matthew in 1995. Maury retired from television in 2022 after more than 30 seasons of his talk show.

Life After Divorce

Following the divorce from Maury, Phyllis stepped further away from the public eye. She continued her work in communications and PR, but she didn’t seek media attention or trade on her connection to a famous ex-husband.

Phyllis did remarry. Her second husband passed away in 2005, though details about him and their marriage have been kept private — which seems entirely intentional. Phyllis has consistently chosen to live on her own terms, outside the celebrity gossip cycle.

She’s also been involved in advocacy work over the years. Reports suggest she supported causes related to women’s rights and contributed time and resources to charitable organizations, including local animal welfare groups. These weren’t splashy, headline-grabbing efforts — they were the steady, community-level kind of involvement that tends to make a real difference.

Personal Life Today

As of 2026, Phyllis Minkoff is 85 years old. She continues to live a private life, and there’s very little current information about her day-to-day activities. She doesn’t maintain a public social media presence, and she hasn’t given interviews or made public appearances related to her former marriage.

Her estimated net worth sits around $1 million, built through her own career in communications rather than through any public association with Maury Povich.

Phyllis is an Aquarius by zodiac sign, born under the sign associated with independence and humanitarian thinking — traits that seem to align with what we know about how she’s lived her life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Phyllis Minkoff?

Phyllis Minkoff is an American public relations and communications professional. She’s most widely known as the first wife of TV host Maury Povich. They were married from 1962 to 1979.

How old is Phyllis Minkoff?

Phyllis was born on February 15, 1941, making her 85 years old as of 2026.

Does Phyllis Minkoff have children?

Yes. Phyllis and Maury Povich have two daughters together from their marriage.

What happened to Phyllis Minkoff after divorcing Maury Povich?

After the divorce, Phyllis continued her career in PR and communications. She remarried, though her second husband passed away in 2005. She’s lived a private life focused on her career and advocacy work.

What is Phyllis Minkoff’s net worth?

Her estimated net worth is around $1 million, earned through her career in public relations and communications.

Did Maury Povich remarry after Phyllis?

Yes. Maury Povich married journalist Connie Chung in 1984. They’ve been together since and adopted a son named Matthew in 1995.