Carey Salley: Emilio Estevez’s Ex-Girlfriend and Mother of His Children

Carey Salley isn’t a name you’ll find splashed across tabloid headlines these days, but there was a time when her life intersected with one of Hollywood’s most famous families. As a former model who worked with top agencies and an ex-girlfriend of actor Emilio Estevez, she’s lived a life that straddles both the glamorous world of fashion and the intense spotlight of celebrity culture. Despite her connections to the Estevez-Sheen dynasty, she’s managed to keep a remarkably low profile over the decades.

Early Life

Carey Salley was born on March 8, 1970, in the United States. Not much has been made public about her childhood, her parents, or her upbringing, which is consistent with how she’s handled her personal life throughout the years. What’s known is that she grew up during a time when the fashion industry was booming, and she’d eventually find her way into that world at a young age.

By the time she was in her teens, Salley had already caught the attention of modeling scouts. She had the look that agencies were searching for in the late 1970s and early 1980s — petite, striking, and photogenic. Her path toward the fashion world seemed almost inevitable, and she didn’t waste any time pursuing it.

Modeling and Acting Career

Carey Salley’s professional career took off when she signed with Wilhelmina Models, one of the most respected modeling agencies in the United States. Founded by the legendary Wilhelmina Cooper, the agency had a reputation for representing only the most promising talent, and Salley’s inclusion on their roster spoke volumes about her potential in the industry.

During her time with Wilhelmina, she worked on various fashion campaigns and editorial shoots. While the specific brands and magazines she appeared in haven’t been widely documented, being affiliated with an agency of that caliber meant she was rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in fashion at the time.

Beyond modeling, Salley also dabbled in acting, though her screen credits remain limited. Her focus was primarily on the modeling side of things, and she built a solid career during the 1980s when the industry was thriving. However, her professional achievements often took a backseat in public discussions once her personal life became tabloid fodder.

Relationship With Emilio Estevez

The chapter of Carey Salley’s life that draws the most attention is her romantic relationship with Emilio Estevez. The two began dating in the early to mid-1980s, right around the time Estevez was becoming one of Hollywood’s hottest young actors. He’d already made a name for himself as part of the so-called “Brat Pack” alongside actors like Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, and Demi Moore.

Estevez, the eldest son of acclaimed actor Martin Sheen and brother of Charlie Sheen, was at the peak of his fame when he and Salley were together. His roles in films like The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo’s Fire had turned him into a household name, and anyone connected to him was bound to attract media attention.

Their relationship was serious enough that they had two children together, but despite the depth of their bond, the couple never married. The details surrounding their breakup haven’t been publicly aired, which suggests both parties preferred to handle the split privately. After they went their separate ways, Estevez went on to have other high-profile relationships, including a brief marriage to singer Paula Abdul and a later marriage to writer Sonja Magdevski.

Her Children: Taylor and Paloma Estevez

Taylor Levi Estevez

Carey and Emilio’s first child, Taylor Levi Estevez, was born on June 22, 1984. Taylor grew up with deep ties to the entertainment industry through his father’s side of the family, though he’s largely stayed out of the public eye. Like his mother, Taylor has preferred a quieter life compared to the spotlight that’s followed the Estevez-Sheen family for decades.

Paloma Rae Estevez

Their second child, Paloma Rae Estevez, arrived on February 15, 1986. Paloma has also maintained a relatively private existence, though being part of the Estevez family means she’s never entirely removed from the orbit of Hollywood. Both children were raised with an awareness of their family’s legacy in the entertainment business, but neither has pursued high-profile careers in the industry.

Emilio Estevez has spoken fondly of his role as a father over the years, and by all accounts, he and Salley managed to co-parent effectively despite no longer being together. The children grew up splitting time between both parents, and the arrangement appears to have worked well for everyone involved.

Personal Life

After her split from Emilio Estevez, Carey Salley essentially vanished from the public scene. She doesn’t maintain a visible social media presence, rarely gives interviews, and hasn’t sought out the kind of attention that many people connected to famous families tend to attract. This deliberate choice to stay private has made her something of a mystery, even to fans who closely follow the Estevez-Sheen family.

Her decision to step away from both the modeling world and the celebrity circuit suggests she values her privacy above all else. In an era where everyone seems eager to monetize their connections to fame, Salley’s approach is refreshingly different. She’s chosen to live her life on her own terms, far from the cameras and gossip columns.

It’s worth noting that her connection to the Estevez family means she’s technically linked to a sprawling Hollywood dynasty. Martin Sheen, Charlie Sheen, Emilio Estevez, and various other family members have collectively spent decades in the entertainment industry, making the Estevez-Sheen clan one of the most prominent acting families in American cinema.

Net Worth

Carey Salley’s net worth hasn’t been publicly confirmed or verified by any reliable source. Given her years working as a model with a top-tier agency like Wilhelmina, she likely earned a comfortable living during her active career years. However, since she stepped away from the public eye, there’s no updated financial information available.

For context, her ex-partner Emilio Estevez has an estimated net worth in the range of $18 million, built over decades of acting, directing, and producing. While Salley’s financial situation isn’t directly tied to Estevez’s wealth, the comparison gives some perspective on the circles she once moved in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Carey Salley?

Carey Salley is a former American model and actress who’s best known as the ex-girlfriend of actor Emilio Estevez. She worked with the prestigious Wilhelmina Models agency during the 1980s and is the mother of Estevez’s two eldest children, Taylor and Paloma.

How old is Carey Salley?

Carey Salley was born on March 8, 1970, making her 55 years old as of 2026.

Were Carey Salley and Emilio Estevez married?

No, Carey Salley and Emilio Estevez were never married. They were in a relationship during the 1980s and had two children together, but they parted ways without tying the knot.

How many children does Carey Salley have?

Carey Salley has two children with Emilio Estevez: Taylor Levi Estevez (born June 22, 1984) and Paloma Rae Estevez (born February 15, 1986).

What is Carey Salley doing now?

Carey Salley has maintained a very private life after stepping away from the modeling industry. She doesn’t have a public social media presence and rarely appears in the media.

Related Celebrities

• Emilio Estevez — Actor, director, and Carey’s ex-partner
• Martin Sheen — Emilio’s father and acclaimed actor
• Charlie Sheen — Emilio’s brother and actor