Rod Blagojevich, the former Governor of Illinois, has led a life marked by political prominence and personal challenges. Central to his journey is his wife, Patricia “Patti” Blagojevich, who has been a steadfast partner through their shared experiences. Together, they have navigated the complexities of public life, legal battles, and family dynamics.
Who Is Rod Blagojevich’s Wife?
Patti Blagojevich, born Patricia Mell on April 9, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, is the daughter of former Chicago alderman Richard Mell. She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her involvement in public life includes serving as the First Lady of Illinois during Rod’s tenure as governor from 2003 to 2009.
In 2009, Patti participated in the reality TV show “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” and placed fourth.
They Have Been Married Since 1990: Their Daughters
Rod and Patti Blagojevich have been together for over three decades, standing by each other through major political and personal challenges. The couple, who married in 1990, has remained strong despite intense public scrutiny and Rod’s highly publicized legal battles.
They also share two daughters, Amy and Anne Blagojevich. While Rod’s legal troubles and subsequent imprisonment created significant difficulties for the family, Patti worked to maintain stability for their daughters. Experts noted that Amy and Anne had to navigate a challenging transition while adjusting to life with their father behind bars.
Amy Blagojevich:
Amy has pursued a career in mental health and counseling. She currently works as a pre-licensed professional with a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and a Mental Health Counselor (MHC) designation at Lincoln Park Therapy Group in Chicago.
She focuses on helping individuals struggling with personal and emotional challenges, including:
- Couples and Relationship Issues
- Break-ups & Relationship Loss
- Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
- Quarter-Life Crisis
- Identity and Self-Esteem
Amy takes a strengths-based approach in her work, helping clients recognize their ability to manage life’s challenges. She also integrates empathy and compassion, guiding individuals through past struggles while helping them shift negative core beliefs.
Rod Blagojevich’s Net Worth
Blagojevich, once a rising star in Illinois politics, saw his career and financial standing take a drastic turn following his legal troubles. As of recent estimates, his net worth is approximately $100,000—a significant drop from the wealth and influence the politician once held as governor.
Blagojevich served as the 40th Governor of Illinois from 2003 to 2009, but his tenure ended in scandal. He was impeached, removed from office, and later convicted on federal corruption charges, including an infamous attempt to sell Barack Obama’s vacated U.S. Senate seat. In 2011, Rod was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison.
After serving eight years behind bars, Blagojevich was granted a commuted sentence by President Donald Trump in 2020. In February 2025, Trump went a step further, issuing Blagojevich a full and unconditional pardon, effectively wiping out his conviction.
Through it all, his wife, Patti has remained by his side. She played a key role in advocating for his release, using media platforms and political connections to bring attention to his case.
