Babe Paley remains one of the most influential style icons of the 20th century. Celebrated for her elegance, fashion sense, and role as a Vogue editor, she became a defining figure of New York high society. While many people remember her as the wife of CBS founder William S. Paley, fewer know about her first marriage to Stanley Grafton Mortimer Jr.
For those searching “Babe Paley ex husband,” Stanley Grafton Mortimer Jr. was the man she married before becoming one of America’s most famous socialites. Their relationship, which began with great promise, eventually came to an end after significant personal challenges.
Who Was Stanley Grafton Mortimer Jr.?
Stanley Grafton Mortimer Jr. belonged to one of New York’s most prominent old-money families.
He was known as an oil heir, an accomplished sportsman, and a member of an influential social circle that included many of the country’s wealthiest families. His background placed him among the elite of American society during the early 20th century.
At the time of his marriage to Babe, the couple represented the image of wealth, privilege, and prestige that defined New York’s upper class.
A Society Wedding
Babe Paley and Stanley Grafton Mortimer Jr. married in 1940 during a lavish wedding held in East Hampton, New York.
Their marriage attracted considerable attention within high society, bringing together two well-connected families. The ceremony reflected the glamorous lifestyle associated with America’s social elite during that era.
Following their wedding, the couple established a family while maintaining active roles in New York’s exclusive social scene.
Their Family
During their marriage, Babe and Stanley welcomed two children.
Their son, Stanley Grafton Mortimer III, continued the family’s distinguished name.
Their daughter, Amanda Jay Mortimer, later became widely known as Amanda Burden, an influential urban planner and public official recognized for her contributions to city development and planning.
Despite the eventual end of the marriage, both children remained an important part of Babe Paley’s life.
Challenges After the War
The marriage changed significantly following World War II.
After returning from his service in the United States Navy, Stanley Grafton Mortimer Jr. faced serious personal struggles that affected family life.
Historical accounts describe his battle with severe alcoholism as well as unpredictable mood changes. Years later, he was diagnosed with manic depression, a condition now more commonly recognized as bipolar disorder.
At the time, understanding and treatment of mental health conditions were far more limited than they are today, making these challenges especially difficult for families.
The Divorce
As these personal difficulties intensified, the marriage became increasingly strained.
Babe Paley and Stanley Grafton Mortimer Jr. officially divorced in 1946, ending a relationship that had lasted approximately six years.
Although their separation attracted attention within New York society, Babe largely maintained her reputation for grace and discretion, choosing not to publicly discuss the private details of the marriage.
The divorce marked the beginning of a significant new chapter in her personal and social life.
A New Beginning
Following the divorce, Babe Paley received a trust fund settlement, providing financial security as she moved forward.
Not long afterward, she met William S. Paley, the influential businessman who founded the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS).
The relationship quickly developed, and the couple married in 1947, just one year after Babe’s divorce from Stanley Mortimer.
Their marriage elevated Babe’s status even further, placing her among the most recognized women in American society.
Marriage to William S. Paley
As the wife of William S. Paley, Babe became one of the world’s leading fashion and social icons.
She was regularly featured in magazines, admired for her impeccable style, and frequently included on lists recognizing the world’s best-dressed women.
Although the marriage projected an image of glamour and sophistication, biographies and historical accounts have described the relationship as complex. Despite remaining together until Babe’s passing in 1978, their marriage experienced numerous personal challenges behind the scenes.
Nevertheless, Babe maintained her reputation as a symbol of elegance throughout her life.
Lasting Legacy
Today, Babe Paley is remembered for much more than her marriages.
Her influence on fashion, interior design, and high society continues to inspire designers, historians, and style enthusiasts. She helped define an era of American elegance through her work at Vogue and her presence within New York’s cultural elite.
Meanwhile, Stanley Grafton Mortimer Jr. remains an important figure in her personal history, representing the first chapter of a life that later became closely associated with media, fashion, and international society.
Why People Still Search
Interest in Babe Paley’s personal life has grown in recent years due to renewed attention from books, documentaries, and television productions exploring the lives of influential socialites.
As audiences revisit her remarkable story, many want to understand the relationships that shaped her journey before she became Mrs. William S. Paley.
Learning about her first marriage provides additional context to the experiences that influenced one of the most celebrated style icons of the twentieth century.
For those searching “Babe Paley ex husband,” her first husband was Stanley Grafton Mortimer Jr., an oil heir, sportsman, and member of one of New York’s most distinguished families.
The couple married in 1940, welcomed two children—Stanley Grafton Mortimer III and Amanda Jay Mortimer—and divorced in 1946 after Stanley experienced significant personal and health challenges following his military service during World War II.
After the divorce, Babe Paley married William S. Paley in 1947, beginning the chapter of her life for which she is best remembered. While her personal relationships were often complicated, her enduring legacy as a fashion icon, Vogue editor, and influential American socialite continues to stand the test of time.
