The billionaire owner of the New England Patriots, Robert Kraft, has confirmed that his girlfriend had a baby in secrecy last fall.
The businessman is 76, while his dancer love interest is just 38 - 16 years younger than Robert's eldest son. While the couple have been together for five years, Kraft has said that the child isn't his.
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In a statement released via a spokesperson, Kraft detailed the situation. "Last fall, Ricki Noel Lander became the proud mother of a beautiful, healthy baby. While Robert Kraft is not the biological father, he is thrilled with Ricki’s blessing of having a healthy child. With respect to her family’s privacy, we will not be commenting any further.” Around the time of the pregnancy there was speculation that the couple had split as they made no public appearances together. However, this was intentional so that Lander could have a some privacy. Not long after the birth, the pair were photographed at the 2018 Super Bowl, as well as the NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles. According to Page Six, they were also due to make an appearance arm in arm at the Oscars on Sunday and the couple did attend.
While the baby may not be his flesh and blood, inside sources say that the mogul - who is worth around $6.2 billion dollars - is making sure both mother and baby are set up for life. As well as purchasing her a permanent home in the form of an LA mansion for them, Kraft has also invested some money for the beautiful blonde. The rumor mill even suggests that there is a trust fund in the works for the youngster, who is most likely richer now than we will ever be.
The Massachusetts native was married to Myra Hiatt from 1964 until her death from ovarian cancer in 2011, aged 68. The couple had four sons together, Jonathan, Daniel, Joshua, and David. Kraft was devastated following the death of his wife and largely credits Lander for helping him get his life back on track. According to him, he was unable to sleep, eat, or look after himself after Myra's passing. The couple spent almost 50 years together and contributed to many philanthropic causes. At one time, Boston Magazine listed Myra as one of the 20 Most Powerful Women in Boston.