Fans of TLC’s hit reality series My 600-lb Life know Dr. Younan Nowzaradan (“Dr. Now”) as the stern, no-nonsense surgeon who saves lives.
However, few know the story of Delores Nowzaradan, the woman who stood beside him for nearly three decades.
While Dr. Now built his medical legacy, Delores worked quietly behind the scenes. She managed their home, raised the children who would eventually produce the show, and cared for extended family.
Quick Bio
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Delores Nowzaradan (née McRedmond) |
| Date of Birth | Nov 20, 1953 (Reported) |
| Age | Approx. 71 |
| Birthplace | Spring, Texas, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Gender | Female |
| Profession | Former Secretary / Homemaker |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed (Awarded 70% of marital estate in 2004) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Spouse | Dr. Younan Nowzaradan (m. 1975–2004) |
| Children | Jonathan, Jennifer, Jessica |
| Education | High School (Specifics unconfirmed) |
| Family Background | McRedmond family |
| Known For | Ex-wife of “My 600-lb Life” star Dr. Now |
Early Life and Career Before Fame
Born Delores McRedmond in the early 1950s, Delores grew up in a time that emphasized traditional family roles.
While details of her childhood remain private, court records confirm she had a professional life before marriage.
Before meeting Younan Nowzaradan, Delores worked as a secretary. This administrative experience likely instilled the organizational skills she would later need to manage a bustling household.
However, once she married Younan in 1975, her career trajectory shifted entirely.
She made the decision to leave the workforce to dedicate herself fully to the domestic sphere, a choice that would become a central point of contention in her later legal battles.
The Marriage (1975 – 2002): Building a Foundation
Delores and Younan married in 1975, just as he was completing his surgical residency. For the next 27 years, their partnership followed a traditional division of labor that allowed Younan’s career to skyrocket.
While Younan established the Best Care Clinic in 1986 and built his reputation as a surgeon, Delores managed the home front. However, court documents reveal her role went far beyond cooking and cleaning.
The Hidden Caregiver Role
One of the most overlooked aspects of Delores’s life is her dedication to her husband’s family. According to appellate court records, Younan’s mother lived with the couple for 21 of their 27 years together.
Delores was the primary caregiver for her mother-in-law during this time. This crucial contribution allowed Dr.
Now to work long hours, weekends, and holidays to build his practice without worrying about elder care at home.
Raising the Next Generation of Producers
Delores and Younan raised three children: Jonathan, Jennifer, and Jessica. Jonathan Nowzaradan, born in 1978, would grow up to become the CEO of Megalomedia and the executive producer of My 600-lb Life.
It was Delores who provided stability for the children while their father worked tirelessly.
The success of the children is often attributed to the stable environment she cultivated during their formative years.
The Divorce: A Legal Battle Unveiled
In 2002, after the children reached adulthood, Delores filed for divorce.
While many celebrity breakups are vaguely described as “irreconcilable differences,” the Nowzaradan divorce was legally complex and highly contentious.
Delores cited “insupportability” and “cruel treatment” as the grounds for divorce. The ensuing legal battle, which lasted two years, exposed the cracks in their long marriage.
Findings of Fault
The divorce was finalized in 2004, but the details found in the Texas Court of Appeals documents paint a difficult picture. The trial court officially attributed fault in the breakup of the marriage to Younan.
According to court findings, Dr. Nowzaradan engaged in behaviors that complicated the proceedings and harmed the marital estate:
- Obstruction: He was found to have concealed records and withheld information during the discovery process.
- Financial Waste: He engaged in day trading that resulted in significant financial losses to the community estate.
- Neglect: He allowed the marital home to deteriorate, despite receiving insurance money specifically designated for repairs.
- Violation of Orders: At one point during the separation, failure to comply with court orders left Delores without utility services in the home.
The 70/30 Settlement
Because Delores had not worked outside the home for 27 years, she had little opportunity to re-enter the workforce with high earning potential.
Recognizing this disparity, the court made a significant ruling on the division of assets.
The court awarded Delores approximately 70% of the community estate, leaving Younan with 30%.
This settlement included:
- The marital home.
- Specific IRA accounts identified as her separate property.
- A substantial portion of the community assets to ensure her financial security.
Younan appealed this decision, arguing it was disproportionate.
However, the appellate court upheld the ruling, citing his fault in the breakup and Delores’s lack of earning capacity compared to his lucrative surgical career.
Life After Divorce: Privacy and Independence
Following the finalization of the divorce in 2004, Delores retreated from the public eye. Unlike many ex-spouses of reality TV stars who seek their own fame, she chose a path of quiet dignity.
She reverted to her maiden name, McRedmond, in many private circles, though she is still recognized publicly by her married name.
Financial Independence
The divorce settlement provided Delores with the financial means to live independently.
By securing 70% of the assets, the court ensured that her decades of unpaid labor, raising children and caring for her mother-in-law, were recognized as economically valuable.
Relationship with Family
Despite the contentious split from her husband, Delores maintained close relationships with her children.
She witnessed her son Jonathan’s rise in the television industry and the subsequent global fame of her ex-husband, all while maintaining her privacy.
Why Her Story Matters
Delores Nowzaradan’s story is a powerful reminder of the unseen labor that builds empires.
Dr. Now’s ability to work the grueling hours required to become a top bariatric surgeon was facilitated by Delores’s management of the domestic sphere.
Her legal victory in 2004 set a precedent regarding the value of a stay-at-home spouse.
It highlighted that supporting a partner’s career and caring for elderly relatives are contributions that hold immense weight in the eyes of the law.
Today, Delores remains a figure of resilience, a woman who navigated a high-profile, difficult separation and emerged with her security and dignity intact.
Maya Collins is a writer at WorthAura.com with over 3 years of experience researching celebrity lifestyles and net worth facts. She enjoys sharing clear and trustworthy information about how famous athletes and sports stars earn and grow their money. Maya makes sure every article is accurate and easy to understand for readers.
