When people hear the name Art TerKeurst, it’s often in connection with bestselling author and speaker Lysa TerKeurst. But Art’s story is much bigger than just being the former husband of a public figure. His life has been shaped by faith, business, and personal battles that were both intensely private and painfully public. If you’ve ever wondered who Art TerKeurst really is, here’s a detailed look at his background, family, work, and where he stands today.
Early Life and Education
Art TerKeurst was born in February 1966 in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. He grew up in a Christian home with strong family values, which influenced his path later in life. He attended West Morris Mendham High School before continuing his education at Winthrop University in South Carolina.
Now 58 years old, Art has used the decades behind him to build a life around entrepreneurship and resilience. His early upbringing laid the groundwork for both his personal beliefs and professional choices.
A True Entrepreneur: His Business Journey
In December 1991, Art launched his business journey by opening a Chick-fil-A in Charlotte, North Carolina. Over time, this wasn’t just a fast-food outlet—it became a community staple. Chick-fil-A as a brand is known for its focus on quality, customer service, and faith-based values, which aligned perfectly with Art’s own principles.
Owning a Chick-fil-A isn’t a casual business move. It’s a competitive, demanding space that requires strong leadership and attention to detail. Art managed to thrive in this environment, showing not just business skill but also long-term commitment. His franchise, Chick-fil-A Waverly FSR, stands as a testament to his consistency and hard work.
Marriage to Lysa TerKeurst: Faith, Fame, and Challenges
Art met Lysa at a Bible study group. Their shared faith became the foundation of a relationship that grew quickly. They got married in 1993 and raised a large, blended family of five children. From the outside, their life looked like a picture of success built on faith and family. But behind the scenes, there were serious challenges.
In 2017, Lysa filed for divorce, citing infidelity and substance issues. That same year, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo major surgery. The couple surprised many by reconciling and remarrying in 2018, holding a small private ceremony. Sadly, the peace didn’t last long.
By the end of 2021, Lysa filed for divorce again, announcing the split in early 2022. The breakdown of their relationship wasn’t just personal—it became very public, leading to legal battles and scrutiny from the faith community.
Legal Disputes and Public Scrutiny
Their final separation brought intense attention, especially as court documents revealed details about Art’s alleged affair and financial decisions. Reports suggested he spent over ₹98 lakh ($118,000) on another woman, including a pre-engagement ring and relocation expenses. Lysa cited this as a major breach of trust.
One of the most contentious points was their post-nuptial agreement. Art argued that the agreement was invalid after their second marriage, while Lysa maintained its legitimacy. Ultimately, the court sided with her, and their divorce was finalized in 2023.
Life as a Father
Despite the controversies, Art has always remained active as a father. He and Lysa have three biological daughters—Hope, Ashley, and Brooke—and two adopted sons, Mark and Jackson, from South Africa.
Hope is a well-known fashion and lifestyle blogger. Ashley also maintains a public presence and is a mother. Brooke works as a professional makeup artist. The boys, Mark (also known as musician T. Markus) and Jackson, have found their own paths. Over time, the family has grown to include several grandchildren as well.
Art’s commitment to fatherhood, even after the divorce, reflects a central part of who he is. Family still plays a significant role in his life.
Financial Success and Business Reputation
Art’s business success hasn’t been just about surviving—it’s about building something meaningful. His estimated net worth ranges from ₹25 crore to ₹42 crore ($3 million to $5 million), largely due to his long-standing Chick-fil-A franchise.
Managing a Chick-fil-A for over three decades while maintaining a strong customer base and positive brand reputation says a lot about his capability as an entrepreneur. He’s created not only a profitable business but also one rooted in values that reflect his personal beliefs.
Where Is Art TerKeurst Now?
As of 2024, Art still lives in Waxhaw, North Carolina, and continues to operate his Chick-fil-A in the Charlotte area. While Lysa has moved on and married again—tying the knot with Chaz Adams in early 2024—Art has kept a lower profile. There’s no public information about a new relationship, and he appears focused on work and family.
Even after all the public fallout and legal drama, he seems committed to rebuilding and continuing life on his own terms.
Final Thoughts
Art TerKeurst is not just “Lysa’s ex.” He is a businessman, a father, and a person who’s experienced both success and failure in full view of the public. While his story includes controversial chapters, it also includes resilience, entrepreneurship, and a strong dedication to family.
For those curious about where he stands now, the answer is simple: grounded, focused, and still moving forward. Whether admired or critiqued, Art’s journey offers an honest look into a life shaped by faith, choices, and the courage to keep going even when things fall apart.