Payne Stewart’s wife, Tracey Stewart, did not remarry for many years following the tragic death of the legendary professional golfer in a 1999 plane crash, eventually dedicating her life to philanthropy, animal rescue, and preserving her late husband’s storied legacy before finding new love and marrying Norman Gretzinger. The sudden and devastating loss of Payne Stewart sent shockwaves through the sports world, leaving Tracey to raise their two young children, Chelsea and Aaron, while managing the immense grief and public attention that accompanied such a high-profile tragedy.
The Legacy and Tragedy of Payne Stewart
To understand Tracey Stewart’s personal journey and marital history, it is essential to revisit the life and career of Payne Stewart himself. Born William Payne Stewart on January 30, 1957, in Springfield, Missouri, he became one of the most charismatic, recognizable, and accomplished figures in professional golf during the 1980s and 1990s. Renowned for his flamboyant plus-four knickerbockers, matching flat caps, and traditional country club styling, Stewart stood out in an era when golf fashion was becoming increasingly corporate and uniform. Beyond his distinctive wardrobe, his swashbuckling swing, fierce competitiveness, and undeniable charisma made him a fan favorite worldwide.
Stewart amassed 11 PGA Tour victories, including three major championships: the 1989 PGA Championship and the U.S. Open in both 1991 and 1999. His 1999 U.S. Open victory at Pinehurst No. 2, sealed by a dramatic, clutch 18-foot putt on the final green against Phil Mickelson, stands as one of the most iconic moments in golf history. Just months after that crowning career achievement, on October 25, 1999, Stewart tragically died alongside five other people when a chartered Learjet carrying them depressurized and flew off-course across the United States until it crashed in a South Dakota pasture.
The aviation accident cut short the life of a 42-year-old athlete who was widely considered to be playing some of the best golf of his life and serving as a beloved leader in the American Ryder Cup locker room. The sports world plunged into mourning, and attention immediately turned to his surviving family, particularly his wife, Tracey, and their children, who were then ages 14 and 11.
Tracey Stewart: Life as a Young Widow and Single Mother
Tracey Stewart (née Ferguson) met Payne Stewart in the early 1980s, and the couple married in 1981. Throughout Payne's fluctuating career—marked by brilliant victories, intense slumps, and a celebrated resurgence in the late 1990s—Tracey remained a steadfast presence by his side, traveling the PGA Tour circuit and raising their family. When Payne died in 1999, Tracey faced the daunting challenge of grieving a public figure while shielding her children from unrelenting media scrutiny.
In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, Tracey demonstrated remarkable poise and resilience. She established the Payne Stewart Award, presented annually by the PGA Tour to a professional golfer who exemplifies the values of character, charity, and sportsmanship—traits that Payne championed throughout his life. Furthermore, she directed her energy into channeling insurance settlements, tournament tributes, and personal resources into charitable giving, ensuring that her husband's name became synonymous with philanthropy.
For more than a decade, Tracey remained unmarried, focusing entirely on parenting Chelsea and Aaron. Raising teenagers as a single parent under the weight of national grief required immense emotional strength. Over the years, both children grew up, graduated from college, and started families of their own, making Tracey a grandmother and marking a profound chapter of healing and personal transition.
Remarriage: Finding Love Anew with Norman Gretzinger
As the decades passed and her children reached adulthood, Tracey Stewart eventually opened a new chapter in her personal life. She married Norman Gretzinger, a builder and real estate professional based in Florida.
While Tracey has largely maintained a private personal life away from the relentless media spotlight that followed her during her years as a PGA Tour wife, public records and biographical notes confirm her marriage to Gretzinger. The couple settled in the Orlando, Florida area, where Tracey had spent many years of her life and where she continued her extensive philanthropic and animal rescue endeavors.
The marriage to Gretzinger brought a sense of quiet stability, companionship, and joy to Tracey after many years dedicated primarily to single motherhood and preserving Payne's memory. Friends and acquaintances of the family have often noted that Payne’s legacy has never been overshadowed by Tracey’s remarriage; rather, her new life stands as a testament to her resilience, capacity to love, and ability to forge a fulfilling path forward after unimaginable loss.
Philanthropy, Animal Advocacy, and Current Endeavors
Beyond her marital status and personal history, Tracey Stewart is widely respected in the equestrian and animal rescue communities. Her post-tragic life has been defined largely by compassion for animals and a commitment to environmental stewardship.
In the late 2000s and 2010s, Tracey expanded her advocacy work, founding various animal welfare initiatives. She became heavily involved in horse rescue operations, sanctuary management, and promoting plant-based, cruelty-free living. Her dedication to animals culminated in the establishment of large-scale rescue efforts and educational outreach designed to encourage humane treatment of livestock and companion animals alike.
| Initiative / Organization | Focus Area | Tracey Stewart's Role |
|---|---|---|
| The Payne Stewart Award | PGA Tour Character & Charity | Co-founder / Legacy Trustee |
| Milo's Sanctuary & Farm | Special Needs Animal Rescue | Supporter / Board Involvement |
| Equine Rescue & Advocacy | Horse Welfare & Rehabilitation | Founder / Director |
Her work in these fields reflects the compassionate side of the Stewart family that Payne often displayed away from the tournament television cameras—a side dedicated to helping those in need, whether humans in the golf community or vulnerable animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Payne Stewart’s wife remarry?
Yes. Tracey Stewart remained single for many years after Payne Stewart’s death in 1999, focusing on raising their children, Chelsea and Aaron. Years later, she married Norman Gretzinger, a Florida-based real estate professional and builder.
Who is Norman Gretzinger?
Norman Gretzinger is Tracey Stewart’s husband. He is a builder and real estate professional who lives and works in Florida, where he shares a private life with Tracey.
What happened to Payne Stewart?
Payne Stewart died on October 25, 1999, in a Learjet plane crash. The aircraft suffered a suspected loss of cabin pressure, rendering the passengers and crew unconscious due to hypoxia. The plane flew on autopilot across the United States until it ran out of fuel and crashed in a South Dakota field, killing all six people on board.
How many children do Payne and Tracey Stewart have?
Payne and Tracey share two children: a daughter named Chelsea and a son named Aaron. Both were young children when their father passed away in 1999 and have since grown into adulthood.
What is the Payne Stewart Award?
Established by the PGA Tour in honor of the late golfer, the Payne Stewart Award is presented annually to a professional golfer who displays respect for the game’s traditions, commitment to charitable support, and professional sportsmanship.
Conclusion and Next Actions
Tracey Stewart’s journey from a grieving young widow navigating an unprecedented national tragedy to a fulfilled mother, grandmother, philanthropist, and wife to Norman Gretzinger illustrates a remarkable story of endurance. For those interested in exploring her ongoing philanthropic efforts, looking into the history of the Payne Stewart Award or supporting animal rescue organizations associated with her advocacy provides a meaningful way to honor the broader legacy she and Payne built together.
