Despite the challenges of his first marriage, Chet Lemon found lasting love and companionship with Gigi Lemon, whom he married in the early 1990s.
Chet Lemon was a three-time All-Star outfielder who played for the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers, helping the Tigers win the 1984 World Series.
Known for his strong battling and defensive skills, he had a successful 16-season career in Major League Baseball.
Even after retiring in 1990, Lemon dedicated much of his time to youth baseball development and founded the Chet Lemon Foundation.
Unfortunately, in 1990, he was diagnosed with polycythemia vera, a rare blood disorder, the same year he retired from MLB.
Despite his health struggles, he remained engaged with the baseball community and was honored at a Tigers event in 2024.
The White Sox send our condolences to the family, friends and fans of Chet Lemon, who has passed away at the age of 70.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) May 8, 2025
Lemon played in 785 games over seven seasons with the White Sox from 1975-81. He represented Chicago at two All-Star Games from 1978-79. pic.twitter.com/q3N2ym6v0a
Tragically, on May 8, 2025, he passed away at the age of 70 at his home in Florida.
His wife, Gigi, shared that he was unresponsive while sleeping on his reclining sofa.
Over the years, he suffered at least 13 strokes and had been hospitalized more than 300 times.
During his battle, he lost his ability to walk and talk. By the time of his passing, he was unable to speak or move independently.
Chet Lemon’s First Marriage To Valerie Jones Lasted For 18 Years!
A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Chet Lemon was first married to Valerie Jones in the early 1970s, with whom he had four children: Geneva (born in 1972), Chester Jr. (born in 1977), David (born in 1981), and Marcus (born in 1988).
The couple divorced in 1990, the same year Lemon retired from baseball. Also, he was diagnosed with polycythemia vera around the same time or shortly after his divorce.
While the reason for Chet Lemon’s divorce remains under wraps, it is known that he married his second wife later that same year.
In the early 1990s, he married Gigi Partee, his wife of more than 30 years, and together they had a daughter, Brianna, born in 1998.
His family was deeply involved in his life, especially during his health struggles.
His wife, Gigi, was his primary caregiver, and his children supported him throughout his battle with polycythemia vera.
Even after his divorce, Chet Lemon remained deeply connected to his children from his first marriage.
Social media posts and public accounts show that they were actively involved in his life, offering support throughout his difficult days and standing by him during his final moments.
Chet Lemon’s Wife, Gigi, Was His Primary Caregiver Throughout His Battle With Polycythemia Vera!
Gigi Lemon was deeply involved in caring for Chet Lemon throughout his battle, which led to multiple strokes and left him unable to walk or talk.
Despite his declining health, Gigi believed that his return to Detroit in 2024 for the Tigers’ celebration of the 1984 World Series champions gave him a boost.
She said:
I think it added some more months. He was able to see his teammates. I thought that was so important.
After the trip, Lemon moved into his own home, threw out the first pitch at a college baseball game, and spent time with his family.
Gigi noticed a change in him, saying:
The trip to Detroit, I think, it just sparked him. I don’t know the medical terms, or if there was such a thing as more blood flowing through some areas, but he just seemed to be so happy.
Gigi cared for him from the very first year of their marriage until his last breath. She is mourning his loss with her family and cherishing the memories they shared.
She set an inspiring example of a devoted wife, standing by her husband for over three decades.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Chet Lemon’s son, Marcus, followed in his father’s footsteps and played minor league baseball from 2006 to 2017.
- His other son, David, also pursued a baseball career.
- Brianna, aka Bri, lives in Columbus, Ohio, and frequently visited her father during his final years.
