Pat Riley and Christine Rodstrom don’t have biological kids, but they have embraced the role of loving parents to their two adopted children, James and Elisabeth.
The former basketball player and coach, Pat Riley, met Christine Rodstrom in the mid-1960s when they were in San Diego.
Christine was a student at the University of San Diego during that time, where Riley played for the San Diego Rockets.
Following a few years of courtship, Pat Riley and Christine tied the knot in 1970. Christine previously worked as a marriage counselor and a therapist.
Even after years of marriage, the couple didn’t have a baby. However, the prime reason behind Riley and Christine not having biological kids remains unknown.
They have never publicly stated if they faced difficulties with conceiving or whether their demanding career played a role in this decision.
Later, Riley and Christine first experienced parenthood after adopting James Riley as their first child in 1985.
Growing up under the watchful eyes of Pat and Christine, James experienced a prosperous childhood filled with love and support.
Although James has kept a relatively low profile compared to his famous father, he has carved out his path in life, living independently while maintaining close ties with his family.
Speaking of the father-son bond, Pat Riley went above and beyond to provide and be present while he grew up.
For instance, When James Riley went to boarding school, Pat Riley arrived at the dormitory ahead of time and meticulously organized every detail to ensure it was perfect.
This speaks volumes about the reflection of Pat’s guilt for missing parts of his children’s lives, for he was at the peak of his career.
Following James’s adoption, the Riley family expanded from three to four in 1989 with the addition of Elisabeth Riley, who is affectionately known as Lis.
Pat Riley’s Daughter, Elisabeth Riley, Experienced a Health Scare in 2016!
In 2016, at the age of 28, she experienced a health scare when she noticed swollen lymph nodes. She was diagnosed with suspected lymphoma.
Like any parent would, the news affected Pat and Christine. The diagnosis of suspected lymphoma brought the Riley family to Denver, where they faced the frightening possibility of cancer.
This period was particularly challenging for Pat, who had always prided himself on being able to solve any problem his children encountered.
The helplessness he felt during Elisabeth’s illness was one of the most difficult moments of his life.
Fortunately, the news later came that Elisabeth did not have cancer, bringing immense relief to the family.
Later, they celebrated Christmas Eve in a Denver hotel suite, wearing matching pajamas, drinking wine, and watching movies.
Pat Riley’s daughter, Elisabeth Riley, Married Paul in 2015!
As the youngest child of Pat and Christine Riley, Elisabeth’s wedding was one of a kind; she got married in a beautiful ceremony.
Pat Riley paid meticulous attention to the minute details during the ceremony so as to ensure that his girl’s big day was perfect in every aspect.
For example, Just hours before the ceremony, Riley called wedding planners to raise some concerns. He insisted that the draping and piping on a table be redone to meet his high standards.
Caught up in making sure everything was perfect, Pat Riley didn’t notice he hadn’t changed. Hence, moments before the ceremony, he rushed to change his clothes, ready to walk his daughter down the aisle.
As Pat Riley escorted Elisabeth down the aisle, he walked down memory lane from when they brought her home to the countless cherished moments.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Pat Riley has an estimated net worth of $120 million amassed from his successful career trajectory from being a player and coach to a basketball executive.
- Riley continued in the sports industry, following the path set by his father, Leon Riley, who played as an outfielder and first baseman in minor league baseball for 22 seasons and made appearances in four games for the 1944 Philadelphia Phillies.
- He had a successful playing career and played in three teams in the NBA, including the San Diego Rockets (1967–1970), Los Angeles Lakers (1970–1975), and Phoenix Suns (1975–1976).
