Carey Salley: The Untold Story of the Former Model and Emilio Estevez’s Former Partner

Carey Salley may not be a household name, but she has an undeniable place in Hollywood’s backstory. Known primarily as a former model and the ex-partner of actor and director Emilio Estevez, Carey Salley once walked in the same spotlight that surrounded some of the biggest names of the 1980s. Her story blends glamour, family, and the quiet dignity of a woman who chose a life away from fame after years in the public eye.

Early Life and Background

While Carey Salley’s early life remains largely private, several sources note she was born in the United States, likely between 1957 and 1962. Conflicting reports list her birth year as 1957 (Who’s Dated Who) and others say 1962 (BuzzNigeria). Her birthplace, family background, and upbringing are not well-documented, which has only added to her mystery. What’s clear, however, is that she began her professional journey as a model, working with respected agencies such as Wilhelmina Models — a powerhouse name in the industry during the 1970s and 1980s.

Career Beginnings as a Model

Before her personal life drew public attention, Carey Salley had established herself in the modeling scene. The Wilhelmina Models agency represented some of the biggest faces of the era, including legends like Beverly Johnson and Janice Dickinson. Working in that environment placed Carey among the promising faces of American fashion and advertising.

Although there’s no detailed archive of her campaigns or brands she modeled for, her career trajectory reflected the classic modeling path of that era — magazine shoots, catalog work, and possibly television commercials. But it was her personal connection to Emilio Estevez that soon brought her into the media spotlight.

Carey Salley and Emilio Estevez: A Hollywood Relationship

Carey Salley’s name first became widely recognized in the early 1980s when she began dating Emilio Estevez, a rising actor and son of Hollywood star Martin Sheen. Estevez was then one of the prominent members of the Brat Pack — a group of young actors who dominated Hollywood films such as The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo’s Fire, and Repo Man.

The couple reportedly started dating around 1983, and their relationship became a media focus due to Estevez’s fame and Salley’s modeling background. While the two never married, they shared a long-term relationship that lasted several years and resulted in the birth of two children.

Carey Salley’s Children

Carey Salley and Emilio Estevez had two children together:

• Taylor Levi Estevez, born June 22, 1984

• Paloma Rae Estevez, born February 15, 1986

Taylor went on to work as an actor and stunt coordinator, appearing in films and projects linked to the Estevez-Sheen family. Paloma Rae pursued a quieter artistic path as a musician and composer.

Both children have maintained a close relationship with their father, Emilio Estevez, who has publicly acknowledged his paternity and maintained a role in their lives. Carey’s contribution as their mother, though mostly private, was essential in giving them a grounded upbringing away from excessive media attention.

The Paternity Lawsuit and Public Scrutiny

In 1987, shortly after their separation, Carey Salley filed a $2 million paternity suit against Emilio Estevez. Reports from that time confirm Estevez acknowledged paternity of both children. The case drew wide attention, not because of scandal, but because of Emilio’s rising fame and the intense media curiosity surrounding the Sheen family.

While the details of the settlement were not publicly revealed, the case marked one of the earliest publicized instances of celebrity paternity acknowledgment during that period. It also demonstrated Carey’s determination to secure legal recognition and financial stability for her children — a stance that was respected even among critics.

Life After the Limelight

Following the highly publicized years of her relationship and legal battle, Carey Salley largely withdrew from the public eye. Unlike many who might have capitalized on the attention, she chose privacy. There are no verified interviews, social-media accounts, or recent public appearances attributed to her.

In an era when celebrity partners often became media personalities themselves, Carey Salley’s decision to step away reflected a conscious effort to lead a low-profile life. Many speculate that she focused her energy on raising her children and maintaining stability outside of Hollywood’s chaotic spotlight.

Where is Carey Salley Today?

So, where is Carey Salley now?
According to sources such as BuzzNigeria and FamousFix, she is believed to be living a private life in the United States. There’s no confirmed record of her remarriage or any new relationship. Most records describe her as single and out of public view.

Her children, both adults now, continue to thrive professionally, occasionally appearing in Hollywood projects or independent creative ventures. Carey herself appears to have chosen a quiet, peaceful existence — away from fame but not forgotten by those curious about her past.

Carey Salley’s Relationship Status and “Husband” Rumors

Despite online speculation, Carey Salley never married Emilio Estevez, and there’s no verifiable record of her marrying anyone else later. Sites like Who’s Dated Who and FamousFix list her as single, with no further known romantic relationships after her time with Estevez.

In contrast to many celebrity partners who remain in entertainment circles, Carey’s life trajectory shows a complete break from Hollywood once her personal chapter with Estevez ended.

Family and Personal Life

Carey Salley’s family life centers around her two children. Her son Taylor has worked behind the scenes in film, including production and stunts, while her daughter Paloma is known for her creative music work. Though Carey herself remains private, her children’s occasional public appearances reveal the close-knit nature of the Estevez-Salley family dynamic.

Carey’s relationship with the Estevez-Sheen family is rarely mentioned publicly, though Taylor and Paloma are part of that famous lineage — making Carey indirectly connected to a Hollywood dynasty that includes Martin Sheen, Charlie Sheen, and Ramon Estevez.

Age and Birthday

Due to conflicting sources, Carey Salley’s exact age and birthday remain uncertain.

• Some outlets (Who’s Dated Who) claim she was born on November 30, 1957, which would make her 67 years old in 2025.

• Others (BuzzNigeria) suggest she was born in 1962, making her around 63 years old.

Regardless of the specific date, it’s clear she was part of the early-1980s modeling wave, placing her among the generation that defined fashion during that decade.

Career After Modeling

There’s no official record of Carey Salley returning to modeling or acting after the mid-1980s. IMDb lists one film credit — Pomeriggio Caldo (1989) — suggesting she may have briefly explored acting. Beyond that, her name disappeared from professional listings.

It’s possible that Carey Salley transitioned into a different career path or chose full-time motherhood following her children’s births. Many models of that era moved into business, photography, or creative arts, though no reliable sources confirm her later professional activities.

Why Carey Salley Still Draws Interest Today

Despite her long absence from the spotlight, Carey Salley continues to spark curiosity — partly because of her connection to Emilio Estevez and the wider Sheen family, and partly because of her own mysterious privacy.

In a celebrity culture where personal details are often overshared, Carey’s choice to remain unseen gives her a certain timeless intrigue. Her story stands as a reminder that fame isn’t always the ultimate goal — sometimes, stepping away is the boldest move.

The Legacy of Carey Salley

Though she may not have the public recognition of her famous ex-partner, Carey Salley’s quiet legacy endures through her children and the part she played in a well-known Hollywood chapter. She represents countless women who balanced careers, motherhood, and media attention — often without the credit they deserved.

Her brief but impactful public presence in the 1980s and her decision to live privately afterward define her as someone who valued family and personal peace over celebrity.

Final Thoughts

Carey Salley’s life may not fill tabloids or celebrity headlines, but it reflects an admirable story of resilience and grace. From her early modeling career to her experience as the partner of a Hollywood star, and later her role as a devoted mother, Carey Salley chose a quieter, grounded path.

Even today, her name appears when people explore Emilio Estevez’s life or the extended Sheen family, but her own journey deserves recognition in its own right. She is a symbol of strength — a woman who lived through fame but refused to be defined by it.

For more biographical stories and in-depth celebrity insights, visit Megacine, your go-to blog for untold Hollywood histories and behind-the-scenes stories that matter.