Early Life and Career
Mary Kathlene “Kay” McCabe was born in Trenton, NJ, on January 7, 1932. She had a life of education, discipline, and bold choices before becoming the vibrant matriarch of one of America’s most famous families.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mary Kathlene McCabe |
| Known As | Kay McConaughey, “Ma Mac” |
| Birth Date | January 7, 1932 |
| Birthplace | Trenton, New Jersey |
| Education | Studied acrobatics in college |
| Early Occupation | Schoolteacher, author |
| Acting Appearances | Today (1952), Bernie (2011) |
She published papers and played modest roles after leaving school, demonstrating her communication skills.
Marital Life and Family
Kay married Jim McConaughey on July 28, 1968. Kay’s no-nonsense approach to life and love was shown by their two divorces and one remarriage.
| Spouse | Relationship Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| James Donald McConaughey | Married 3 times (final: 1968–1992) | He passed away on August 17, 1992 |
It was their relationship that shaped her children and gave the family its larger-than-life image.
Children and Descendants
Kay’s three sons took quite diverse paths. Her discipline and guidance left an impression on them.
| Name | Relation | Birth Year | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael “Rooster” | Eldest Son | 1954 | Entrepreneur, TV personality, father of Margarita Olympia |
| Patrick James | Adopted Son | 1963 | Low public profile |
| Matthew David | Youngest Son | 1969 | Oscar-winning actor, author, entrepreneur |
Family Living and Reconciliation
For nearly eight years, Matthew and Kay were estranged during his Hollywood climb. She resides with his family in Austin, Texas, since 2023–2025 after reconciling after major personal healing. She is loving and opinionated in their home.
Net Worth Overview
Kay McCabe never sought fame or fortune, but her family’s rise has brought money.
| Person | Estimated Net Worth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mary Kathlene McCabe | Not publicly reported | Likely modest, from teaching and book royalties |
| James Donald McConaughey | Deceased | Oil business background |
| Michael “Rooster” | ~$65 million | Business ventures and television |
| Patrick McConaughey | Unknown | Not publicly disclosed |
| Matthew McConaughey | >$100 million | Acting, books, business ventures |
Public Persona and Media Presence
Kay is known for her honesty and influence on her sons’ values. Recently, she has appeared in more media, particularly in ageing, family, and philosophical profiles.
| Year | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Appeared in Bernie | Played a small acting role |
| 2023 | Moves in with Matthew’s family | Lives in Austin, stays active and vocal in family life |
| 2024 | Features in family-focused articles | Focus on wisdom, aging, and grandparenting |
She promotes “stress-free living” and her favourite saying—“Are you going to see the rose in the vase or the dust on the table?”continues to represent her views.
Margarita Olympia McConaughey
In March 2009, Michael “Rooster” McConaughey and Georganne Hurt welcomed Margarita Olympia “Maggie” McConaughey, their youngest child.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Margarita Olympia McConaughey |
| Nickname | Maggie |
| Birthdate | March 2009 |
| Parents | Rooster McConaughey and Georganne Hurt |
| Age (as of 2025) | 16 |
| Siblings | Miller Lyte McConaughey (brother) |
Public attention was drawn to Margarita’s quinceañera in May 2024, which featured Matthew McConaughey’s dance and speech.
Quinceañera Celebration
| Event Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | May 2024 |
| Location | Texas |
| Notable Attendees | Matthew McConaughey, family, close friends |
| Dress | Traditional ball gown and crown |
| Highlights | Formal dances, family speeches, viral media clips |
Margarita, a minor, is a regular at family occasions and was named after her father, who loves informal symbolism and humour.
Family Summary Table
| Name | Role | Public Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Mary Kathlene McCabe | Matriarch | Retired teacher, author, “Ma Mac” persona |
| James Donald McConaughey | Husband (deceased) | Oil business figure |
| Michael “Rooster” McConaughey | Son | Businessman, TV figure, father of Margarita |
| Patrick McConaughey | Adopted Son | Private life |
| Matthew McConaughey | Son | Actor, author, businessman |
| Georganne Hurt | Daughter-in-law | Married to Rooster since 1984 |
| Margarita Olympia McConaughey | Granddaughter | Teen figure, celebrated quinceañera in 2024 |
Family Dynamics and Legacy
Kay has influenced three generations. Her grounding influence shapes family culture, from Rooster’s entrepreneurship to Matthew’s Hollywood success and Margarita’s future. She is immersed in Austin family life and a parenting, tradition, and wisdom guide.
Practical and humorous, she is outspoken. Kay has taught her family to prioritise what important for over 90 years.
FAQ
When was Mary Kathlene McCabe born?
She was born in Trenton, NJ, on January 7, 1932.
What is Mary McCabe’s profession?
She was an author, teacher, and occasional actress.
Who are her children?
Her sons are Michael “Rooster,” Patrick (adopted), and Matthew McConaughey.
Where does Kay live now?
She lives in Austin with Matthew McConaughey’s family.
What is Kay McCabe known for?
She is famous for her parenting philosophy, strong attitude, and public presence as “Ma Mac.”
Age of Margarita Olympia McConaughey?
Born March 2009, Margarita became 15 in 2024.
What happened at Margarita’s quinceañera?
The party included a formal dance, ball gown, and speech by her uncle, Matthew McConaughey.
Has Margarita made headlines?
She’s not active professionally but has appeared in family gatherings and media.
What is Kay’s family background?
She is Irish-American and her family valued education and resilience.
Did Kay have any roles in movies?
Yes, she appeared in Bernie (2011) and Today (1952).