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As Robert Kraftfaces two counts of soliciting prostitutionin connection with a human trafficking sting in Florida (allegations Kraft denies), a source tells PEOPLE that the New England Patriots owner has become a “very different person” since his beloved wife’s death in 2011.
“Bob Kraft had a fairytale romance with his wife, and they had this incredible marriage,” the source says of Kraft’s bond with late wife Myra, to whom he was married for 48 years before she died of cancer at age 68 in 2011.
“But then people were a little bit surprised to see that he moved on fairly quickly,” the source says of Kraft’s relationship with Ricki Lander, 39, whom he’s been dating for six years. “He started dating this much younger woman and a lot of people were raising their eyebrows.”
The source says Kraft “seems like a very different person” as he’s struck up new friendships and endeavors, including an investment in ane-sports team from the Overwatch League.
“It’s just sad,” Kraft told reporters last April, according toThe Boston Globe. “This guy is a great guy and shouldn’t be here.”
And in early February, Kraftdanced on stagewithCardi Bat a party during Super Bowl weekend while the hitmaker performed her song “Money.”
Robert Kraft and Cardi B.Kevin Mazur/Getty
After the New England Patriots won their sixth Super Bowl in early February, Kraft celebrated with the rest of the team, sharing an intimate hug with quarterbackTom Brady.
“Mr. Kraft has been like a second father to me in so many ways,” Brady, 41, toldradio station WEEIin December 2018. “He’s been part of so many important events in my life. He was at my wedding. I love him like a dad. He’s always around. He does a great job… He provides great guidance and leadership.”
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Kraft shares four adult sons with his late wife. Inone obituary, Myra was remembered as a philanthropist who chaired the boards of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick called her “a pillar of our community and a beloved friend.”
In September 2012, Kraft toldForbesof his wife’s death, “I will always have a broken heart.”
In a 2013 interview with theBoston Globe, Kraft admittedhow lonely he had beensince his wife’s death. “I sort of feel robbed,” Kraft said of losing his wife. “I try to stay very busy, I basically work seven days a week. I try to do new things, to meet new people.”
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Police announced Friday that Kraft had been charged with two counts of soliciting prostitution in connection with a human trafficking sting tied to a chain of Florida massage parlors.
Jupiter Police Chief Daniel Kerr confirmed the charge in a news conference.
A spokesman for Kraft told PEOPLE, “We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity. Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further.”
source: people.com
