Butch Wilmore, the NASA astronaut returning to Earth with Sunita Williams after an extended mission at the International Space Station (ISS), is married to Deanna Newport from Helenwood, Tennessee. The couple lives in Houston, Texas, with their two daughters, Daryn and Logan.
Deanna Newport: Supportive Wife of Butch Wilmore
Deanna Newport, who hails from Helenwood, Tennessee, has been a pillar of support for Butch Wilmore throughout his career as an astronaut. The couple has been married for several years and resides in Houston, where they have raised their two daughters.
Daryn and Logan: Wilmore’s Daughters
Wilmore’s daughter, Daryn, 16, recently shared an emotional video on social media, expressing how much she missed her father during his extended stay in space. In the video posted on February 6, Daryn spoke about how her father missed important family moments, including Christmas, Logan’s senior year of high school, and Daryn’s college theater performances.
Daryn’s Emotional Message
In the heartfelt video, Daryn mentioned, “He’s missed out on a lot. It’s less the fact that he’s up there sometimes; it’s more the fact of why. There’s a lot of politics and things I’m not fully aware of. But there’s been issues and negligence.” She also expressed her eagerness to “hug his neck” and celebrate her sister’s high school graduation.
Extended ISS Mission
Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams originally traveled to the ISS in June 2024 for a short mission to test Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, technical issues with the spacecraft prolonged their stay for over nine months. The astronauts are now returning home aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.
Conclusion
As Butch Wilmore prepares to reunite with his family, the emotional words of his daughter Daryn highlight the sacrifices made by astronauts and their families. His return marks not only the end of a challenging mission but also a joyful homecoming for his wife Deanna and their daughters.