Olivia Dunne's Parents Met at Rutgers University Facts about Them

Publish date: 2024-05-19

Olivia Dunne | David M. Dunne and Katherine Patterson Dunne | Source: Getty Images | Instagram/kat_dunne_

Olivia Dunne's parents are David M. Dunne and Katherine Patterson Dunne, and the couple has celebrated over two decades of marriage. During their long-standing relationship, the pair welcomed two daughters, one of whom has become one of America's highest-followed college athletes.

Olivia Dunne's parents became a topic of interest among fans after the college athlete became a household name following her social media popularity and promising gymnast career.

Although they did not pursue careers as athletes, Olivia Dunne's parents, especially her mother, have been by their daughter's side throughout her success. And they have done so while juggling their careers as an attorney and a vice president of product development at a technology company.

Olivia Dunne's Parents' Careers

As of 2006, Katherine served as the VP of product development at Imagine Tomorrow, a family-ran technology company that introduces young children to the latest technology through computer classes.

Her mother, Judy Patterson, founded the company. From starting with off-the-shelf computer software, the company grew to create its own software and had staff that included Katherine, her father, sister, and brother-in-law.

Katherine has been likened to Kris Jenner for being the force behind her daughter's success.

On the other hand, David is an attorney with experience in criminal defense and business law. While obtaining his Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law, David met his future wife, who was studying business.

The couple has since celebrated twenty-three years of marriage. And in honor of their 20th anniversary, Katherine took to Instagram to share a snap of her and David from their wedding day and sweetly captioned the post, "20 YEARS!! No one I'd rather be quarantined on an island with. 🥰" Besides Olivia, David and Katherine share an older daughter, Julz.

Olivia Dunne's Mother Was Likened to Kris Jenner

During an interview, Olivia recalled being three years old and eyeing a sparkly pink leotard that incentivized her to join gymnastics. She said:

"I was like, 'Mom, I want that,' and she said, 'Well, you can't have a leotard unless you do gymnastics.' So I was like, 'Sign me up.'"

Since she began competing at seven, Olivia has grown her empire to include a large social media following, which has seen her wrack in millions through endorsements. And Katherine has been likened to Kris Jenner for being the force behind her daughter's success.

"My kids all grew up with technology in their hands, and I've always been a big advocate of putting technology in the hands of kids and teaching them how to use it safely. If you're going to have your phone in your hand, don't just scroll through—let's make content, let's do something," Katherine said.

Olivia Dunne Could Not Wait to Tell Her Mom about Her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Debut

In 2023, Olivia joined Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, and Irina Shayk when she was featured in Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit edition. And after receiving the news, the gymnast couldn't help but share it with one person: her mom.

"I called my mom, even though you're not supposed to tell anyone right away. I had to tell my mom," Olivia said. The mother-daughter duo kept their lips sealed about the exciting ordeal until Olivia broke the news to her millions of social media followers.

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