Kelley Earnhardt mirrors her father Dale Earnhardt Sr. in more ways than one, not just in her business instincts and mannerisms, but even in her physical resemblance to the seven-time NASCAR champion. However, their relationship was often complicated, which made navigating life after his passing in 2001 even more challenging for her.
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Reflecting on those struggles during Earnhardt: NASCAR’s Companion Podcast, she shared, “You deal with it a lot differently when you’re an adult. I mean, it was a difficult thing as a kid to listen to people talk negative or call you names or whatever, or think that your life was a certain way when it wasn’t.
“I think, unconsciously, Dale (Junior) and I sort of dealt with that all the way up to his retirement. There was a certain standard way, whatever we needed to do to continue to meet people’s expectations.
“Once Dale stopped driving, it was like how we can just be who we are, right? There was a level of expectation that came with Dale that then came with me, honestly, working with Dale.”
Kelley admitted that even in her everyday life, whether she was out grocery shopping or at Millbridge Speedway, fans often approach her for pictures. While she sometimes wishes for a bit more privacy, she acknowledges that this attention is part of their legacy.
She understands that fans who adore NASCAR will forever remember Dale Earnhardt and his children, and that recognition comes with the territory.
Kelley yearned for the approval of her father, just like Dale Jr.
Given Dale Sr.’s distant relationship with his children, they naturally craved his approval. Even Dale Jr. once admitted that his desire to race stemmed from wanting to make his father proud. Kelley shared a similar sentiment, though her pursuit of validation took a different path.
She explained that Dale Jr. longed for an emotional connection with their father, while she already had that bond because she excelled at many things. Instead of seeking emotional approval, she yearned for a simple nod of appreciation after a job done well.
But rather than hearing, “Girl, you kicked ass!” Kelley was met with, “You better bring straight A’s or you’re grounded.” For her, it was always tough love from Dale Sr.
