### **The Early Days of Their Marriage**

Initially, the couple’s marriage appeared to be a typical young love story. They were both ambitious and driven, with Phil focusing on his academic and professional pursuits, while Debbie supported him in his endeavors. However, as time passed, cracks began to appear in their relationship.([nxonews.com][4])

According to McCall, Phil exhibited controlling behavior early in their marriage. She claimed that he insisted she stay at home and take care of the household, reinforcing traditional gender roles. Additionally, McCall alleged that Phil pressured her to undergo physical changes, such as lifting weights to alter her appearance, which she found unsettling and invasive.([snopes.com][5], [nxonews.com][4])

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### **The Infidelity Allegations**

Perhaps the most significant factor contributing to the dissolution of their marriage was Phil’s alleged infidelity. McCall confronted her husband about his extramarital affairs, to which he reportedly responded nonchalantly, stating that it had nothing to do with his feelings toward her and that she should “grow up” as that was the way of the world. This response left McCall feeling betrayed and disillusioned.([apost.com][6])

In an interview years later, McCall reflected on their relationship, stating, “We never had a cross word. We just sat down and said, ‘Why did we do this?'” ([apost.com][6])

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### **The Divorce**

In 1973, just three years after their marriage, McCall decided to end the relationship. She moved back to Kansas City, choosing to leave behind her life with Phil. The divorce was finalized without public fanfare, and McCall largely stayed out of the spotlight following the separation.([snopes.com][5])

Phil McGraw has rarely spoken about his first marriage. In a 2002 interview with *Newsweek*, he described the relationship as something that “just didn’t work out,” likening it to the typical trajectory of high school sweethearts. He mentioned, “I was the big football player, and she was the cheerleader. This was just the next thing to do.” ([frontiermediausa.com][3], [nxonews.com][4], [snopes.com][5])

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### **Debbie Higgins McCall’s Life After the Divorce**

After her divorce from Phil, Debbie Higgins McCall continued to build her career. She worked as a film editor, contributing to projects such as the 2013 independent film *Demon Hunters: Fear the Silence*. Additionally, she appeared in the 2011 documentary *Christy Mathewson Day*, which highlights the life of Major League baseball pitcher Christy Mathewson. Outside of her work in film, McCall was also an entrepreneur, owning a liquor store in Kansas.([frontiermediausa.com][3], [thelist.com][1])

McCall largely kept her personal life private, especially regarding her marriage to Phil. She rarely spoke about their relationship, choosing to focus on her own endeavors. It wasn’t until after her passing in 2014 that more details about her life and her marriage to Phil came to light.

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### **The Impact on Dr. Phil’s Career**

The end of Phil McGraw’s first marriage had a profound effect on his personal and professional life. The experience of a failed marriage likely influenced his later work, particularly his approach to relationships and marriage counseling on his television show. His firsthand experience with the complexities of relationships and the pain of divorce may have contributed to his empathetic approach when dealing with guests facing similar issues.

While Phil has not publicly discussed the specifics of his first marriage in detail, the lessons learned from that period of his life seem to have shaped his perspective on relationships. His experiences have underscored the importance of communication, trust, and mutual respect in maintaining healthy relationships.

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### **Conclusion**

Dr. Phil McGraw’s first marriage to Debbie Higgins McCall was brief but impactful. The challenges they faced, including allegations of infidelity and controlling behavior, led to their divorce in 1973. While McCall chose to keep her reasons for the divorce private, her statements and actions suggest that the relationship was marked by significant difficulties.([frontiermediausa.com][3])

Phil McGraw has rarely spoken about this chapter of his life, but the end of his first marriage undoubtedly influenced his views on relationships and marriage. The lessons learned from that period have likely informed his approach to helping others navigate their own relationship challenges.

As Dr. Phil continues to offer advice and guidance to individuals and couples, his own experiences serve as a reminder that even those who counsel others are not immune to the complexities and hardships of personal relationships.

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