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“He’s Going to Be Mister Mom Now”: Wayne Gretzky’s Wife Janet Had a Bizarre Wish for the NHL Legend Following His Retirement in 1999

Published 01/24/2023, 11:45 AM EST

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April 16, 1999, was the end of an era for ice hockey fans. This date marks the retirement of one of the greatest ever to step on the ice, Wayne Gretzky. While people wondered what his next venture was going to be, wife Janet Jones was pretty convinced about his upcoming role. The American actress had seen her husband take over the hockey world and now wanted him to conquer his household duties. 

It was indeed a very emotional moment for the entire community to see the GOAT leaving the hockey stick for once and all. But Janet Jones, clearly a farsighted person, had certain goals prepared beforehand. 

Jones wanted Wayne Gretzky to take on her role

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Jones revealed that she wanted the couple to swap their domestic roles. While the actress took charge of the house when Gretzky indulged in his professional commitments, after his retirement, she wanted him to take charge of the household duties. 

Due to his constant traveling schedule, Gretzky couldn’t spend much time with his children. However, after the end of his acclaimed sporting journey, Jones asked for his full commitment to the family. “Now the kids get him all to themselves. He’s going to be Mister Mom now.”, she said to the New York Post. 

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‘The Police Academy’ actress took a break from her professional acting career to take care of the family. However, with Gretzky in charge, she was keen on making a return to the stage and the big screen. “I am going to go back and see what happens, Maybe- if they want me. It’s been a while,” Jones said. 

Read More: “Left Myself Open to Criticism by Going to Hollywood”: Wayne Gretzky Once Had an Uncanny Opinion on His NHL Commitment

The announcement of the White Tornado’s retirement was a very tough pill to swallow, not just for his fans but for the man himself. Gretzky ruled people’s hearts for more than two decades and the decision did not come easy.

The toughest decision of Gretzky’s life

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The Great One once revealed how his team owner tried every trick in his arsenal, including financial promises, to make him stay in the game. Even his eldest daughter Paulina, who was just 10 years old at the time, was too emotional to join the family for his farewell speech.

LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 27: Former NHL player Wayne Gretzky speaks on stage during the NHL 100 – Media Availability as part of the 2017 NHL All-Star Weekend at the JW Marriott on January 27, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)However, the family found a silver lining in the whole ordeal – they would finally be able to spend New Year’s Eve together. Jones revealed that since Gretzky would usually have away games on the last day of the year, Gretzky couldn’t spend the last 7 New Year eves with his family.

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WATCH THIS STORY:  Here’s a Look at Top Homes Owned by NHL Players

It seems like Gretzky was successful in taking on another mantle that much needed his time and attention. What do you think of the couple’s commitment to each other? Tell us in the comments. 

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Written by:

Shivam Sharma

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Shivam Sharma is a US Sports author for EssentiallySports. With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, he has previously worked as a writer and an anchor for Navbharat Today, penning down and explaining issues around sports, politics, and international relations. He is an admirer of Virat Kohli for the passion that he brings to the field.
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Edited by:

Anupama Ghosh