“Joe vs. Carole” is a compelling story about the bitter feud between Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage (née Schreibvogel) or Joe Exotic (John Cameron Mitchell) and Carole Baskin (Kate McKinnon). In real life, Joe ran the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park (or GW Zoo) in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, while Carole is CEO of the nonprofit Big Cat Rescue animal sanctuary, located near Tampa, Florida.
Although this conflict is the main plot point of the series, it explores these characters’ relationships with the people around them. Howard Baskin (Kyle MacLachlan) is Carole’s third husband. The surprisingly smooth and calm dynamic between them serves as an important subplot in the show. If you’re wondering if they’re still together in real life, here’s what you need to know.
Are Carole and Howard Baskin still together?
Yes, Carole and Howard Baskin are still together. They have been married since 2004. Before that, Carole was married to Michael Murdock from 1979 until 1990 and Don Lewis from 1991 until 2002 when he was officially declared dead. Jaime Veronica Murdock, Carole’s daughter with Michael, was born on July 16, 1980.
Carole has chronicled her life in a series of YouTube videos. She claimed her relationship with Michael was riddled with abuse. One day in 1981, when he tried to attack her, Carole allegedly threw a potato at him and ran away. While wandering aimlessly, she encountered Lewis on 50th Street in Tampa. According to her, Don introduced himself as Bob Martin. Their affair lasted nearly a decade until she and Murdock divorced.
Carole and Don later exchanged their wedding vows, but that union also turned out to be unhappy. She claims that he cheated on her on several occasions, including during her trips to Costa Rica. In August 1997, he disappeared without a trace. Five years later, the authorities officially declare him dead.
Carole and Howard met at the grand opening of No More Homeless Pets in Tampa on November 1, 2002. They connected that he had previously been to Big Cat Rescue, located at 12802 Easy St, Tampa. At the time, the establishment was known as WildLife on Easy Street, Inc. They soon began dating. In 2002, Howard began working for Big Cat Rescue as Chairman of the Advisory Board. Since then, he has worked closely with Carole to educate the masses about the mission and purpose of their organization as well as keeping its finances running smoothly.
Exactly one year later, Howard proposed to Carole at sunset on Anna Maria Island, Florida. Carole was reportedly so stunned that she responded by writing “yes” in the sand. On November 1, 2004, they had a private wedding on the same beach at sunset. In one of the photos from the unusual ceremony, Howard can be seen in a caveman costume with a leash around his neck.
Despite the unorthodox start to their married life, Howard and Carole are very close. Carole is very active on social networks and often posts photos and videos with her husband. They are currently trying to pass the Big Cat Public Safety Act through Congress.
Read more: How much of Joe vs. Carole is a true story? Is it based on the Tiger King documentary?
