Updated: August 1, 2026
Tessa Prieto, the colorful Filipino socialite, columnist, interior designer, and fashion force known for her maximalist style and big personality, has never been one to hide. In recent interviews, she has spoken more openly than ever about the end of her long marriage to businessman Dennis Valdes. Fans searching for “Tessa Prieto ex husband” keep finding the same name—and for good reason. Their story spans more than two decades of shared life, family, and eventual heartbreak.
Table of Contents
Who Is Tessa Prieto’s Ex-Husband?
Dennis Valdes is a low-key businessman with ties to well-known Philippine families. Tessa has described meeting him in the early 1990s during a scuba diving trip—accounts point to either Anilao, Batangas, or Palau. What began as a connection grew into marriage. They wed in the mid-1990s and built a life together that looked solid from the outside. The couple raised four children and even marked major anniversaries in grand style, including a memorable Game of Thrones-themed vow renewal.
For years, Tessa presented their partnership as one that worked despite differences. She has also been candid that Dennis knew she identified as gay and was a single mother before they married. “He married me knowing I was gay and a single mom,” she has said. “That was not an issue.”
How the Marriage Unraveled
The relationship lasted roughly 26 years before the separation became public knowledge around 2020. Tessa has since detailed what she believes caused the final break. In interviews in 2026, including appearances discussing the topic with Boy Abunda, she pointed to her ex-husband’s alleged infidelity involving a much younger woman who worked in marketing at one of his businesses and later rose to become general manager of Aegle Wellness Center.
According to Tessa, tensions built around the pandemic period. She noticed increased time spent with this particular staff member. When she confronted the situation, she says Dennis was not interested in repairing the marriage. She has stated he never fully gave the marriage another chance once the other relationship entered the picture. The age gap—reportedly around 36 years—and the fact that the woman was known to their children added layers of pain.
The couple first focused on separating properties. Full annulment papers were finalized in early January 2025. Tessa has noted that in the years since the split they have largely remained estranged, with little need for ongoing co-parenting as the children grew older.
Key Facts About Tessa Prieto and Dennis Valdes
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name (Ex-Husband) | Dennis Valdes |
| Marriage Period | Mid-1990s to separation ~2020; annulled 2025 |
| Length of Marriage | Approximately 26 years |
| How They Met | Scuba diving trip (Anilao or Palau accounts) |
| Children | Four |
| Primary Reason Cited by Tessa | Alleged infidelity with younger colleague |
| Current Status (2026) | Annulled; Dennis later engaged to the other woman |
Life After the Split and Recent Developments
Tessa has been open about the emotional toll. She described feeling betrayed yet has repeatedly said she does not want to “bash” the father of her children. In mid-2026 conversations she clarified that any remaining affection is for the years they shared, not a desire to return. “It’s a love for the 26 years that we were together,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Dennis and the woman in question eventually made their relationship public on social media and announced an engagement, which Tessa said brought fresh public attention and discomfort for her family. She has moved forward in her own way—through healing work, new projects, and later relationships—while continuing her public life as a style icon and philanthropist.
A few practical takeaways from her experience stand out:
- Long marriages can still face unexpected turning points.
- Open communication about boundaries matters early.
- Public figures often process private pain under a spotlight.
- Healing is individual; therapy, family support, and time all played roles for Tessa.
Conclusion
Tessa Prieto’s ex-husband, Dennis Valdes, remains a significant chapter in her story—one marked by shared family, public milestones, and a difficult ending after more than two decades. As of August 2026, the annulment is complete, both have moved on in different directions, and Tessa continues speaking with the same straightforward energy that has long defined her. Their journey reminds us that even the most colorful public lives contain private complexities. For those following her path, the focus now rests on what comes next rather than what ended.