Lisa Whelchel Divorced From Husband of 24 Years

Split was finalized right before the Facts of Life star headed out to compete on Survivor: Philippines

By Natalie Finn Sep 21, 2012 1:15 AMTags
Lisa WhelchelFrazer Harrison/Getty Images

Lisa Whelchel is a survivor, no matter what happens on Survivor: Philippines.

The former Facts of Life star turned reality-TV castaway divorced her husband of 24 years earlier this year, but they remain good friends, E! News confirmed Thursday.

"The divorce was final on March 1, and [I] went out to be on Survivor on March 10," Whelchel told People about the split. "Going out to Survivor was helpful for me, to divert my attention and not just dwell on the loss...It was painful to realize that it wasn't going to work out."

Whelchel, 49, and her pastor ex, Steve Cauble, 61, have three grown kids together—and they all gathered to watch the Survivor season premiere last night, she said.

Happily, Whelchel's Tandang tribe was totally safe!