Caragh Donley, a respected producer with decades of experience in Hollywood, is now a shining example of bravery and authenticity. After years of working behind the scenes with stars like Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, and Sharon Stone, Donley recently made the life-changing decision to come out as transgender at the age of 63.
Her journey is not just inspiring for her colleagues and fans, but it also highlights the power of support from friends and the courage to embrace one’s true self, no matter the age.
A Lifetime of Hidden Truths
Donley has spent much of her life navigating the world of television production, working on high-profile projects like The Queen Latifah Show and VH1’s Behind the Music. But while her professional accomplishments were notable, there was something personal that weighed heavily on her heart.
“I just had always felt this was who I was,” Donley tells PEOPLE, explaining that she had struggled with her gender identity throughout her life, especially growing up in the 1960s and 70s when such matters were rarely discussed.
Despite years of therapy and hormone replacement therapy, Donley found herself unable to fully accept who she was, repeatedly stepping back from her transition journey. However, a pivotal move in 2023—when The Kelly Clarkson Show relocated to New York—helped Donley make the life-altering decision to come out.
The Push for Change
Although Donley insists that Clarkson’s decision to move the show had nothing to do with her personal choice, she acknowledges that it played a significant role in her transition. “It paved the way,” she says, explaining that her move to New York was the catalyst for her new beginning.
At 63, Donley faced a turning point: “I had to decide if I wanted to keep my job … or just stay in L.A. in my house, spending every night alone with my cat and dog, drinking myself into oblivion—or tell everyone, ‘This is me,'” she reflects. “It wasn’t that hard of a decision.”
Support from Famous Friends
Donley credits the support of several high-profile figures in Hollywood for helping her come to terms with her identity and transition. Among them are Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, Sharon Stone, and Melissa Gilbert.
She tells PEOPLE that Parton was a key figure in her journey, recalling how she almost came out to the country legend while working on a Kelly Clarkson segment. However, timing wasn’t on her side, and Parton had to rush off to a performance.
Instead, it was Robert Ramos, Clarkson’s hairstylist, who became one of the first people Donley confided in. “Accepting help from others is very hard,” Donley admits, but she acknowledges how critical the support from people like Clarkson, Parton, and Stone was in her coming-out journey.
Childhood Dreams and Full Circle Moments
As someone who has always been a part of the entertainment world, Donley had her fair share of memorable moments. One of the most touching moments of her life came in late 2023, when she received an Instagram message from Erin Murphy, who played Tabitha on Bewitched.
Donley had shared in a HuffPost essay how she had a recurring childhood dream of playing with Tabitha after drinking a potion that transformed her into a girl. Murphy’s message, saying, “When are we going to have that play date?” made Donley feel seen and supported in a way she never expected.
Sharon Stone, who also played a crucial role in Donley’s journey, reinforced the importance of “living authentically and without regret.” After their heart-to-heart conversation, Stone expressed immense happiness for Donley’s decision, making her feel even more empowered.
A Dream Come True for Donley and Clarkson
Donley has worked with Kelly Clarkson since the early days of The Kelly Clarkson Show, and their bond is one of mutual respect and admiration. Clarkson was nothing but supportive when Donley came out to her as trans. Clarkson and her team welcomed her with open arms, and Donley is deeply grateful for the love and kindness she received.
This camaraderie led to a special segment on the show in 2023, where Donley, Clarkson, and Laverne Cox discussed trans issues, marking a significant moment in both Donley’s personal life and her career. “It’s still hard to believe that happened,” she says, reflecting on how meaningful it was to be part of the groundbreaking episode.
A New Mission: Advocating for Trans Visibility
At 65, Donley is on a mission to become “America’s friendly neighborhood trans lady,” using her story to help others understand that being trans is just as normal and ordinary as anyone else. “I have absolutely nothing to lose,” Donley says. “That’s the biggest advantage of coming out at this age.”
She hopes to show the world that a person’s gender identity doesn’t define them in any extreme way—they can be just as boring and normal as anyone else.
In her words, she wants to break down the barriers of fear and misconception surrounding transgender people. “I’ll talk to anyone at any time to show them that a trans person is just as normal and boring as anyone else,” she says, demonstrating her commitment to making the world a more inclusive and compassionate place for people of all identities.
No Regrets
As she embraces her authentic self, Donley has no regrets. “My kids couldn’t be happier. They’re my rock. They support me,” she shares. “It’s amazing to realize you can change your life at 65.”
Her journey is a testament to the power of self-acceptance, the importance of support from loved ones, and the possibility of change at any stage in life.
