Kristina Basham
Instagram/kristinabasham

Kristina Basham, the former wife of late Dilbert creator Scott Adams, has once again captured public attention following the cartoonist's death in January 2026. The commercial pilot, venture capitalist, and social media influencer has largely stayed out of the limelight since her 2022 divorce, but fans are now revisiting her remarkable career and personal life, exploring how she balances motherhood, business, and her soaring public profile.

Basham, born Kristina DeGennaro, first entered the public eye as a child model, working with Ford Models from 1997 to 2002. She later built a substantial following as a social media personality, now amassing over 3.7 million Instagram followers. Beyond modelling, Basham has made a name for herself in aviation. She is a commercial airline pilot, aerobatic pilot, and flight instructor, demonstrating a passion for the skies that few in her field can rival.

In addition to aviation, Basham has pursued a career in business. Since 2016, she has worked as a self-employed venture capitalist, leveraging her platform and connections to invest in emerging companies. Her multifaceted career reflects a blend of ambition, discipline, and versatility that has garnered admiration from followers worldwide.

Life with Scott Adams

Basham married Scott Adams in July 2020, six years after his divorce from Shelly Miles. Adams, whose cartoon strip Dilbert ran for over three decades, was 31 years her senior. Their marriage, however, was short-lived, ending in March 2022. The circumstances surrounding their split remain largely private, though Basham once tweeted in a tongue-in-cheek reply, 'Maybe you should ask Scott who cheated on who first?'

During their time together, Basham navigated the challenges of being married to one of the most controversial cartoonists in America. Adams had previously sparked backlash over remarks on race, men's rights, and vaccines, ultimately leading to Dilbert being pulled from circulation. Despite this, Basham maintained her professional pursuits and continued building her public persona independent of her ex-husband.

Family and Personal Life

Beyond her career, Basham is a devoted mother. She has two daughters from a previous relationship and recently welcomed a son in late 2025. She now goes by her birth name Kristina DeGennaro on social media, retaining the surname Basham in her username. Her followers have watched as she balances family life with a busy professional schedule, often sharing glimpses of her aviation work and personal milestones.

The death of Scott Adams has once again brought attention to Basham. Adams' passing, announced by his first wife Shelly Miles on her podcast Real Coffee with Scott Adams, followed a battle with prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. While Basham has not publicly commented on his death, fans have turned to social media to celebrate her resilience and remarkable life journey.

Public Reaction and Spotlight

Since news of Adams' death broke in January 2026, interest in Basham has surged. Fans are exploring her career highlights, personal style, and social media posts, often admiring how she has carved out her identity separate from the shadow of her ex-husband. From her early days as a model to her work in aviation and venture capital, Basham's life story presents a portrait of determination and independence.

Social media users have praised her for maintaining privacy while managing a high-profile career and growing family. Observers note that her recent activities and public appearances demonstrate both strength and grace, with many describing her as an inspiration for young women seeking to balance ambition, personal life, and public attention.

Kristina Basham's return to the spotlight, even indirectly, underscores her enduring appeal and the fascination surrounding her life with and beyond Scott Adams. As fans revisit her achievements and follow her latest ventures, she remains a figure of intrigue, strength, and resilience in the public eye.