Debbie Higgins, born in 1950 in Kansas City, Missouri, was an American editor and former cheerleader, best known as the first wife of TV personality Dr. Phil McGraw. She passed away in 2014 at age 64 after a battle with cancer. Her net worth was estimated at $1-3 million at the time of her death, largely from her editorial work and alimony. Higgins’ married life with Dr. Phil was brief, ending in divorce in 1973. She later married Tony Burasco and had four children. Little is known about her dating life post-divorce, as she maintained a private life.
Early Life and Background: Debbie Higgins’ Age and Roots
Born in 1950, Debbie Higgins grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, where she embraced an active lifestyle. As a teenager, she was a vibrant high school cheerleader, known for her enthusiasm in volleyball, soccer, and dance. Her early years were marked by a strong community presence, which shaped her later resilience. While details about her education are scarce, some sources suggest she attended the Massachusetts Institute of Commerce, honing skills that would later support her career in editing. Her age at the time of her marriage to Dr. Phil, 20, reflects the era’s trend of early marriages, a cultural norm in the 1970s Midwest.
Higgins’ family included her mother, Georgia Swartz, and siblings, Linda Craft and Bill Higgins. Her upbringing in a close-knit family fostered a sense of independence, which became evident in her professional endeavors and personal choices after her high-profile divorce.
Career Highlights: Salary and Professional Achievements
Debbie Higgins carved a niche as a film editor, contributing to projects like “Christy Mathewson Day” (2011) and “Demon Hunters: Fear the Silence” (2013). Her work as an editor earned her recognition in niche circles, though her salary remains undisclosed. Industry estimates suggest editors in the early 2010s earned between $30,000-$60,000 annually, depending on project scale. Higgins likely supplemented her income through her ownership of a Kansas City liquor store, a lesser-known venture that showcased her entrepreneurial spirit.
Her editorial work, while not blockbuster, was impactful in independent film communities. For instance, “Demon Hunters: Fear the Silence” gained a cult following, partly due to her meticulous editing. This career path, combined with alimony from her divorce, contributed to her net worth, estimated between $1 million and $3 million at her passing. Unlike Dr. Phil’s $460 million net worth (as of 2025 estimates), Higgins’ wealth was modest but significant for her low-profile lifestyle.
Married Life and Divorce: Insights into Her Relationship with Dr. Phil
Debbie Higgins married Phil McGraw on November 27, 1970, at Southridge Presbyterian Church in Roeland Park, Kansas. Both were 20 years old, having met in high school. Their married life was tumultuous, lasting only three years until their divorce in 1973. Higgins later revealed that McGraw was controlling, restricting her movements and involvement in his business ventures. She also alleged infidelity, which McGraw did not deny, claiming it was “normal” for him to date others. This dynamic led to their separation, a pivotal moment that shaped Higgins’ later preference for privacy.
Post-divorce, Dr. Phil married Robin Jo Jameson in 1976, with whom he has two sons, Jay and Jordan McGraw. Meanwhile, Higgins found love again, marrying Tony Burasco. This second marriage brought her four children: biological children Jeff and Marci, and stepchildren David and Kim. Unlike her first marriage, this relationship was kept out of the public eye, reflecting her desire for a quieter life.
“Debbie’s strength was her ability to rebuild after a public divorce. She chose a life of purpose over fame,” notes a family friend in a 2015 interview with a local Kansas publication.
Dating Life: A Private Journey Post-Divorce
Little is known about Debbie Higgins’ dating life after her marriage to Tony Burasco. Her focus appeared to shift toward raising her children and pursuing her career. Unlike Dr. Phil, who remains a public figure with a verified Twitter handle (@DrPhil), Higgins avoided social media and public scrutiny. This choice aligns with her reported introversion following the high-profile divorce, a stark contrast to the media frenzy surrounding Dr. Phil’s career.
Her private nature makes it challenging to confirm any romantic relationships post-Burasco. However, her commitment to family suggests she prioritized stability over dating, a common choice for single mothers in her era. This angle offers a fresh perspective: Higgins’ story is not just about her connection to Dr. Phil but about her resilience in crafting a meaningful life away from the spotlight.
Net Worth and Financial Legacy
Debbie Higgins’ net worth at the time of her death in 2014 ranged from $1 million to $3 million, according to various estimates. Her wealth stemmed from her editorial work, liquor store ownership, and alimony from Dr. Phil. In 2013, she listed a Hollywood Hills home for $2.875 million, a significant asset that boosted her financial standing. This sale, combined with her career earnings, underscores her ability to maintain financial independence despite her ex-husband’s vast wealth.
Comparatively, Dr. Phil’s net worth of $460 million (as of 2025) and annual salary of approximately $80-88 million highlight the disparity between their financial trajectories. Yet, Higgins’ modest wealth allowed her a comfortable life, reflecting her practical approach to finances.
Debbie Higgins’ Death: Cause and Legacy
Debbie Higgins passed away on September 14, 2014, at age 64, after a prolonged battle with cancer, as confirmed by her brother, Bill Higgins, in a statement to the National Enquirer. The specific type of cancer was not disclosed, respecting her family’s privacy. Her death marked the end of a life lived largely out of the public eye, yet her contributions as an editor and mother endure.
Her legacy lies in her ability to navigate personal and professional challenges with grace. Unlike many associated with high-profile figures, Higgins chose authenticity over fame, a narrative often overlooked in celebrity-driven stories.
Biography Table: Debbie Higgins’ Life at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Deborah Higgins McCall |
| Birth Year | 1950 |
| Birthplace | Kansas City, Missouri, USA |
| Age at Death | 64 (Died in 2014) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White (Caucasian) |
| Education | Possibly Massachusetts Institute of Commerce |
| Occupation | Film Editor, Former Cheerleader, Liquor Store Owner |
| Notable Works | “Christy Mathewson Day” (2011), “Demon Hunters: Fear the Silence” (2013) |
| First Marriage | Phil McGraw (1970-1973) |
| Second Marriage | Tony Burasco |
| Children | Jeff, Marci (biological); David, Kim (stepchildren) |
| Net Worth | $1-3 million (at time of death) |
| Cause of Death | Cancer (2014) |
| Siblings | Linda Craft, Bill Higgins |
| Mother | Georgia Swartz |
Unique Insights: Resilience and Reinvention
Debbie Higgins’ story offers a unique lens on resilience. Unlike many ex-spouses of celebrities who leverage fame, Higgins chose a path of quiet reinvention. Her work in independent films, though not mainstream, reflects a passion for storytelling. A 2023 analysis of women in film editing revealed that only 27% of editors in independent films are women, making Higgins’ contributions significant in a male-dominated field.
Her life also highlights the challenges of early marriage in the 1970s, a time when societal pressures often pushed young couples into unions without adequate preparation. This context adds depth to her decision to divorce and rebuild, offering a case study in personal empowerment.
