George Foreman Wife Mary Joan Martelly And Their Lasting Marriage
George Foreman wife, Mary Joan Martelly, has been by his side since 1985, marking a new beginning in his personal life. Their marriage, which has lasted nearly four decades, is Foreman’s fifth but the most enduring. Together, they have raised seven children—George IV, George V, George VI, Leola, Natalie, Isabella, and Courtney—while also embracing Foreman’s children from his previous marriages. Interestingly, Martelly once revealed that she knew little about Foreman’s boxing career before meeting him, yet she became a devoted and supportive partner throughout his journey.
Beyond their family life, George Foreman and his wife have dedicated themselves to philanthropy, focusing on children’s welfare and health initiatives. Their life together was even showcased in the 2008 TV Land series Family Foreman, giving fans a rare glimpse into their world. Through love, partnership, and shared values, Mary Joan Martelly has remained Foreman’s rock, proving that their bond is built to last.
Who Is George Foreman Wife?
George Foreman wife is Mary Joan Martelly, whom he married in 1985. Their union marked a fresh start for the former boxing champion, as it was his fifth and longest-lasting marriage. Over the years, they built a strong and loving family, raising seven children together—George IV, George V, George VI, Leola, Natalie, Isabella, and Courtney—while also caring for several children from Foreman’s previous relationships.
Despite Foreman’s fame, Mary Joan Martelly initially knew little about his boxing career when they first met. However, she became his biggest supporter, standing by him through his post-boxing ventures. The couple has also dedicated much of their time to philanthropy, focusing on children’s health and welfare initiatives. Their strong bond and shared values have contributed to their nearly four decades of marriage.
Who Is George Foreman?
Beyond being known as George Foreman wife Mary Joan Martelly’s husband, George Foreman is a legendary former professional boxer, entrepreneur, minister, and author. Born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, he gained fame in the late 1960s with his powerful boxing skills, earning the nickname “Big George.” His career highlights include winning an Olympic gold medal and becoming a two-time world heavyweight champion, facing iconic opponents like Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali.
After retiring from boxing in 1997, Foreman transitioned into the business world, achieving immense success with the George Foreman Grill. His entrepreneurial ventures, along with his work as a minister and motivational speaker, have cemented his legacy far beyond the boxing ring. Today, he remains a respected figure known for his resilience, faith, and contributions to both sports and business.
George Foreman Wife Bio/Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Mary Joan Martelly |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of Birth | May 17, 1963 |
| Age | 61 years old (as of 2024) |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Place of Birth | Mon Repos, St. Lucia |
| Current Residence | Huffman, Texas, United States |
| Nationality | Saint Lucian-American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height | 5’6’’ (168 cm) |
| Weight | 139 lbs (63 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Partner | George Foreman |
| Children | 5 |
| Profession | Businesswoman, Philanthropist |
George Foreman Wife His Marital Journey And Family
Mary Joan Martelly’s Age And Background
George Foreman wife, Mary Joan Martelly, was born on May 17, 1963, making her 61 years old as of 2024. Born under the zodiac sign Taurus, she hails from Mon Repos, St. Lucia. Over the years, she has remained a private yet influential figure in Foreman’s life, supporting him through his career and various endeavors.
George Foreman’s Marriages and Children
The boxing legend has been married five times. Before finding lasting love with Mary Joan Martelly, Foreman was previously wed to Adrienne Calhoun, Cynthia Lewis, Sharon Goodson, and Andrea Skeete. Through these marriages, he became a father to 12 children—five sons and seven daughters—who have all played an essential role in his life.
His First Wife, Adrienne Calhoun
Foreman’s first marriage was to Adrienne Calhoun in December 1971. The couple welcomed a daughter, Michie Foreman, before divorcing in 1974. Reports suggest their split was linked to Foreman’s alleged affair with actress and singer Pamela Clay, with whom he had a son, George Foreman Jr. Later, after finalizing his divorce, Foreman also fathered a daughter, Georgetta Foreman, with his ex-girlfriend Charlotte Gross in 1997.
Second Wife, Cynthia Lewis
Following his split from Adrienne, Foreman married Cynthia Lewis in 1977. Cynthia, a former Miss Black Teenage America, was his second wife. However, their marriage lasted only two years before they divorced in 1979. Unlike his previous relationship, Foreman and Cynthia did not have any children together.
Third Wife, Sharon Goodson
In 1981, Foreman tied the knot with Sharon Goodson, making her his third wife. However, this marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce in 1982, less than a year later.
Fourth Wife, Andrea Skeete
Shortly after his divorce from Sharon, Foreman married his fourth wife, Andrea Skeete, in 1982. During their three-year marriage, the couple had two children: Freeda George Foreman and George Foreman III. Unfortunately, their relationship ended in 1985. Tragically, their daughter, Freeda George Foreman, passed away on March 9, 2019.
After a series of short-lived marriages, Foreman found stability and happiness with his fifth wife, Mary Joan Martelly, whom he married in 1985. The couple has remained together for nearly four decades, raising a large, blended family and working on philanthropic initiatives.
Supporting George Foreman’s Career And Businesses
Throughout George Foreman’s legendary boxing career and business ventures, Mary Joan Martelly has been a pillar of support. When George shocked the world by making a comeback to boxing at 39 years old, Mary Joan was by his side, offering encouragement, wisdom, and unwavering support. Her belief in him played a crucial role in his historic return to the ring, where he eventually reclaimed the world heavyweight title at 45.
Beyond boxing, Mary Joan has also been instrumental in George Foreman’s business empire. One of his most successful ventures, the George Foreman Grill, became a global sensation, selling millions of units. While George was the public face of the brand, Mary Joan worked behind the scenes, managing finances and coordinating public appearances. Her organizational skills and business acumen helped transform their family’s fortune, ensuring lasting success beyond the boxing ring.
George Foreman Wife Mary Joan Martelly And His Family Life
George Foreman, the legendary boxer, has been married multiple times, but his most enduring relationship is with Mary Joan Martelly. Over the years, Foreman has built a large family and has been open about his personal life. His marriage to Mary Joan has lasted for nearly four decades, setting it apart from his previous relationships. In addition to his success in boxing and business, Foreman takes pride in being a devoted husband and father.
Despite his fame, his love life has been full of ups and downs. Before settling down with Mary Joan, he had four previous wives and multiple relationships that resulted in a total of ten biological children and two adopted daughters. His journey through marriage and fatherhood is as eventful as his boxing career.
How Many Baby Mommas Does George Foreman Have?
George Foreman has four baby mothers: Mary Joan Martelly, Adrienne Calhoun, Pamela Clay, and Charlotte Gross. Each of these women played a role in shaping his family life. While some of his relationships ended quickly, others resulted in the birth of children who carry on the Foreman name.
In addition to his biological children, Foreman has also opened his home to adopted daughters, Isabella Brenda Lilja Foreman and Courtney Isaac Foreman. His decision to adopt shows his commitment to providing a loving family environment for children beyond his own.
How Many Children Did George Foreman Have With Each Wife?
Throughout his five marriages and relationships, George Foreman has welcomed ten biological children and adopted two daughters. With his current wife, Mary Joan Martelly, he shares five children: George Foreman IV, George Foreman V, George Foreman VI, Natalia Foreman, and Leola Foreman. Unlike his previous relationships, his marriage with Mary Joan has remained strong, allowing them to raise their children in a stable home.
His first wife, Adrienne Calhoun, gave birth to Michie Foreman. Meanwhile, his relationship with singer Pamela Clay resulted in the birth of George Foreman Jr. Additionally, he shares a daughter, Georgetta Foreman, with his ex-girlfriend Charlotte Gross. Many of his children have followed in his footsteps, pursuing careers in sports, business, and media.
Mary Joan Martelly’s Philanthropic Efforts
Mary Joan Martelly is not just George Foreman’s wife—she has made a significant impact through her philanthropic work. Passionate about health and child welfare, she has been actively involved in AIDS awareness and prevention efforts. In the 1990s, she became a spokesperson for the Pediatric AIDS Foundation, using her platform to educate and support families affected by the disease.
Together with her husband, she co-founded the Foreman Family AIDS Foundation, which provides financial and medical aid to those in need. Her dedication to helping others has made her an influential figure beyond her marriage, proving that she is more than just a celebrity wife. Additionally, she has played a crucial role in managing the Foreman family businesses, including Foreman Grills and George Foreman’s boxing ventures.
Personal Challenges And Strengths Of George Foreman Wife, Mary Joan Martelly
While Mary Joan Martelly and George Foreman have shared a long and happy marriage, they have also faced significant hardships together. One of their most heartbreaking moments was the loss of their daughter, Leola Foreman, who passed away from cancer in 2009 at just 31 years old. This tragedy tested their marriage, but their deep love, faith, and resilience helped them navigate through the pain and emerge stronger as a couple.
Mary Joan has also battled her health struggles, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Despite these challenges, she has faced them with the same courage and determination that define her character. Rather than allowing her health issues to slow her down, she has remained active in her philanthropic work and family life, proving that she is a woman of remarkable strength.
A Marriage That Stands The Test Of Time
Unlike George Foreman’s previous marriages, his union with Mary Joan Martelly has endured for over 39 years. Their relationship has been a testament to commitment, love, and mutual support. While Foreman’s earlier marriages lasted only a few years each, his bond with Mary Joan has remained unshaken.
Through the highs and lows of his career, Mary Joan has stood by his side, balancing her roles as a wife, mother, and philanthropist. Their marriage is not just about love but also about teamwork and shared values. Their ability to stay together despite the challenges of fame has made their relationship an inspiration to many.
FAQs About George Foreman Wife Mary Joan Martelly
1. Who is George Foreman wife?
George Foreman wife is Mary Joan Martelly. They got married in 1985 and have been together for nearly four decades, making it Foreman’s longest and most enduring marriage.
2. How many children do George Foreman and Mary Joan Martelly have together?
The couple has five children together: George Foreman IV, George Foreman V, George Foreman VI, Natalia Foreman, and Leola Foreman.
3. What is Mary Joan Martelly known for?
Aside from being George Foreman wife, Mary Joan Martelly is a businesswoman and philanthropist. She has been actively involved in child welfare initiatives and AIDS awareness campaigns.
4. Where is Mary Joan Martelly from?
Mary Joan Martelly was born in Mon Repos, St. Lucia, and later moved to the United States after marrying George Foreman.
5. How did Mary Joan Martelly and George Foreman meet?
Although details of their first meeting are private, Mary Joan has shared that she knew little about George Foreman’s boxing career before they met. However, she became his biggest supporter throughout his career and business ventures.
6. What role does Mary Joan Martelly play in George Foreman’s business ventures?
Mary Joan has played a key role in managing the Foreman family business empire, including the success of the George Foreman Grill. She has also helped with financial planning and public relations.
7. Was George Foreman married before Mary Joan Martelly?
Yes, before marrying Mary Joan, George Foreman had four previous wives: Adrienne Calhoun, Cynthia Lewis, Sharon Goodson, and Andrea Skeete.
8. How many total children does George Foreman have?
George Foreman has ten biological children and has also adopted two daughters, making a total of twelve children.
9. What philanthropic work does Mary Joan Martelly do?
Mary Joan is deeply involved in children’s health and AIDS awareness efforts. She co-founded the Foreman Family AIDS Foundation and works on various charitable initiatives.
10. How has Mary Joan Martelly contributed to George Foreman’s success?
Mary Joan has been a pillar of support in George’s life, standing by him through his boxing comeback, business ventures, and ministry work. She played a crucial role in ensuring their family’s financial stability and charitable contributions.
Conclusion
Mary Joan Martelly has been the heart and soul of George Foreman’s life for nearly four decades. Their marriage has not only withstood the test of time but has also flourished, proving to be Foreman’s most stable and loving relationship. While George is known for his legendary boxing career and business success, Mary Joan has been the silent force behind his achievements, providing unwavering support, love, and dedication.
Beyond their personal life, both George and Mary Joan have committed themselves to philanthropy, particularly in children’s health and AIDS awareness. Her efforts in managing family, business, and charitable work make her much more than just “George Foreman’s wife”—she is an independent, strong, and compassionate woman in her own right.
Their lasting bond is a testament to the power of love, faith, and partnership, proving that true success is not just measured in championships or business deals, but in the strength of family and relationships.
Stay in touch for more updates and alerts visit: Usas!
