Retired boxing champion George Foreman was married to his wife, Mary Joan Martelly, about 40 years.
The couple got married in 1985, marking Foreman’s fifth marriage, but symbolizing a new beginning for a couple. Together they built a combined family, welcoming at least five children: George IV, George V, George VI, Leola and Natalie. In addition, they also parents of several children from previous Foreman marriages.
In an interview with the University of Houston 2014, Martelly revealed that she didn’t really know who Foreman was before she met him. “I didn’t know anything about George’s career before, I’ve never seen him boxing before, I didn’t even know him as a boxer, but I helped him all,” she said.
The public rarely looked at their family life in TV 2008 TV series Family leaderwhich emphasized the career and role in the heavyweight category as a father. Over the years, Martelly and Foreman have combined their efforts in numerous philanthropic efforts, especially focusing on children’s initiatives for well -being and health.
Foreman died on March 21, 2025, at the age of 76. His family announced the news on Instagram, writing: “Our hearts are broken. With a deep sadness, we announce that the passage of our beloved George Edward Foreman, who left calmly on March 21, 2025, is surrounded by a faith that was in the great, and lovely one, and a lovely one, and his loving husband And a great husband, and a beloved husband, and a loving father, and a great husband, and a love husband, and a lovely husband, and a lovely father, and a lovely father, and a lovely purpose. ”
So who is the wife of George Foreman? Here’s all you have to know about Mary Joan Martelly and her relationship with boxer.
She is with the Caribbean
George Foreman.
Question Color/Bettmann Archive/Getty
Born and grew up on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, Martelly had an early life marked by modest beginnings. She grew up in a close community of Mon Repos, developing a strong sense of determination and appreciating the value of hard work and persistence.
During her youth, Martelly showed great interest in sports. In her interview with the University of Houston, she recounted her dear memories of her time at school.
“I loved sports at school,” she shared. “The school was really fun interesting, because you grew up with the same set of children from kindergarten until high school, so everyone knew everything.”
Testified for Foreman during a dispute in custody in the United States
Martelly came to the US for a six -month temporary visa when she followed the play to Houston to witness on behalf of Boxer during the dispute in constant detention. “At the time of six months, he was in love. He was like,” You can’t come back, “she told the University of Houston in 2014.
“We went to the cinema … and he says,” I’ll be back immediately, “and he came back with a little ring, you could barely see the diamond, and he is like,” Can you marry me? “” She recalled. “And I was like,” I didn’t know what to say, “but I left,” Okay, yes. “”
Have been married for 40 years
George Foreman in 1985.
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection/Getty
Martelly’s jump of faith seemed to pay off because the couple had been married for about 40 years since their wedding in March 1985. The couple went out for about a year before he tied the knot.
Their Natura marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, mixing their families and children from the previous marriages of Foreman.
Foreman was married five times
Before Martelly married, Foreman was married four times. His first marriage to Adrienne Calhoun began in 1971 and ended with a divorce in 1974. Foreman then married the Queen of Beauty Cynthia Lewis in 1977, and their alliance lasted until 1979.
He married Sharon Goodson in 1981, but the couple split after only a year. The fourth marriage of Foreman was with Andrea Skeete in 1982, and they remained together until the 1985 divorce.
Later the same year, Foreman married Martelly, marking his fifth marriage.
Had a mixed family
George Foreman with his family.
George Foreman/Instagram
Foreman and Martelly have a pretty big family, welcoming several children together, including George IV, George V, George VI, Leolo and Natalie.
Apart from her children together, Martelly is a stepmother’s foreman children from previous relationships – daughters Michi, Freedom (who died 2019) and Georgetta, and sons George Jr. and George III. All foreman sons are called George Edward Foreman,, Maintenance of surnames alive and well.
When she spoke of raising her children, Martelly said with love at the University of Houston that she wanted to be a source of support to her children. “I had to raise my children and I wanted to be there for them, I wanted to be there to pick them up from school and from A to Z,” she said.
They lived in Texas
The couple lived in a property in Huffman, Texas. Bought in the early 2000s, their dream home lasted almost three years and is located on 45 acres of land.
The property is estimated at more than $ 10 million and contains several buildings, including the main house, a boarding house and a dedicated gym. The main home extends 45,000 square meters, mixing the classic and modern elements of the design.
Is included in numerous philanthropic efforts
George Foreman attended 1991.
Ron Galella, Ltd./ron Galella Collection/Getty
Martelly was deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, especially focusing on AIDS awareness, as well as to promote education for children. In addition to her husband, she voluntarily voluntarily reported campaigns aimed at preventing baby aids.
Their efforts were taken from Houston to St. Lucia, spreading vital information about AIDS in children and advocating for prevention measures. As a recognition for their significant contribution, the couple is a common honor in 2007 at an event called a world of friends who fight against AIDS.
However, Martelly always remained humble for her efforts, speaking to the University of Houston: “We would usually do something and would not tell anyone. My grandmother always said,” If you want a blessing, then don’t let the whole world. “”
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Source: HIS Education