George Foreman’s Five Wives: The Untold Story Of His Final, 40-Year Marriage To Mary Joan Martelly

The legendary George Foreman, a man whose life spanned two heavyweight boxing titles and a billion-dollar business empire, was married five times, but it was his final union that defined his later years. The boxing icon, who passed away in March 2025, spent nearly four decades married to his devoted wife, Mary Joan Martelly. This article delves into the full history of his marriages, exploring the women who stood by the two-time World Heavyweight Champion, the surprising details of his children, and the enduring partnership that lasted until his death. The curiosity surrounding George Foreman’s personal life, particularly his multiple marriages, often overshadows the stability he eventually found. His journey from an Olympic Gold Medalist to a global entrepreneur and minister was paralleled by a search for lasting companionship, which he finally secured with Mary Joan Martelly, a relationship that became the anchor of his incredible second act.

George Foreman: A Complete Biography and Profile

George Edward Foreman, affectionately known as "Big George," lived a life of extraordinary accomplishments that stretched across sports, business, and ministry. His career is a testament to resilience, second chances, and unparalleled entrepreneurial vision.

• Full Name: George Edward Foreman
• Date of Birth: January 10, 1949
• Date of Death: March 21, 2025
• Age at Death: 76
• Place of Birth: Marshall, Texas, USA
• Professions: Professional Boxer, Businessman, Minister, Author, Olympic Gold Medalist
• Boxing Record: 81 total bouts, 76 wins (68 by KO), 5 losses.
• Major Titles: World Heavyweight Champion (twice, first in 1973, second in 1994), Olympic Gold Medal (Mexico City 1968).
• Estimated Net Worth (at time of death): Approximately $300 million, largely due to the success of the George Foreman Grill.
• Spouse (Final): Mary Joan Martelly (married 1985)
• Children: 12 children (5 sons all named George, 7 daughters)

The Five Women Who Married George Foreman

George Foreman’s marital history includes five separate marriages, each occurring during different phases of his professional and personal evolution. While his early marriages were brief, his final union with Mary Joan Martelly was a remarkable success story, lasting nearly four decades.

1. Adrienne Calhoun (Married 1971–1974)

Adrienne Calhoun was George Foreman's first wife. They met on a blind date in 1970 and married shortly after. Their marriage coincided with the early, explosive phase of Foreman’s professional boxing career, which saw him become the World Heavyweight Champion for the first time in 1973. The union lasted for three years, ending in divorce in 1974.

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2. Cynthia Lewis (Married 1977–1979)

Following his first retirement from boxing and his famous loss to Muhammad Ali in "The Rumble in the Jungle," Foreman married Cynthia Lewis. This marriage lasted for two years. At this time, Foreman was transitioning away from the ring and beginning his spiritual journey, becoming a born-again Christian in 1977.

3. Sharon Goodson (Married 1981–1982)

Sharon Goodson was Foreman's third wife, a marriage that was his shortest, lasting only about one year. During this period, Foreman was fully dedicated to his ministry and establishing the George Foreman Youth and Community Center in Houston.

4. Andrea Skeete (Married 1982–1985)

Andrea Skeete was Foreman's fourth wife. Their marriage lasted for three years, ending just before he began his legendary comeback to the world of boxing. This period was pivotal, as Foreman was focusing on his ministry and charity work, but the itch to return to the ring was beginning to grow.

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5. Mary Joan Martelly: The Enduring Partnership (Married 1985–2025)

Mary Joan Martelly, often referred to simply as Joan, became George Foreman’s fifth and final wife in 1985. Their marriage proved to be his most successful and enduring, lasting 40 years until his passing in 2025. Mary Joan was a steady presence and a crucial pillar of support during George’s most transformative years.

Mary Joan’s role was especially significant during his improbable return to boxing. At 45, George Foreman shocked the world by becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in history in 1994, a record he held for almost two decades. She was also by his side as he launched the George Foreman Grill—the "Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine"—a business venture that would ultimately make him a wealthier man than his boxing career ever did. Their family grew to include several children, both biological and adopted, solidifying their long-term commitment.

The Billion-Dollar Grill and the Legacy of 'Big George'

George Foreman’s legacy is unique because it is split almost equally between his boxing prowess and his entrepreneurial genius. The George Foreman Grill, introduced in 1994, became one of the most successful celebrity-endorsed products of all time.

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The Surprising Business Success of the Grill

The success of the grill was explosive, with over 100 million units sold worldwide since its introduction. Foreman didn't just lend his name; he actively promoted the product, often appearing in commercials and demonstrating its fat-reducing capabilities. His genuine, friendly persona resonated with the public, transforming him from a fierce boxer into a beloved household name.

In 1999, the manufacturing company, Salton Inc., bought out Foreman's rights to the grill for a staggering $137.5 million. This deal, along with his royalties, cemented his financial status, reportedly earning him over $200 million in total from the venture.

The Reason All His Sons Are Named George

George Foreman and his wives raised 12 children, including seven daughters and five sons. In a tradition that has become a famous piece of trivia, all five of his sons are named George Edward Foreman.

His sons are: George Jr., George III ("Monk"), George IV ("Big Wheel"), George V ("Red"), and George VI ("Little Joey"). He also named one of his daughters Georgetta. Foreman has explained that he gave all his sons the same name to ensure that no one son ever felt more important than the others, and to give them a shared sense of identity. He famously stated that if one of them was to lose something, they could all be blamed, fostering a sense of unity.

His daughters, who all have unique names, include Natalie, Leola, Michi, Freeda, and Isabella. His daughter Freeda Foreman, who followed her father into boxing, tragically passed away in 2019.

The Enduring Final Chapter with Mary Joan

The 40-year marriage to Mary Joan Martelly represents the final, stable chapter of George Foreman's life. Unlike his previous brief marriages, this union survived the intense pressures of his career comeback, his transition into a business mogul, and the demands of a large, blended family.

Mary Joan’s quiet strength and commitment provided the foundation for his success outside the ring. Her presence allowed him to focus on his ministry and his role as a public figure, balancing the fame with a strong, private family life. She remained his widow until his death in 2025, ensuring that the final, most celebrated era of George Foreman’s life was also his most stable. The longevity of their marriage stands as a powerful testament to the man who found his greatest, most lasting title not in the ring, but at home.