The Man Who Left Martha: 7 Surprising Facts About Andrew Stewart's Life After Divorce

For decades, the name Andrew "Andy" Stewart has been synonymous with Martha Stewart's origin story, yet the man himself remains a figure largely in the shadows of the domestic goddess's empire. As of December 2025, Andrew Stewart is a successful publishing executive, a father of five, and a devoted husband living a life of "beauty, meaning, productivity, and purpose" far removed from the public scrutiny that defined his 29-year marriage to the media icon. This deep dive uncovers the complete, updated biography of the man who helped shape Martha's early career and the surprising turns his life took after their highly publicized divorce. The marriage between Andrew Stewart and Martha Kostyra (before she became "Martha Stewart") was a foundational chapter in her life, lasting from 1961 to 1990. However, Andrew's own professional achievements and personal life post-Martha are equally compelling, involving a prominent career in publishing, three marriages, and a commitment to a quieter, more artistic existence.

Andrew Stewart: Complete Biography and Profile

Andrew Stewart, often referred to as Andy, is an American publishing executive and former lawyer best known as the first and only husband of lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart.

• Full Name: Andrew Stewart
• Occupation: Publishing Executive, Founder of Stewart, Tabori & Chang
• Education: Attended Yale Law School
• First Marriage: Martha Stewart (née Kostyra). Married 1961, Separated 1987, Divorced 1990.
• Second Marriage: Robyn Fairclough (Martha Stewart's former assistant). Married 1993, later divorced.
• Current Marriage: Shyla Nelson Stewart. Married 2016.
• Children: 5 children in total, including daughter Alexis Stewart (with Martha Stewart).
• Residences: He and his current wife, Shyla, reportedly split their time between residences in New York and Vermont.
• Notable Career Highlights: President of Harry N. Abrams company, Founder of Stewart, Tabori & Chang publishing house.

The Untold Story of Andrew and Martha's Marriage

The relationship between Andrew Stewart and Martha Stewart began in 1960 on a blind date, leading to their marriage in 1961 when Martha was just 19.

Their nearly three-decade-long union was instrumental in the early development of Martha's career. Andrew, a Yale Law School student at the time of their meeting, was described by Martha as "extremely serious," and she was drawn to his intellectual nature.

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The couple moved to Westport, Connecticut, in 1971, purchasing the now-famous Turkey Hill Farm. It was here that Martha’s passion for cooking, entertaining, and home restoration blossomed into a business idea. Andrew, having transitioned his career from law into publishing, was a key figure in her initial success. He was serving as the president of the Harry N. Abrams company and later founded his own publishing house, Stewart, Tabori & Chang.

He is credited with indirectly helping Martha secure her first book deal, a pivotal moment that launched her media empire.

Despite the shared professional foundation, the marriage was not without its turbulence. The couple separated in 1987 and finalized their divorce in 1990. Martha has since revealed that their relationship was "rocked by infidelity on both their parts" during that time.

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Their only child, Alexis Stewart, born in 1965, has maintained a public presence, often discussing her unique upbringing with both parents.

Andrew Stewart's Surprising Post-Divorce Marriages

While Martha Stewart has famously never remarried, Andrew Stewart has found lasting love in two subsequent marriages, each one raising eyebrows in the media due to the circumstances and age differences.

The Marriage to Robyn Fairclough

Just three years after his divorce from Martha was finalized, Andrew married Robyn Fairclough in 1993. Fairclough was a former employee of Martha's, having worked as her assistant. The marriage drew significant attention due to the fact that Fairclough was 21 years Andrew's junior.

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This marriage was relatively short-lived, however, and the couple eventually divorced. Details surrounding their separation are private, but the union remains a notable footnote in the Stewart family history.

Finding Love with Shyla Nelson Stewart

Andrew Stewart married his current wife, Shyla Nelson Stewart, in 2016. Shyla Nelson is an acclaimed author, peace activist, and public speaker, who has also worked as a documentary filmmaker.

The couple shares a deep connection centered on shared values and creative pursuits. Shyla has publicly spoken about their life together, describing it as one "of beauty, meaning, productivity, and purpose, infused with true love."

Andrew and Shyla are known for their commitment to nature and the arts. Andrew himself is an avid nature photographer, and they reportedly split their time between New York and a tranquil residence in Vermont, a lifestyle that reflects a desire for privacy and creative fulfillment away from the media spotlight.

The Publishing Legacy and Current Life

Andrew Stewart's professional legacy is firmly rooted in the world of publishing, a career he pursued long before and after his marriage to Martha. His work as president of Harry N. Abrams and the founding of Stewart, Tabori & Chang established him as a significant figure in the industry, particularly in the realm of art and illustrated books.

Today, Andrew Stewart's life is a testament to reinvention and a quiet pursuit of happiness. He is reportedly a father of five children, though the identities of his other children (besides Alexis) are kept private.

In stark contrast to Martha's continued, highly public celebrity, Andrew and his wife Shyla have actively cultivated a more private and meaningful existence. They have stated that they do not keep in touch with Martha, choosing instead to focus on their own family, creative endeavors, and philanthropic work.

For those curious about the man who was once the pillar of Martha Stewart's personal life, Andrew Stewart's story is one of a successful professional who navigated a high-profile divorce to build a deeply personal, fulfilling life on his own terms.