Boxing legend George Foreman has shared his life with his wife, Mary Joan Martelly, for nearly four decades. The couple, who tied the knot in 1985 after a year of dating, has built a strong and lasting partnership, navigating life’s challenges and joys together.
Their Love Story
George Foreman’s marriage to Mary Joan Martelly marked his fifth, but it has proven to be his most enduring. The pair married in March 1985, blending their lives and families into one. Together, they have welcomed seven children: George IV, George V, George VI, Leola, Natalie, Isabella, and Courtney. Additionally, Martelly has embraced the role of stepmother to Foreman’s children from previous relationships, making their blended family one of 12 children in total.
Interestingly, when Martelly first met Foreman, she wasn’t familiar with his boxing fame. In a 2014 interview with the University of Houston Law Center, she admitted, “I didn’t know anything about George’s career before. I’ve never seen him box, but I helped him all through it.”
A Glimpse Into Their Lives
The public got a rare peek into the Foreman family dynamic through the 2008 TV Land series, Family Foreman. The show highlighted not only Foreman’s boxing career but also his role as a dedicated father and husband. Over the years, Martelly and Foreman have collaborated on many philanthropic projects, particularly those focused on children’s welfare and health.
Her Caribbean Roots
Mary Joan Martelly hails from the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. Raised in the close-knit community of Mon Repos, she grew up with strong values of hard work and perseverance. As a child, she had a passion for sports, which she fondly recalled during her interview with the University of Houston. “I loved sports in school. School was really fun because you grew up with the same set of children from kindergarten to high school, so everyone knew everyone,” she shared.
A Leap of Faith
Martelly’s journey to the United States began when she accompanied Foreman to Houston on a six-month temporary visa. She was there to testify on his behalf during a custody dispute. Reflecting on that time, Martelly shared, “By the time my six months came, he was in love. He was like, ‘You can’t go back.’”
Their relationship quickly blossomed, and Foreman proposed in a memorable, spontaneous moment. “We were going to the movies … and he says, ‘I’ll be right back,’” she recalled. “He came back with a little ring, you could barely see the diamond, and he’s like, ‘Can you marry me?’ I didn’t know what to say, but I went, ‘Okay, yes.’”
Building a Life Together
Martelly’s decision to marry Foreman has stood the test of time, as the couple has been together for nearly 40 years. Their marriage has been a source of stability and joy, blending their families and nurturing their children with love and support.
Martelly, in particular, has been a hands-on mother, ensuring she was always present for her children. “I wanted to be there for them, to pick them up from school, and from A to Z,” she said.
A Texas Home
The Foremans currently reside in Huffman, Texas, on an expansive estate they purchased in the early 2000s. Nestled on 45 acres of land, their home took nearly three years to complete and features a main house, guesthouse, and a dedicated gym facility. The property, which blends classic and modern design elements, is estimated to be worth more than $10 million.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Mary Joan Martelly has been deeply committed to philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of AIDS awareness and education for children. Alongside her husband, she has volunteered extensively in campaigns aimed at preventing pediatric AIDS. Their efforts have spanned from Houston to St. Lucia, spreading critical information about AIDS prevention in children.
In 2007, the couple was honored for their contributions at the “A World of Friends Fighting AIDS” event. Despite the recognition, Martelly has always maintained a humble approach to her charitable work. “Usually we’d do something and we wouldn’t tell anybody. My grandma always said, ‘If you want the blessing, then you don’t let the whole world know,’” she told the University of Houston.
Through nearly four decades of marriage, Mary Joan Martelly has been a steadfast partner to George Foreman, supporting him through his career and life while also making significant contributions to the causes she cares about.
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