George Foreman’s wife: who was Mary Joan Martelly and what wives were before her
23 march 2025 в 03:37
George Foreman found the love of his life in his wife Mary Joan Martelli, but there were several difficulties on the way to her. The late heavyweight champion, who passed away at the age of 76 in March 2025, kept his personal life away from the public eye, including his marriage. Although his past divorces made headlines, Foreman settled down with Martelli when they got married in 1985.
Foreman’s family announced his death in March 2025 in an Instagram post published on his account. The announcement read: «Our hearts are broken. With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who departed this life on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones».
Describing the late athlete as a «devout preacher, devoted husband, loving father and proud grandfather and great-grandfather», - the Foremans added that he «lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose».
«A humanist, Olympian, and two-time heavyweight world champion, he was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline, beliefs, and defender of his legacy, tirelessly fighting to preserve his good name — for his family», - the announcement read. «We thank you for your love and prayers and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of the man we were blessed to call our own».
Learn more about Foreman’s current wife and his ex-wives below.
Foreman was married five times during his life.
In 1985, Foreman married his fifth wife, Mary Joan Martelli. They were married until his death in March 2025.
Foreman made a rare comment about his wife during a previous interview with CBN.com, noting that he called her Joan, not Mary.
«Mary is a good wife. We call her Joan», - Foreman said. «But the best thing that ever happened to me was finding a good wife who understood that children are more than just something you have today and then you can say, 'That was in the past.' It’s an eternal presence in your life, and it’s wonderful to have a wife who understands that».
Foreman married his first wife, Adrienne Calhoun, in 1971. They divorced by 1974. He then married his second wife, Cynthia Lewis, in 1977, and they separated in 1979. Foreman then moved on to his third wife, Sharon Goodson, marrying her in 1981 and divorcing the following year. In 1982, Foreman married his fourth wife, Andrea Skeete, and they divorced in 1985.
Yes, Foreman had 12 children, 11 of whom are still alive. His sons — George Jr., George III («Monk»), George IV («Big Wheel»), George V («Red»), and George VI («Little Joey»), and daughters — Natalia, Leola, Freeda, Michi, Georgeetta, Isabella, and Courtney. However, Freeda passed away in 2019 from suicide. She made a name for herself in the boxing world, like her father.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1−800−273-TALK (8255)
Foreman’s family announced his death in March 2025 in an Instagram post published on his account. The announcement read: «Our hearts are broken. With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who departed this life on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones».
Describing the late athlete as a «devout preacher, devoted husband, loving father and proud grandfather and great-grandfather», - the Foremans added that he «lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose».
«A humanist, Olympian, and two-time heavyweight world champion, he was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline, beliefs, and defender of his legacy, tirelessly fighting to preserve his good name — for his family», - the announcement read. «We thank you for your love and prayers and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of the man we were blessed to call our own».
Learn more about Foreman’s current wife and his ex-wives below.
Foreman was married five times during his life.
In 1985, Foreman married his fifth wife, Mary Joan Martelli. They were married until his death in March 2025.
Foreman made a rare comment about his wife during a previous interview with CBN.com, noting that he called her Joan, not Mary.
«Mary is a good wife. We call her Joan», - Foreman said. «But the best thing that ever happened to me was finding a good wife who understood that children are more than just something you have today and then you can say, 'That was in the past.' It’s an eternal presence in your life, and it’s wonderful to have a wife who understands that».
Foreman married his first wife, Adrienne Calhoun, in 1971. They divorced by 1974. He then married his second wife, Cynthia Lewis, in 1977, and they separated in 1979. Foreman then moved on to his third wife, Sharon Goodson, marrying her in 1981 and divorcing the following year. In 1982, Foreman married his fourth wife, Andrea Skeete, and they divorced in 1985.
Yes, Foreman had 12 children, 11 of whom are still alive. His sons — George Jr., George III («Monk»), George IV («Big Wheel»), George V («Red»), and George VI («Little Joey»), and daughters — Natalia, Leola, Freeda, Michi, Georgeetta, Isabella, and Courtney. However, Freeda passed away in 2019 from suicide. She made a name for herself in the boxing world, like her father.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1−800−273-TALK (8255)
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
