George Foreman has passed away: the legendary boxer, entrepreneur, and father of 11 children has left this life
22 march 2025 в 08:37
George Foreman was known to the world as a heavyweight boxing champion, Olympian, and entrepreneur behind the George Foreman Grill, but to his children, he was known as «dad». In March 2025, the retired boxer passed away at the age of 76. He is survived by 11 out of his 12 children. The Foreman family confirmed the news of his death in a post on Instagram.
«Our hearts are broken», - read the caption on Foreman’s Instagram account. «With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who peacefully passed away on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. A devout preacher, devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose. A humanitarian, 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. We thank you for your love and prayers and ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of the man we were blessed to call our own».
Read on to learn more about Foreman’s children and family.
In 1985, Foreman married his wife Mary Joan Martelly, and they remained together until his death in 2025. Before marrying Martelly, Foreman was married four times. From 1971 to 1974, he was married to Adrienne Calhoun; from 1977 to 1979, to Cynthia Lewis; from 1981 to 1982, Foreman was married to Sharon Goodson; and he was married to his fourth wife, Andrea Skeete, from 1982 to 1985.
Foreman was the father of 12 children in total. His daughter Freeda Foreman passed away in 2019 from suicide.
Foreman named all of his sons George, but they all have different nicknames — George Jr., George III («Monk»), George IV («Big Wheel»), George V («Red»), and George VI («Little Joey»).
Foreman previously explained why he decided to name all of his sons George.
«I named all my sons George Edward Foreman so they would always have something in common. I tell them, 'If one of us rises, then we all rise together. And if one falls, then we all fall together!'» said the former boxer.
Foreman’s daughters are Natalia, Leola, Freeda, Michi, Georgeetta, Isabella, and Courtney. Freeda passed away in 2019 from suicide, following in her father’s footsteps by pursuing boxing until her death.
As for Isabella and Courtney, they were adopted by Foreman
«Our hearts are broken», - read the caption on Foreman’s Instagram account. «With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who peacefully passed away on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. A devout preacher, devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose. A humanitarian, 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. We thank you for your love and prayers and ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of the man we were blessed to call our own».
Read on to learn more about Foreman’s children and family.
In 1985, Foreman married his wife Mary Joan Martelly, and they remained together until his death in 2025. Before marrying Martelly, Foreman was married four times. From 1971 to 1974, he was married to Adrienne Calhoun; from 1977 to 1979, to Cynthia Lewis; from 1981 to 1982, Foreman was married to Sharon Goodson; and he was married to his fourth wife, Andrea Skeete, from 1982 to 1985.
Foreman was the father of 12 children in total. His daughter Freeda Foreman passed away in 2019 from suicide.
Foreman named all of his sons George, but they all have different nicknames — George Jr., George III («Monk»), George IV («Big Wheel»), George V («Red»), and George VI («Little Joey»).
Foreman previously explained why he decided to name all of his sons George.
«I named all my sons George Edward Foreman so they would always have something in common. I tell them, 'If one of us rises, then we all rise together. And if one falls, then we all fall together!'» said the former boxer.
Foreman’s daughters are Natalia, Leola, Freeda, Michi, Georgeetta, Isabella, and Courtney. Freeda passed away in 2019 from suicide, following in her father’s footsteps by pursuing boxing until her death.
As for Isabella and Courtney, they were adopted by Foreman
© Artemenko Olga
