Who Is Mary Joan Martelly? All About George Foreman’s Wife

Mary Joan Martelly is best known as the wife of George Foreman, the legendary boxing champion. The couple got married in 1985, marking his fifth marriage and a fresh start for both. Over the past 40 years, they built a blended family, raising five children together—George IV, George V, George VI, Leola, and Natalie—while also parenting children from his previous marriages.

In a 2014 interview with the University of Houston Law Center, Martelly revealed that she didn’t know much about Foreman’s career before meeting him. She had never seen him box or known him as a boxer, but she helped him throughout his journey. Their family life was given a rare look in the 2008 TV Land series, Family Foreman, which highlighted the heavyweight champ as both a father and a dedicated family man.

Beyond their home, the pair combined their efforts in numerous philanthropic endeavors, especially focusing on children’s welfare and health initiatives. Their love and commitment remained strong until Foreman died on March 21, 2025, at the age of 76. The news was announced on Instagram, where his family posted a heartfelt statement, expressing their profound sorrow over the passing of their beloved Edward Foreman Sr.

So, who is Mary Joan Martelly? Here’s everything to know about George Foreman’s wife and her relationship with the boxer.

Mary Joan Martelly Biography Quick View

Name	Mary Joan Martelly
Date of Birth	17May, 1963
Place of Birth	St. Lucia, United States
Age	63Years
Marital Status	Married
Husband’s Name	George Foreman
Marriage Date	27March, 1985
Children	5 children – 3 sons, and 2 daughters
Weight	65 kg
Height	5 feet 4 inch (162.56cm)

Mary Joan Martelly’s Life and Background

Mary Joan Martelly was born on the beautiful Caribbean Island of Saint Lucia, a small nation in the West Indies. Her early life and education remain private, but she has shared that she loved sports during school. In an interview, she described how fun it was to grow up with the same classmates from kindergarten to high school, where everyone knew each other.

How she met George Foreman

She first met George Foreman during the later years of his boxing career, and the two quickly formed a strong bond. They married in 1985, beginning a life together as husband and wife. Over the years, they raised 5 children and built a loving family. She played a significant role in helping her husband through personal challenges, including a custody dispute, and supported him in his successful career. She also stood by him when he wanted her to stay in the United States, ensuring they could build their life together.

She Defended Foreman Before They Married

Before Mary Joan Martelly became the wife of George Foreman, she played a significant role in his life. She travelled to the U.S. on a temporary visa for six months, standing by Foreman’s side in Houston as he faced a difficult custody dispute. She was there to testify for the legendary boxer, showing her deep commitment long before marriage. What started as support soon turned into love, and by the time those six months ended, Foreman couldn’t imagine life without her.

One night, after watching movies together, Foreman left briefly and returned with a ring—a small diamond, but a big promise. He asked her to marry him, and though surprised, she said yes. In March 1985, after dating for about a year, the couple had their wedding, officially tying the knot. Their nuptials marked the start of a new chapter in their lives, where they spent the next 40 years together, blending their families and raising their children from previous marriages. Their bond was built on trust, resilience, and faith, making their journey one of deep devotion.

George Foreman: The Man Behind the Legend

George Foreman is a name that stands tall in the world of boxing. A former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist, he turned professional in 1969 and quickly became a dominant force. With an impressive career of 76 wins in 81 fights, his defining moment came in 1968 at the Mexico City Olympic Games. Competing in the boxing/heavyweight division, he defeated Jonas Cepulis, a 29-year-old veteran who was 10 years older with a 12-year career behind him. His victory was historic as he celebrated by carrying a US flag and bowing to the crowd.

From Boxing to Business Success

Though Foreman reached the peak of his career in the 1980s, his fortune from the sport was relatively small, only $5 million. However, his sharp business sense transformed him into a multimillionaire, with a net worth of $300 million today. His wealth came from a popular grill, which made him a wealthy entrepreneur beyond being a retired boxer. His early winning streak included 13 fights in his first year, 11 total knockouts, followed by 12 bouts in 1970 and seven knockouts in 1971. However, 1974 brought intense battles against Ken Norton and Muhammad Ali. In Zaire, during The Rumble in the Jungle, Ali became the first boxer to knock him down. After a loss to Jimmy Young in 1977, Foreman retired, but by 1987, his fortune had disappeared due to bad investments and an extravagant lifestyle.

Love and Life Beyond the Ring

Outside of boxing, Foreman’s personal life has been equally eventful. He was married four times before meeting Martelly. His first marriage to Adrienne Calhoun in 1971 ended in divorce in 1974. He later married Cynthia Lewis, a beauty queen, in 1977, but they split in 1979. His third marriage to Sharon Goodson in 1981 lasted just one year. In 1982, he married Andrea Skeete, but they divorced in 1985. Later that same year, he found lasting love with Martelly, marking his fifth marriage. The couple settled in Huffman, Texas, purchasing an estate in the early 2000s. Their dream home took three years to build, spanning 45 acres and valued at $10 million. The luxurious property features multiple buildings, including a main house, a guesthouse, and a gym facility. The main home, covering 45,000 square feet, blends classic and modern design elements.

She has been Involved in Numerous Humanitarian Work

Beyond being a devoted wife, Mary Joan Martelly is deeply involved in humanitarian work. She has been a strong advocate for awareness, testing, and prevention of HIV and AIDS, actively participating in campaigns to educate others about their importance. Through the Foreman Family Foundation, she has supported various causes, including children’s education, health initiatives, and programs aimed at uplifting underprivileged individuals. Her dedication to charity work reflects her passion for making a lasting difference in people’s lives.

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