How long were Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver married? Former First Lady of California says divorce "broke my heart"

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s former wife, Maria Shriver, shared her divorce experience in her book, I Am Maria. Shriver and Schwarzenegger were married for over twenty years. They tied the knot in 1986 but Shriver filed for divorce in 2011, which was eventually finalised in 2021.

On March 24, 2025, People Magazine shared a glimpse into Shriver’s poetry book. The publication mentioned that Maria Shriver’s mother’s demise in 2009 broke her heart. However, her separation from Arnold Schwarzenegger left an impact. She wrote:

“My father died. And then came another devastating, life-altering blow: my twenty-five-year-long marriage blew up. It broke my heart, it broke my spirit, it broke what was left of me.”

Maria Shriver indicated that she experienced a period of hardship when her marriage broke apart and her parents died. However, she admired the resilience and courage of her children. This was because whatever happened brought change in their lives as well. She wrote:

“I was consumed with grief and wracked with confusion, anger, fear, sadness, and anxiety. I was unsure now of who I was, where I belonged. Honestly, it was brutal, and I was terrified. As I sat on my hotel room floor in the dark, alone with tears streaming down my face, I thought to myself: Maria, this doesn’t have to be the end of you.”

Speaking to broadcaster and journalist, Hoda Kotb, in 2023, Shriver reflected on how she felt invisible. She said the feeling lingered with her, leading her to situations where she remained unseen. According to Maria Shriver, it wasn’t about seeking validation from others but recognizing her worth. It took her years to understand the change.

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Maria Shriver reflects on not being recognized when she stood beside Arnold Schwarzenegger

While conversing with Hoda Kotb, Maria Shriver stated that she felt annoyed when people disregarded her presence. This often occurred when she was with Arnold Schwarzenegger or her well-known family members.

As time passed, she realized the important thing was not whether others noticed her but her ability to recognize her worth. She once believed that achievements like winning awards or being on TV made people feel valued.

However, she eventually understood that recognition came from meaningful connections, such as having conversations, listening, and being present with others. When Kotb asked about how she radically reframed relationships, Shriver said:

“Well, I think they're they are already being radically reframed. I mean I look at my kids in their 20s and 30s their marriages their relationships or not marriages are so radically different than my generation. How people get in and out of friendships.”

According to People Magazine, Maria Shriver felt an immediate attraction to Arnold Schwarzenegger. He appeared different from anyone she had encountered previously. They both possessed significant ambitions. Furthermore, he encouraged her to pursue her aspirations as he was pursuing his own.

Shriver noted that her family was surprised about their relationship. This was because Arnold Schwarzenegger was affiliated with the Republican party, was a bodybuilder, and aspired to become a movie actor. He resided in a modest apartment and frequently wore a Speedo. Eventually, Shriver also decided to enter the public eye.

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