What Really Happened To Maria Shriver

There are few people who have lived quite the life like Maria Shriver. While you might know her as a famous someone's daughter, or another famous someone's wife, she is truly so much more than that. Shriver has had a very public life, having to endure many transitions in the public eye. Sure, she might be more privileged than most people, but she's still pretty relatable and also somewhat down to earth, it seems.

That said, Shriver used to have a much more prominent presence, so where did she go? Well, she's still out there, living her life, but a lot has changed over the years — some of it good, some bad, and some downright dramatic. But when you look at what really happened to Maria Shriver, you might just become a fan of hers yourself. Seriously, Shriver has been through so much and come so far in her life that it's pretty impressive.

Perhaps one of the most important things to know about Maria Shriver is that she wasn't born into your typical American family. On the contrary, she is a member of the Kennedy family, a true American dynasty. Her uncle was President John F. Kennedy, and her mother, Eunice Kennedy, who actually started the Special Olympics.

It's safe to say that Shriver has pretty much always been a driven person, as she was literally born into a highly successful family. As she wrote on her website, "I have always been surrounded by extraordinary people doing extraordinary things. At times, it's been challenging. But more often than not, it's been motivating." Shriver has spent her life in the spotlight, and with a family like the Kennedys, it's no wonder she grew up to be the smart, successful, graceful woman she is today. Still, all the pressure Shriver has dealt with for her entire life couldn't have been easy, and this might have something to do with her desire for privacy.

Maria Shriver might not be the first person who comes to mind when you think of a successful journalist, but she's actually had a long and outstanding career in the field both on and off television. Shriver began her journalism career in 1977 after graduating from Georgetown University and quickly worked her way up the ladder. 

As she wrote on her website, she was quite busy at the start of her job. "I've had a great career, working my way up from writer to producer to anchor at both CBS News and NBC News, and traveling around the world interviewing presidents, kings, activists, and humanitarians," she explained. Clearly, Shriver's career has been special and important to her, and she truly blossomed in her early years.

Maria Shriver fell in love with and eventually married Arnold Schwarzenegger. The two met at a celebrity tennis tournament and tied the knot nearly 10 years later. Because Shriver and Schwarzenegger were both pretty well-known already and had prominent families and lives, the wedding was always going to be huge.

Shriver married Schwarzenegger in Hyannis, Massachusetts, in front of about 500 guests. Shriver's cousin Caroline Kennedy was her maid of honor, and Schwarzenegger's best man was a former Mr. Universe, Franco Columbo. Additionally, the reception took place at the infamous Kennedy compound. The wedding, to be frank, was a huge deal.

Perhaps the most shocking and infamous scandal associated with Maria Shriver and her marriage to Arnold Schwarzenegger was when the latter's affairs came to light — and one such affair resulted in a child. It was this devastating blow that caused Shriver to leave Schwarzenegger, and when it became public in 2011, she was understandably humiliated and moved out.

As hard as it was for Shriver, Schwarzenegger also explained that he knew he made a huge mistake. During an interview on "The Howard Stern Show" in 2015, Schwarzenegger discussed the affair that ended his marriage. "I had personal setbacks, but this was, without any doubt, the biggest setback and the biggest failure," he said. However, it doesn't seem as though the couple has any chance of getting back together. With an affair that public, it's no wonder Shriver has desired more and more privacy as time went on.

After Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger got married, they seemingly led a happy, semi-normal life. Of course, they had four children, Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher, and Schwarzenegger was elected governor of California with Shriver serving as first lady of the state from 2003 to 2011. Still, things were good. That is until they announced they were separating in 2011, the same year Schwarzenegger wrapped up his time as governor.

As ABC News reported, the pair released a joint statement explaining that they would be living separately as "they decide on the future of their relationship." The statement continued, "This has been a time of great personal and professional transition for each of us. After a great deal of thought, reflection, discussion, and prayer, we came to this decision together." It was a tough time of transition for Shriver, who also had to forfeit her journalism career in order to avoid conflicts of interest while her husband was governor.

As TMZ reported, Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger never signed a prenup before they got married, so their divorce had been particularly difficult. While they were married, they reportedly amassed a fortune close to $400 million, so figuring out how to divide that up made things even more complicated. Add in the custody arrangements they had to figure out while their kids were still minors, and you've got yourself one seriously messy divorce.

However, the divorce proceedings were still underway when their kids aged out of being minors, making custody no longer an issue. Additionally, a source explained to TMZ that the two were continuing to work toward an amicable divorce in 2017, six years after Shriver first filed. "Arnold is not standing in the way of the divorce. [He] wants the divorce to become final in a way that is both sensitive to Maria and their kids," the source said. The couple's divorce was eventually finalized in 2021.

Growing up in a family like the Kennedys, who are known for their political power and charitable work, it's not surprising that Maria Shriver felt a strong pull to help others. But because of a personal connection, she has been extremely passionate about finding a cure for one disease in particular.

On her website, Shriver explained that her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2003, and since then, she's felt empowered to fight for and, hopefully, find a cure for the devastating disease. "My mission is to wipe out Alzheimer's disease once and for all because it is destroying millions of lives," she wrote. "Young and old. Patients and caregivers. And, it's bankrupting our country." Shriver has a strong pull to take care of people impacted by Alzheimer's disease, a truly heartbreaking disease that destroys the memories of those it affects, and that's a pretty great mission to have. Alzheimer's has no known cure, but, if Shriver has her way, that will soon change.

If you know anything about Maria Shriver's famous Kennedy family, you know that they've dealt with plenty of tragedy. From the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy to the untimely plane crash that took the life of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Kennedy, and more, the family is seemingly cursed. And Maria Shriver has just about seen it all. In 2009, her mother died, and then 10 years later, tragedy struck the Kennedy family again when Saoirse Kennedy Hill, the daughter of Shriver's cousin, died at 22.

In her newsletter, Shriver wrote how she felt with all the grief compounding around her. "As I sat with my thoughts, I found myself furious at God for taking my cousin Courtney's only child away," she described. "It doesn't get any more brutal than that, as many parents know all too well. I found myself holding onto my own children tighter." Shriver also explained that just after Saoirse's passing was the 10-year anniversary of her mother's death, making things that much harder.

Before Maria Shriver became a wife, mother, and first lady of California, she had a very successful career in broadcast journalism. And though there were some fluctuations in her career, she still works as a journalist.

Not only does Maria Shriver write her own weekly newsletter and conduct interviews for her own YouTube channel, but she also regularly appears on the "Today" show. Shriver also got right back to her career after her marriage to Schwarzenegger came to an end, as she returned to work at NBC in 2013. Though she couldn't work in journalism while her husband was a public official, she returned to work as soon as she could, proving her love for the media was always pretty strong.

It's no secret that anyone in the public eye, especially someone married to a president, senator, or governor, is expected to engage in plenty of philanthropic efforts — and Maria Shriver is no exception. However, the former first lady of California has gone above and beyond her call of duty to do her part in helping the world. Shriver was even named Variety's Entertainment Philanthropist of the Year in 2020. So it's pretty safe to say that she's dedicated plenty of her time to helping others. 

While much of her focus has been on finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease, she has supported many other causes over the years. Shriver raises money and awareness for Best Buddies International, which focuses on helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. And that's not all — she also started The Minerva Awards and Minerva Prize "to recognize and reward remarkable women who stepped forward and changed the world," according to her website. Shriver also helps hotel room attendants, women impacted by Alzheimer's disease, and so many more, because she truly wants to make a difference.

Even if you'd never heard of Maria Shriver, you've probably heard of her daughter, Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt, who married a certain A-list actor in 2019. Yes, Maria's kid tied the knot with Chris Pratt. Her mom was pretty happy about the coupling, but did feel a little bittersweet about the whole thing.

Speaking on "Today with Hoda & Jenna" after the wedding, Maria was thrilled for her daughter, but also felt a little conflicted. "As a mother, you go through many emotions, right?" she explained. "So you're trying to be both excited, you get a new member of your family, [but] you're kind of losing your child as they were." However, despite the mother of the bride being emotional on the day, Katherine Schwarzenegger incorporated a touching tribute to her mom at her wedding as she wore Maria's original veil from her own nuptials in 1986.

In November 2024, Katherine Schwarzenegger and Chris Pratt grew their family with the arrival of baby number three: a son named Ford Fitzgerald. The couple, who already shared daughters Lyla and Eloise, broke the news on Instagram, writing, "Ford's siblings are thrilled by his arrival." Equally thrilled was grandma Maria Shriver who, as Schwarzenegger later told "Today," quickly built a special bond with her grandson. "To see my mom with my kids is also amazing," she enthused, per E! News. "Especially Ford, she has a special little boyfriend in him, so she's like, 'We're going to do everything together!'"

However, despite Maria Shriver's good relationship with Chris Pratt, Katherine Schwarzenegger, and their children, stories that she was the one to introduce her daughter to the Hollywood actor are incorrect. Indeed, the actor dispelled that rumor during a December 2025 interview with Fox News, saying, "That's actually not true — let's settle it now." As Pratt explained, he didn't meet his future wife through Shriver, but rather at a church in Hollywood. "I looked over and I saw her, and I know you're not supposed to be, like, checking out girls at church, but I'm only human," he quipped. "I thought, 'Wow, she's really cute.'"

Not long after Maria Shriver's daughter, Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt, got married, she welcomed her first child into the world. In a touching tribute, Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt named their baby after her maternal grandmother. In August 2020, Lyla Maria Schwarzenegger Pratt was born. Clearly, Schwarzenegger Pratt and Shriver are very close for her to name her daughter after her mom.

In an interview with FOX 11 Los Angeles, Shriver explained that she already had formed a bond with baby Lyla. "I have my own little private thing going on with my granddaughter," she said. "I just am beside myself about it." Shriver also added that she felt lucky to even have a grandchild. "There are people my age who don't get to my age, and who never have that chance to see a grandchild, so that's one of the things I thank God for every day, that I'm alive to see that, and I'll be having Thanksgiving as a grandmother." 

Since then, Shriver has become a grandmother to two more of Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt and Chris Pratt's children — Eloise Christina Schwarzenegger Pratt born in 2022 and Ford Fitzgerald Schwarzenegger Pratt born in 2024.

Though Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger may have endured a pretty intense and public separation, that doesn't mean that they hate each other and never see each other anymore. On the contrary, while their children are all grown, they still seem to have a respectful and amicable relationship as they co-parent and help with grand-parenting duties.

Not only are Shriver and Schwarzenegger spotted together quite often to celebrate family milestones, but Shriver hasn't shied away from posting photos of her with her ex on social media. In fact, in one Father's Day Instagram post from 2020, Shriver shared photos of her own father along with some photos of her family all together, including Schwarzenegger. In the caption, Shriver made it clear that she and her ex-husband are actually still pretty close. "Happy Father's Day to all the dads here on earth who father day in day out, and to you, Arnold. We all wish you the happiest Father's Day!" she wrote. For Shriver and Schwarzenegger, a post-married life means being there for each other still — and especially for their growing family.

Given the family she comes from, it's no surprise that Maria Shriver isn't afraid of getting political. In July 2025, for example, she blasted news that GOP Rep. Bob Onder had introduced a bill to change the name of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to the Donald J. Trump Center for the Performing Arts. Explaining the motion, Onder enthused, per The Hill, "I cannot think of a more ubiquitous symbol of American exceptionalism in the arts, entertainment, and popular culture at large than President Trump." Well, Shriver couldn't have agreed less. "This is insane," she tweeted in response. "It makes my blood boil. It's so ridiculous, so petty, so small minded."

Just a few months prior, Shriver had publicly gone after Trump's nomination of her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for Secretary of Health and Human Services. After fellow cousin Caroline Kennedy penned an open letter to senators in January in which she slammed RFK Jr., claiming "Bobby is addicted to attention and power," Shriver stood right behind her. "Courage is when you do something hard, heartbreaking, and painful ... and you do it anyway," Maria applauded on X, making it clear which side of the family feud she stood on. "Love you, Caroline." Both women are just two of the many Kennedy family members who don't get along with RFK Jr.

Over the years, Maria Shriver has penned numerous books, including an in-depth report on Alzheimer's disease, a children's book, and the New York Times bestseller "And One More Thing Before You Go." She's also published several inspirational tomes, sharing everything from her thoughts on life to her prayers. However, Shriver took things a step further and got more personal than ever with her eight book, "I Am Maria: My Reflections and Poems on Heartbreak, Healing, and Finding Your Way Home." Published in 2025, it traces her entire life and features poems on everything from JFK's assassination to her divorce from Arnold Schwarzenegger. As Oprah Winfrey told People, she cried while reading "I Am Maria" because of just how intimate it was. "In this book she has opened her soul and allowed all of us ... in," Winfrey mused.

Indeed, just one example of many is Shriver's poem titled "The Public Square" in which she reflects on her very public (and very messy) divorce. "Shame filled my body; Humiliation filled my soul," she wrote. "Every inch of my being crumbled." However, despite her penchant for writing such powerful prose, Shriver told the CBS News she didn't get into poetry until said split. "I got separated, and I found myself in my mid-50s thinking like, 'Okay, what do I do now? Where am I going? Who am I?'" she revealed. "I just sat down and looked out the window and started writing, and out it came."

Maria Shriver hit a milestone birthday in November 2025 as she turned 70. Deciding to mark the occasion by sharing 70 life lessons in her online magazine, Sunday Paper, Shriver told readers, "I don't feel 70 — maybe 50 on a tired day." Looking back at the previous decade, she encouraged those turning 60 to see it as a blessing. "Do not fret," she assured, noting, "The possibilities are endless." Speaking from personal experience, Shriver reflected on all the great things she herself had accomplished, from starting new business ventures to growing new friendships. "Fear melted away from me in my 60s," she mused. "I also learned I really liked myself." Speaking to readers of every age, she encouraged them to take a holistic approach to well-being, from the physical to the spiritual, and advised, "Don't rush through your days — savor them, be present in them."

Shriver was previously asked about her thoughts on aging in a 2024 interview with AARP and shared a similar sentiment. Rather than worrying about a particular number, she told the outlet she's more focused on living her best life and pursuing what makes her happy. "You do the best you can with what you have," she said. "If you are interesting and interested in anything at any age, that can make you the most interesting person in the room."

After 10 years of working through a contentious divorce, Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger finalized their split in 2021. "It was brutal, and I was terrified," Shriver wrote of the ordeal in her 2025 book, "I Am Maria." "It broke my heart, it broke my spirit, it broke what was left of me."

However, despite all of that grief and trauma, Shriver hasn't given up on love. While there was talk in 2025 that she and ABC News' Matthew Dowd were an item after being spotted together in Los Angeles, Shriver told "Today" (via People) in June 2025 that she had actually been single throughout all of her 60s. She is open to dating, though, as she added, "I'm interested in any great love experience."

Furthermore, she opened up about her love life again on the "Jamie Kern Lima Show" the following month, revealing that her kids have offered to make her an online dating profile, but she's refused. "I'm finally good on my own, and that's taken a tremendous amount," she explained. However, Shriver did admit that she feels like she's getting to a place where she could see herself embarking on a new union. "I'm a big believer in relationships and love," she enthused. "I'm not looking, but I'm open to whatever God sends my way."