Robert Herjavec First Wife: The Story of His Marriage to Diane Plese
Fans of Shark Tank often search for Robert Herjavec’s first wife to understand more about the woman who supported him long before television fame and entrepreneurial success. Robert Herjavec’s first wife is Diane Plese, an optometrist whose quiet strength and steady support were integral to his early life and achievements. Their marriage lasted nearly twenty-five years, shaping much of Herjavec’s personal and professional journey. Although their relationship ended in divorce, their story offers insight into the foundations behind one of television’s most recognizable business personalities.
Who Is Robert Herjavec?
Robert Herjavec is a Croatian-Canadian businessman, investor, author, and television personality known for his appearances on Shark Tank and Dancing With the Stars. His early life was marked by hardship. Born in what is now Croatia, he immigrated to Canada with his family at a young age after his father was imprisoned for speaking out against the communist government. Arriving with limited resources, the Herjavec family rebuilt their lives from the ground up.
Herjavec worked various jobs—including waiting tables and delivering newspapers—before breaking into the tech industry. His rise was swift. He built multiple successful companies, including BRAK Systems, which he sold to AT&T Canada for millions. His story of resilience and entrepreneurship made him an inspirational figure long before reality TV fame entered the picture.
Yet behind his growing success stood his first wife, Diane Plese—a partner who supported him during the formative years of his business ventures.
Who Is Diane Plese?
Diane Plese is a respected optometrist who has always lived a private, grounded life. Born in Toronto to Croatian immigrant parents, she built a successful medical career long before meeting Herjavec. Those who know Plese describe her as intelligent, compassionate, and steady—qualities that complemented Herjavec’s ambitious, high-energy personality.
Despite her husband’s growing fame, Plese maintained a low profile. She rarely appeared in media interviews and focused primarily on raising their children and managing her medical practice. Her decision to stay out of the public eye has only deepened public curiosity, as fans want to know more about the woman who was part of Herjavec’s story for decades.
How Robert Herjavec and Diane Plese Met
The couple’s love story began in a simple and unexpected way—during an eye appointment. Diane Plese was Robert’s optometrist, and their first meeting sparked an instant connection. The two quickly developed a relationship based on shared values, cultural similarities, and mutual admiration.
Robert often described Diane as the warm, stable presence he needed while building his early career. They married in 1990, choosing a traditional Croatian ceremony that honored their heritage. At the time, Herjavec was still years away from becoming a multimillionaire, but Diane supported his dreams and encouraged his growth every step of the way.
Marriage and Family Life
Robert and Diane shared a marriage that lasted nearly twenty-five years. During that time, they built a strong family foundation and raised three children together: daughters Caprice and Skye, and son Brendan. Diane played a central role in their upbringing, ensuring the children enjoyed a sense of normalcy despite their father’s increasing wealth and public recognition.
Herjavec frequently acknowledged Diane’s unwavering support during the years he was building his companies. Entrepreneurship is demanding, often requiring long hours, personal sacrifice, and emotional resilience. Diane provided a stable home life that allowed Herjavec to focus on growing his businesses while remaining connected to his family.
As Herjavec’s fame expanded—first through international business success and later via reality television—Diane continued to maintain her quiet, private lifestyle. She rarely attended public events and consistently kept her personal life out of the spotlight.
Challenges and Divorce
After nearly a quarter-century of marriage, Robert and Diane separated in 2014. Their divorce became public in 2015 and quickly gained headlines due to Herjavec’s celebrity status and financial success. Although the couple kept the details private, it was clear that the end of their marriage was emotionally challenging for both.
Herjavec later shared that he experienced a period of deep depression following the separation. The emotional toll was significant enough that he sought counseling and leaned heavily on friends and family for support. Meanwhile, Diane continued to prioritize her children and personal well-being, maintaining her dedication to privacy throughout the process.
The divorce settlement drew media attention due to Herjavec’s high net worth. Reports confirmed that Diane received a substantial financial settlement, reflecting both the length of their marriage and her contributions to Robert’s life and success. Despite the public nature of the divorce, both Robert and Diane chose not to engage in negative publicity or public disputes.
Life After Divorce for Robert Herjavec
In the years following the divorce, Robert Herjavec rebuilt his personal life with reflection and renewed purpose. In 2015, he competed on Dancing With the Stars, where he met professional dancer Kym Johnson. The two developed a romantic relationship during the show and married in 2016. They later welcomed twins, Hudson and Haven.
Herjavec has spoken openly about finding happiness again, crediting Johnson with bringing light back into his life after a difficult period. Today, he balances family life with business ventures, philanthropy, and his ongoing television career.
Where Diane Plese Is Today
Diane Plese continues to live the private, grounded lifestyle she always valued. She remains close to her children and is deeply involved in their lives, offering stability and support away from cameras and media attention. Plese has maintained her independence and dignity, choosing not to discuss her marriage or divorce publicly.
Her ability to remain centered despite public curiosity reflects her strength of character and commitment to privacy—a trait that has earned her quiet respect from many who have followed Robert Herjavec’s story.
A Look Back at a Long, Quiet Marriage Behind a Public Success Story
The story of Robert Herjavec and his first wife, Diane Plese, sheds light on the early years of a man who would go on to achieve extraordinary success. Their marriage was built on loyalty, shared values, and partnership during some of the most pivotal years of his life. While their relationship ultimately ended, Diane’s role in his journey remains undeniably significant.
Fans continue to search for information about Robert Herjavec’s first wife because her influence shaped much of the foundation upon which his later success was built. Their story is a reminder that behind every public success is a private history—one marked by love, sacrifice, and the unseen efforts that help shape a life’s path.
Featured Image Source: bustle.com
