When people talk about Robert Herjavec, the well-known businessman and television star of Shark Tank, the focus usually falls on his career success, wealth, and charisma. Yet behind his public story lies another figure, his ex-wife, Diane Plese. While she has largely lived outside the media spotlight, her life with Robert Herjavec and the years that followed have piqued curiosity. Who is Diane Plese? What was her life like before and after her marriage to the entrepreneur? This article takes a deep, comprehensive look at Diane Plese’s background, her relationship with Robert, their family, divorce, and her life today.
Early Life and Background
Diane Plese was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1959 to Croatian immigrant parents. Growing up in a family that valued hard work and resilience, she carried with her the principles of dedication and compassion. Unlike her future husband, who would go on to dominate the business and television world, Diane carved her path in medicine. She pursued optometry, becoming a skilled and respected professional in her field.
Her Croatian roots created a common bond with Robert Herjavec, who also came from a Croatian background after his family immigrated to Canada. This shared heritage would play a role in their connection when they eventually crossed paths.
Meeting Robert Herjavec
In the 1980s, Diane Plese was practicing as an optometrist in Toronto when she met Robert Herjavec, who was then a young, ambitious man still making his way in life. Robert had scheduled an eye exam at Diane’s clinic, and that chance encounter marked the beginning of a relationship that would later turn into marriage.
Robert himself has often described Diane as kind, smart, and supportive. Unlike the glamorous settings we often see on television, their love story started in a modest, everyday environment—an eye doctor’s appointment that turned into something life-changing.
Marriage and Family Life
Diane married Robert Herjavec in 1990. At that time, Robert was still working hard to build his career. Diane, as his partner, stood by him through the struggles and sacrifices of entrepreneurship.
The couple had three children together: two daughters, Caprice and Skye, and a son, Brendan. Despite Robert’s growing business ventures and eventual rise to fame, the family maintained a sense of privacy. Diane was known for being a caring mother and dedicated to providing stability to their children, even as Robert’s career brought increasing attention.
Life was not always easy. Building wealth often came with long hours and time away from family. Yet Diane managed her household and career while ensuring her children grew up grounded.
Life as the Wife of a Public Figure
As Robert became a household name on Dragon’s Den and later Shark Tank, Diane Plese remained outside the spotlight. Unlike many spouses of celebrities who embrace public life, she chose privacy. She attended some events alongside Robert but never sought the limelight.
This decision reflected her personality: grounded, private, and focused on family rather than fame. In interviews, Robert himself admitted that Diane was more reserved and preferred to stay away from media attention.
Behind the scenes, though, Diane played a vital role in supporting Robert’s demanding career. Many close to the family noted that her stability allowed Robert to focus on his professional growth without worrying about the home front.
Divorce from Robert Herjavec
After nearly 25 years of marriage, Diane and Robert separated in 2014, and their divorce became official in 2016. The news shocked many fans who viewed them as a strong couple. While the exact reasons for the split were never publicly detailed, reports suggested that emotional distance had developed between them over time.
The divorce settlement was widely covered in the media, given Robert’s significant fortune. Estimates at the time suggested Diane received around $25 million, one of the largest celebrity divorce settlements in Canada. Despite the financial discussions, Diane herself never publicly sought attention or gave interviews. She maintained her dignity and privacy, focusing instead on her family and personal well-being.
Life After Divorce
Post-divorce, Diane Plese largely stepped away from the public eye. Unlike Robert, who remarried dancer Kym Johnson from Dancing with the Stars in 2016, Diane chose to remain private. She has not remarried and continues to live a quiet life in Toronto.
Her focus has stayed on her children, who are now adults pursuing their own paths. While Robert’s life is often in the media, Diane prefers a lifestyle away from cameras, continuing her professional involvement in optometry and family commitments.
Relationship with Her Children
One of Diane’s most important roles has always been motherhood. After the divorce, she retained a strong bond with her children. Reports suggest that she has been very hands-on in guiding them through life changes, ensuring they grew up with stability despite the challenges of being children of a public figure.
Her children often avoid media attention, much like Diane herself, but they remain close to both parents. Diane’s nurturing and protective nature has been a constant in their lives.
Net Worth and Financial Independence
While much of Diane’s net worth is tied to her divorce settlement, her own career as an optometrist gave her financial stability even before her marriage. Today, her estimated net worth is believed to be between $20 million and $25 million.
Unlike Robert, who invests heavily in businesses and ventures, Diane’s lifestyle is more reserved. She has not been associated with high-profile ventures or endorsements, reflecting her preference for a simple, private life.
Public Perception
Public opinion of Diane Plese remains largely positive, though limited due to her private nature. Many admire her for maintaining dignity during a high-profile divorce and for choosing not to exploit her connection to Robert’s fame.
She is often described as elegant, kind, and humble. Fans of Shark Tank who followed Robert’s journey sometimes express curiosity about Diane, but she has consistently refrained from using her past marriage as a platform for attention.
Lessons from Diane Plese’s Story
Diane’s life offers some important lessons:
- Privacy is strength: In a world where many seek fame, Diane shows that dignity and quiet strength can be powerful.
- Support in marriage matters: She supported Robert during his rise, reflecting the role of a strong partner in success.
- Life goes on after divorce: Diane rebuilt her life with independence and focus, showing resilience after personal change.
Her story is not just about being Robert Herjavec’s ex-wife but about being a professional, a mother, and a woman who values her own path.
Conclusion
So, who is Diane Plese? More than just Robert Herjavec’s ex-wife, she is a Canadian optometrist, a dedicated mother, and a woman who values her privacy and independence. Her life has been marked by love, family, change, and resilience. While she may not seek the spotlight, her quiet strength and dignity have left an impression on those who have followed her story.
In the end, Diane Plese reminds us that not all important stories unfold under bright lights. Sometimes, the most powerful ones are written quietly, with grace and perseverance.
FAQs About Diane Plese
1. Who is Diane Plese?
Diane Plese is a Canadian optometrist best known as the ex-wife of businessman and Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec.
2. When did Diane Plese marry Robert Herjavec?
She married Robert in 1990, and they were together for nearly 25 years before divorcing in 2016.
3. How many children does Diane Plese have?
She has three children with Robert Herjavec: daughters Caprice and Skye, and son Brendan.
4. What is Diane Plese’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be between $20 million and $25 million, largely from her divorce settlement and career as an optometrist.
5. Is Diane Plese remarried?
No, Diane Plese has not remarried since her divorce. She continues to live a private life in Toronto.
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