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Who Was Adrienne Calhoun? The Untold Story of George Foreman’s First Wife
Adrienne’s story isn’t filled with fame or headlines. Instead, it’s about love, faith, quiet strength, and grace. Though her time in George’s life was short, her influence came during a defining period of his journey.
In this article, we’ll explore who Adrienne Calhoun was, her early life, her relationship with George Foreman, and the legacy she left behind.
Early Life of Adrienne Calhoun
Adrienne Calhoun was born in 1953 in the United States. Details about her childhood are scarce, mainly because Adrienne lived a very private life. She wasn’t interested in fame or media attention, even when she later married one of boxing’s most recognized names.
She came from a Christian background and was known for her kind and humble nature. Those who knew her described her as warm, soft-spoken, and grounded — qualities that would later attract George Foreman to her.
Despite being married to a rising sports icon, Adrienne preferred to stay in the background. She didn’t seek interviews or attention. Her focus remained on her home and family, not the spotlight.
How Adrienne Calhoun Met George Foreman
Adrienne’s love story with George Foreman began in an unexpected, almost cinematic way — a blind date.
It was August 29, 1970, when a friend of Adrienne’s suggested she meet a young boxer named George Foreman, who was making waves in the sports world. Adrienne wasn’t particularly impressed at first. She reportedly joked that her current boyfriend was “a nobody,” so she might as well give it a try.
That one meeting changed everything. Adrienne and George hit it off almost instantly. She admired his determination and humility, while he was drawn to her calm, supportive nature. Soon after, the two began dating seriously.
Their Marriage
In 1971, George Foreman and Adrienne Calhoun tied the knot. Their wedding wasn’t extravagant or filled with celebrities — it was simple, intimate, and filled with hope.
At the time, George’s boxing career was taking off. He was training for major fights, traveling often, and making his name known across the country. Adrienne, on the other hand, remained his anchor — the quiet strength behind the man in the ring.
She didn’t crave the limelight. Instead, she focused on creating a stable home environment for George while he pursued greatness.
Their Life Together
During their marriage, Adrienne and George welcomed a daughter, Michi Foreman. She became the heart of their world. Adrienne devoted herself to motherhood, ensuring Michi had love and balance even as George’s fame soared.
But success came with its own challenges. George’s growing popularity meant long travels, intense training schedules, and media pressure. Adrienne, ever patient, tried to adapt to the changes. Yet, the growing distance between them began to take its toll.
Their relationship, once full of promise, started to feel strained as George’s career demanded more of his time and attention.
Why Adrienne and George Foreman Divorced
By 1974, their marriage had reached its breaking point. Reports suggest that George’s infidelity was the main reason for their split. During their marriage, he was allegedly involved in an affair with Pamela Clay, which resulted in the birth of George Foreman Jr.
This betrayal deeply affected Adrienne. Instead of responding with bitterness or scandal, she chose a path of quiet dignity. She filed for divorce and stepped away from the marriage without drama or publicity.
Even after their separation, Adrienne never spoke ill of George. Her silence wasn’t weakness — it was grace. She moved forward with her life, focusing on raising Michi and finding peace.
Life After Divorce
After her marriage to George ended, Adrienne found love again. She later married Ben Jones, beginning a new chapter that was much more private and calm.
There isn’t much public information about her second marriage, but it’s clear Adrienne wanted a simple life — one free from fame and media attention.
Despite their past, Adrienne and George maintained a respectful relationship. They communicated occasionally, especially regarding their daughter. Their mutual respect showed that time and maturity could heal even deep emotional wounds.
Adrienne Calhoun as a Mother
Adrienne’s greatest joy was her daughter, Michi Foreman. She poured her heart into raising her, ensuring she grew up with strong values and love.
While George was often away due to his boxing commitments, Adrienne created a stable home life for Michi. She never allowed fame or resentment to interfere with her role as a mother.
Even after her remarriage, Adrienne remained dedicated to Michi’s well-being. Friends and relatives often said that Adrienne was “a quiet pillar” in her daughter’s life — a source of comfort, wisdom, and understanding.
Later Years and Passing
After her second marriage, Adrienne continued to live privately, away from cameras and fame. She never sought interviews or public appearances. Instead, she focused on her family and faith.
Tragically, Adrienne Calhoun passed away in 2016 at the age of 63. Her death wasn’t widely covered in the media, as she had long stepped away from public life.
Even in her final years, she was remembered as kind, humble, and strong — a woman who faced life’s ups and downs with grace.
How Adrienne Calhoun Shaped George Foreman’s Life
Adrienne’s influence on George Foreman can’t be overlooked. She was there when his career was just beginning — when money was tight, fame was distant, and success was still a dream.
Her quiet support helped him stay grounded during those early years. Even though their marriage didn’t last, her presence left a mark on his personal growth.
Every legend has a foundation — and Adrienne was part of George’s. She represented stability, compassion, and early love before the chaos of stardom took over.
George Foreman’s Marriages After Adrienne
After Adrienne, George Foreman went on to marry several times. Each relationship added new dimensions to his personal story:
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Cynthia Lewis (1977–1979): Their marriage lasted two years and ended due to personal differences.
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Sharon Goodson (1981–1982): A short-lived union that ended within a year.
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Mary Joan Martelly (1985–Present): George’s fifth and current wife. Together, they have seven children (five biological and two adopted) and have remained together for decades.
Mary Joan has stood by George through fame, business, and his journey of faith — a relationship that endures to this day.
Adrienne Calhoun’s Role in the “Big George Foreman” Movie
When “Big George Foreman”, the biopic film, was released, fans wondered whether Adrienne Calhoun would appear in the movie.
Interestingly, the film featured a character named Paula (played by Shein Mompremier), who was inspired by Adrienne but not based directly on her. The filmmakers created Paula as a fictional version of George’s first love to simplify the storytelling.
So while Adrienne’s name doesn’t appear in the movie, her presence and influence on George’s early life were still felt throughout the narrative.
Remembering Adrienne Calhoun’s Legacy
Adrienne Calhoun may not have been a public figure, but her quiet influence endures. She represents the countless people who stand beside great figures during their climb — the ones history often forgets.
Her strength wasn’t in fame or fortune, but in her grace, humility, and kindness. She raised her daughter with love, handled heartbreak with dignity, and lived her life on her own terms.
Adrienne’s story reminds us that every great success story has unsung heroes behind it — those who help build a foundation without ever asking for credit.
Final Thoughts
Adrienne Calhoun was more than just George Foreman’s first wife — she was a woman of strength, faith, and quiet courage.
While George Foreman went on to achieve global fame, Adrienne chose a simpler path — one of peace and purpose. Her love story with George may have ended long ago, but her presence in his early life remains part of his legacy.
Her story teaches us something powerful:
Sometimes, the people who make the biggest difference are the ones who stay silent, love deeply, and walk away gracefully when life asks them to.
Adrienne Calhoun will always be remembered not just as George Foreman’s first wife, but as a woman whose strength and grace quietly shaped the life of a legend.
FAQs About Adrienne Calhoun — George Foreman’s First Wife
1. Who was Adrienne Calhoun?
Adrienne Calhoun was the first wife of boxing legend George Foreman. She married him in 1971, long before he became a global icon. Adrienne was known for her quiet personality and supportive nature, standing by George during the early years of his career.
2. When did George Foreman and Adrienne Calhoun get married?
George Foreman and Adrienne Calhoun got married in 1971 after meeting through a blind date in 1970. Their relationship blossomed quickly, leading to a short but meaningful marriage that lasted about three years.
3. Did George Foreman and Adrienne Calhoun have children?
Yes. The couple had one daughter named Michi Foreman. Adrienne devoted herself to raising Michi with love and care, keeping her out of the media spotlight even after the couple’s divorce.
4. Why did George Foreman and Adrienne Calhoun divorce?
The couple divorced in 1974 due to personal and marital issues, including George’s alleged infidelity during their marriage. Despite the heartbreak, Adrienne handled the situation with grace and chose to move on quietly.
5. What did Adrienne Calhoun do after the divorce?
After her divorce from George Foreman, Adrienne later remarried a man named Ben Jones. She continued living a private life away from public attention, focusing on family and personal peace.
6. When did Adrienne Calhoun pass away?
Adrienne Calhoun passed away in 2016 at the age of 63. Her death was not widely publicized, as she had lived a quiet and private life following her separation from George Foreman.
7. Was Adrienne Calhoun portrayed in the movie Big George Foreman?
Not directly. In the film Big George Foreman, the character Paula (played by Shein Mompremier) was inspired by Adrienne Calhoun. The filmmakers changed her name and details for creative storytelling, but Adrienne’s influence is felt in that character.
8. Did Adrienne Calhoun have a relationship with George Foreman after their divorce?
Although their marriage ended, Adrienne and George remained respectful toward each other, mainly communicating about their daughter Michi. Adrienne never spoke publicly against George, maintaining her dignity and privacy.
9. How many times has George Foreman been married?
George Foreman has been married five times. Adrienne Calhoun was his first wife, followed by Cynthia Lewis, Sharon Goodson, Mary Joan Martelly, and one other. His current wife, Mary Joan Martelly, has been with him since 1985.
10. What is Adrienne Calhoun’s legacy?
Adrienne Calhoun’s legacy lies in her grace, strength, and quiet influence. She supported George Foreman during his early career and raised their daughter with love and care. Though she stayed out of the spotlight, her role in the boxer’s life remains a meaningful part of his history.
11. How is Adrienne Calhoun remembered today?
Today, Adrienne Calhoun is remembered as a woman of dignity and quiet strength. She lived a private, faith-filled life and is honored for her resilience, kindness, and the positive influence she had during George Foreman’s rise to fame.
12. What religion did Adrienne Calhoun follow?
Adrienne Calhoun was a Christian, and her faith reportedly guided her through many of life’s challenges. She valued peace, humility, and forgiveness — qualities that reflected her spiritual beliefs.