When people think of Robert Herjavec, they often picture the charismatic entrepreneur and television personality best known for his role on Shark Tank. Yet, behind his success story lies another name that once played a central role in his personal life: Diane Plese. As his ex-wife, she became a subject of curiosity for many who wanted to know more about the woman who spent decades by his side before their highly publicized divorce. Unlike Robert, who lives much of his life in the public eye, Diane has always preferred privacy, which makes her story even more intriguing. This article sheds light on her life, her career, her marriage, and the impact of her separation from one of Canada’s most recognizable business figures.
Early Life and Background of Diane Plese
Diane Plese was born and raised in Canada to immigrant parents of Croatian heritage. Growing up, she pursued a quiet and structured life, focusing primarily on education and professional aspirations. She eventually trained and qualified as an optometrist, dedicating herself to helping people with vision care. Unlike celebrities who actively seek the limelight, Diane built her career in a respected yet low-profile field. Her work as a healthcare professional reflected her dedication, patience, and intelligence.
Despite her professional accomplishments, it was her relationship with Robert Herjavec that placed her in the public conversation. While she valued her career, she became more widely recognized due to her marriage to one of Canada’s most famous entrepreneurs.
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Marriage to Robert Herjavec
Diane met Robert Herjavec in the 1980s, a period before he had risen to international fame. At that time, Robert was still carving out his path in the business world, and their relationship grew steadily. The couple married in 1990, marking the beginning of a partnership that would last more than two decades.
Together, they built a family and shared a life rooted in both professional growth and personal dedication. Diane supported Robert through his journey from struggling immigrant to multimillionaire entrepreneur. During this time, Robert sold his first company, BRAK Systems, for a significant profit, and later established himself as a technology mogul. Through it all, Diane was a constant presence, balancing her work as an optometrist with her responsibilities as a wife and mother.
The couple had three children together, and family remained a central focus of Diane’s life. She valued stability and was known to prioritize her children’s upbringing and education. While Robert’s public persona grew as he appeared on shows like Dragons’ Den and Shark Tank, Diane continued to live outside of the spotlight, keeping her private life shielded from unnecessary public scrutiny.
The Divorce: A Turning Point
In 2014, after nearly 25 years of marriage, Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec separated, and their divorce was finalized in 2016. This marked one of the most discussed events in Canadian celebrity news at the time, largely because of Robert’s high-profile status and the couple’s long marriage.
The divorce proceedings revealed a significant settlement, reflecting Robert’s substantial wealth accumulated during their marriage. Reports suggested that Diane received a considerable portion of his fortune, though she has never publicly commented on the financial aspects.
For Diane, the separation was not just about the end of a marriage but also about redefining her identity outside of her association with Robert. She withdrew further from public view, maintaining her preference for a quiet, private life. Unlike Robert, who later remarried, Diane has remained out of the media spotlight.
Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Diane Plese chose not to engage in public commentary or capitalize on her former husband’s fame. Instead, she returned to her professional life and personal interests. Unlike many individuals linked to celebrities, Diane never sought to leverage the attention for personal gain.
Her post-divorce life reflects her consistent nature: reserved, dignified, and focused on family. It is believed that she continues to maintain a close relationship with her children, supporting them as they navigate adulthood. While Robert has moved forward with a new marriage to professional dancer Kym Johnson, Diane has remained devoted to living a life away from media speculation.
Public Perception and Privacy
What makes Diane Plese stand out among other celebrity ex-spouses is her steadfast commitment to privacy. Even during the height of the divorce’s media coverage, she refrained from making public statements or participating in interviews. This restraint has contributed to a sense of dignity that continues to define her public image.
For many, Diane represents the opposite of the celebrity-driven culture. She did not seek fame, nor did she allow personal challenges to become fodder for tabloids. Instead, she embodied resilience and discretion, handling a very public split with grace.
Diane Plese’s Lasting Impact
Though Diane Plese is not a public figure in the traditional sense, her story resonates because it highlights the often-overlooked reality of being connected to someone in the spotlight. Behind Robert’s business success and television personality was a partner who shared decades of his personal journey.
Her role as a wife, mother, and professional provided balance to a man whose career demanded constant public attention. Even after their separation, Diane remains an important part of Robert’s personal history and a reminder that public figures often have private lives deeply shaped by those around them.
Conclusion
Diane Plese may not be a household name on her own, but her life story offers a meaningful perspective on privacy, resilience, and grace. As the former wife of Robert Herjavec, she spent decades balancing her role as a professional optometrist and a supportive partner. Their divorce may have made headlines, but Diane’s refusal to engage in public drama has only enhanced her image as a woman who values dignity over publicity.
Today, she continues to live privately, focusing on family and personal fulfillment, while Robert thrives in the public arena. Together, their shared past reflects a journey of growth, change, and the complexities of relationships under the glare of fame.
FAQs
1. Who is Diane Plese?
Diane Plese is a Canadian optometrist best known as the ex-wife of businessman and television personality Robert Herjavec.
2. How long were Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec married?
They were married for nearly 25 years, from 1990 until their divorce in 2016.
3. Did Diane Plese remarry after her divorce from Robert Herjavec?
No, Diane has chosen to live a private life and has not remarried since her separation.
4. How many children do Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec have?
They share three children together, whom Diane has prioritized in her life.
5. What is Diane Plese’s profession?
She is a trained optometrist and has built a career in vision care, separate from her association with Robert Herjavec.
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