CELEBRITY
Who Was Adrienne Calhoun? The Untold Story of George Foreman’s First Wife
Adrienne’s story is not one filled with headlines or fame. Instead, it’s about love, strength, faith, and quiet resilience. Her life touched one of the greatest boxers of all time during his rise to fame — and though she preferred a private life, her role in George’s early journey was deeply meaningful.
In this article, we take a closer look at who Adrienne Calhoun was, her life before and after George Foreman, and how her influence helped shape the early chapters of a boxing legend.
Early Life of Adrienne Calhoun
Adrienne Calhoun was born in 1953 in the United States. Unlike many who found themselves connected to celebrity lives, Adrienne always valued her privacy. She rarely appeared in public or gave interviews, even after marrying one of the most famous athletes of the 1970s.
Raised in a Christian household, Adrienne grew up with a strong sense of faith and moral values. Those who knew her described her as calm, soft-spoken, and deeply kindhearted — someone who preferred peace over attention.
Her modest nature would later stand in sharp contrast to the fame that surrounded her husband. But even in the background, Adrienne’s grace and steadiness left a quiet mark.
How Adrienne Calhoun Met George Foreman
The love story of Adrienne Calhoun and George Foreman began unexpectedly — through a blind date.
On August 29, 1970, Adrienne was introduced to a young and promising boxer named George Foreman. At the time, George was still climbing his way up in the boxing world, training relentlessly and dreaming of a championship title.
Adrienne didn’t have high expectations. In fact, she initially agreed to the date just for fun. But what began as a casual meeting quickly turned into a connection. George was struck by her gentle spirit, while Adrienne admired his drive and ambition.
The two began dating seriously, and before long, they realized their bond was real. Their chemistry was simple but genuine — built on mutual respect and understanding.
The Wedding and Early Married Life
In 1971, George Foreman and Adrienne Calhoun married in an intimate ceremony. There were no flashing cameras or magazine covers — just two young people in love, taking on the world together.
At that time, George’s boxing career was gaining momentum. He was traveling, training, and competing at an intense pace. Adrienne became his emotional anchor, offering support and calm during the chaos of his early fame.
Despite her husband’s growing success, Adrienne never sought to be in the spotlight. She preferred home life, focusing on stability and privacy. Friends described her as the “steady one” in George’s whirlwind of fame.
Their Family Life — Raising Michi Foreman
During their marriage, Adrienne and George welcomed a daughter, Michi Foreman. She became the center of Adrienne’s world.
Adrienne took her role as a mother seriously. While George’s life revolved around boxing rings, interviews, and international travel, Adrienne created a peaceful environment for Michi. She protected her daughter from the glare of fame and made sure she had a normal, loving childhood.
Being a single parent for stretches of time wasn’t easy. But Adrienne’s quiet strength shone through. Her faith and resilience guided her, even when life with a rising star became overwhelming.
Challenges in the Marriage
As George Foreman’s fame skyrocketed, the couple’s relationship began to strain under the pressure.
George’s career required him to travel constantly, and his newfound success brought more attention, temptation, and stress. Adrienne, who valued simplicity, struggled to adjust to the chaotic lifestyle that came with fame.
By 1974, things began to unravel. Reports later surfaced that George had an affair with Pamela Clay, resulting in the birth of George Foreman Jr. while he was still married to Adrienne. The news devastated her.
Rather than retaliate or speak publicly, Adrienne made a courageous decision — she walked away quietly. Her divorce from George Foreman was finalized in 1974, marking the end of their three-year marriage.
Life After the Divorce
After the heartbreak, Adrienne chose peace over publicity. She remarried a man named Ben Jones and focused on rebuilding her life.
Unlike many who become tied to famous figures, Adrienne never tried to capitalize on her connection to George Foreman. She rarely spoke about her past marriage and instead dedicated herself to her family and faith.
Though details about her second marriage are limited, it’s believed she found happiness in a more private, grounded lifestyle — far from the noise of fame.
Her Relationship with George Foreman After the Split
Even after their divorce, Adrienne and George Foreman remained respectful toward one another, especially for the sake of their daughter.
Adrienne occasionally reached out to George for advice or support regarding Michi, and George continued to speak fondly of his first wife in later years. Despite the emotional wounds of their past, they both matured and maintained mutual respect.
Adrienne’s grace in handling the divorce reflected her inner strength. She never spoke negatively about George in public, even when others might have. Her quiet dignity became one of her defining traits.
Adrienne Calhoun’s Later Years and Passing
After her second marriage, Adrienne stayed out of the spotlight completely. She avoided interviews, public appearances, or media discussions about George Foreman. Her focus remained on her daughter and her personal faith.
Sadly, in 2016, Adrienne Calhoun passed away at the age of 63. The cause of death was never made public, in keeping with her lifelong preference for privacy.
Her passing went largely unnoticed by the media, but for those who knew her, it was the loss of a kind, gentle, and deeply spiritual woman who had touched lives quietly but meaningfully.
Adrienne Calhoun’s Role in George Foreman’s Life
While George Foreman’s name is etched in sports history, few realize that Adrienne played a role in shaping the man he became.
She was with him during the early, uncertain years — when fame was still far away, and success was just a dream. Her stability and belief in him helped build the foundation of his confidence.
Even though their marriage ended, her early support left a lasting mark. Adrienne represented the part of George’s life where humility, hard work, and quiet love defined him — long before fame and wealth took over.
George Foreman’s Marriages After Adrienne
George Foreman’s personal life after Adrienne was marked by several marriages. In total, he married five times, with Adrienne being his first.
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Adrienne Calhoun (1971–1974) – His first wife, who supported him at the start of his career.
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Cynthia Lewis (1977–1979) – A former beauty queen; their marriage lasted two years.
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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) – His current wife, with whom he shares seven children. Their marriage has been long-lasting and deeply rooted in faith.
Mary Joan Martelly has been by George’s side for decades, helping him balance fame, family, and faith. But it’s important to remember that Adrienne was there at the very beginning — when George Foreman was still finding his way.
Was Adrienne Calhoun in the “Big George Foreman” Movie?
When the biographical film Big George Foreman was released, many fans noticed a character named Paula, played by Shein Mompremier. Viewers wondered if Paula represented Adrienne Calhoun.
The answer is partly yes — Paula’s character was loosely inspired by Adrienne. However, the film’s writers chose to fictionalize her story for creative reasons. They changed her name and details but kept the emotional essence of George’s early romantic life.
So while Adrienne wasn’t directly portrayed by name, her presence and influence were woven into the film’s emotional core.
Remembering Adrienne Calhoun’s Legacy
Adrienne Calhoun may not have written books or appeared in documentaries, but her legacy lives on through her quiet strength and grace.
She was the unsung hero of George Foreman’s early journey — the woman who supported him before the fame, raised their daughter with love, and walked away from heartbreak with dignity.
Her story is a reminder that behind every great public figure, there are private individuals whose love and support shape their lives in unseen ways.
Adrienne’s legacy isn’t about fame or fortune — it’s about faith, family, and the kind of inner peace that can only come from living with integrity.
Final Thoughts
Adrienne Calhoun’s life teaches us a timeless lesson: strength doesn’t always shout — sometimes, it whispers through grace, patience, and love.
While George Foreman went on to become a world-famous athlete, entrepreneur, and preacher, Adrienne chose a quieter path. She embraced peace, motherhood, and simplicity over the glitz of fame.
Her love story with George may have ended, but her influence continues to echo in his life story. Adrienne Calhoun will always be remembered as George Foreman’s first wife, but more importantly, as a woman whose grace and quiet courage helped shape one of boxing’s greatest legends.
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, whom she married in 1971. She was known for her grace, humility, and quiet strength.
2. When did George Foreman and Adrienne Calhoun get married?
They married in 1971 after meeting on a blind date in 1970. Their marriage lasted about three years.
3. Did they have children together?
Yes. The couple had one daughter, Michi Foreman, whom Adrienne raised with love and care.
4. Why did George and Adrienne divorce?
They divorced in 1974, reportedly due to George’s infidelity and the pressures of fame.
5. What did Adrienne do after the divorce?
Adrienne later remarried Ben Jones and lived a quiet life focused on family and faith.
6. When did Adrienne Calhoun pass away?
Adrienne passed away in 2016 at the age of 63.
7. Was Adrienne in the Big George Foreman movie?
Not directly. The character Paula, played by Shein Mompremier, was inspired by her story.
8. How is Adrienne Calhoun remembered today?
Adrienne is remembered as a woman of faith, strength, and dignity, whose love and support shaped the early years of George Foreman’s journey.