What We Know About Robert Herjavec's First Marriage
Today, Robert Herjavec is happily married to former "Dancing with the Stars" pro Kym Herjavec (née Kym Johnson), with the two embarking on a romance after the two were paired up on Season 20 of the dance competition back in 2015. The two sparked a few romance rumors during their time on the show, but didn't officially confirm they were an item when they walked the red carpet together around four months after the finale — but it wasn't long after that when the "Shark Tank" star got down on one knee for his love. Robert popped the question in February 2016, with the businessman sweetly gushing to People, "I still can't believe that a year after walking into a dance studio of all places, my life has changed this much. Kym is an incredible woman and I'm just so excited for what the future brings for us." The twosome got married around five months later, with Kym telling People, "I'm just so happy to be going through life with Robert. He's the most incredible person." Adorable!
But Robert's wedding and subsequent marriage with Kym wasn't actually his first, as he was previously married to Diane Plese for quite a while before finding love with the dancer and even welcomed three children with his former wife. But what was their marriage really like and why did it end?
Robert Herjavec was married for 26 years
Before falling in love with the dancer then known as Kym Johnson, Robert Herjavec was married to Diane Plese for 26 years. The two met when Plese was an optometrist and 26-year-old Robert visited her for an eye appointment in 1988, with Plese telling National Post in 2010 that it was love at first sight, gushing, "He's so excited about life. How can you not want to be with someone who is so happy and motivated?" The two married two years later and welcomed three children into the world, Caprice Herjavec, Brendan Herjavec, and Skye Herjavec, during which time Robert built up his business and his millions (Celebrity Net Worth reports he's worth a whopping $200 million!), while also finding fame on "Shark Tank."
But this one wasn't meant to be, and TMZ confirmed in March 2015 that he and Diane were legally separated on working on a divorce. "Human relationships are so difficult... I wish nothing but love and peace for our family as we move forward from this," Robert said in a statement.
It was later claimed that Robert had been dating Danielle Vasinova, which Toronto Sun alleged was a years long an affair. People reported that the businessman later sued Vasinova after claiming she attempted to extort him after TMZ reported she accused him of alleged sexual assault. Robert's lawyer hit back though, claiming, "The allegations are false and with the sole intent for monetary gain." Robert won the case.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Robert Herjavec had dark thoughts after divorcing Diane Plese
Robert Herjavec took his split with his wife of more than two decades pretty hard, and told People in 2015 that he experienced suicidal thoughts after their divorce. "I just wanted to end it," he explained to the outlet. "It's been a terribly difficult year. We were great parents and a great team, but over time we drifted apart," he added of what happened between himself and Plese. Robert then turned his attention to helping others by teaming up with Seattle's Union Gospel Mission, which he credits with rescuing him from the dark place he found himself in. "I was hollow and broken. And these people saved my life," he said. Shortly after that, he landed his stint on "Dancing with the Stars," which is where he met the future Mrs Herjavec, Kym Johnson. "I enjoy every minute I spend with Kym. When I met her, I felt complete," he told People amid their wedding.
Since tying the knot with the professional dancer now known as Kym Herjavec, the two have welcomed a son and daughter into the world. The happy couple are parents to adorable twins Honor and Haven Herjavec, who the twosome regularly show off on social media.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255).