Arnold Schwarzenegger Talks Love, Family, And Moving Forward

Listen, let me tell you something. Even though Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver officially ended their marriage in 2021, Arnold still holds deep respect and love for his ex-wife. This isn’t just some superficial nod to the past—it’s real, heartfelt emotion.

Arnold Reflects on His Relationship with Maria

Arnold, in a candid chat with People back in September 2023, opened up about their relationship. “We never left the [first] chapter,” he said. Here's the deal: Their split wasn't born out of a bitter feud or a nasty fight. No, it was more about Arnold owning up to his mistakes. "It’s just my f–k up, right?" he admitted. Maria made the tough call to move on, but here's the kicker—they both agreed their kids shouldn’t suffer because of it. That’s huge. It shows a level of maturity and commitment to their family that’s truly commendable.

The Journey Through Marriage and Beyond

Arnold, now 76, and Maria, 67, tied the knot back in 1986. They were a powerhouse couple for years until Arnold dropped a bombshell in 2011. He publicly acknowledged fathering a son, Joseph Baena, with their housekeeper, Mildred Baena. That revelation rocked their world and ultimately led to the end of their marriage. But here's the thing—they didn’t let it destroy their family. They’ve put their differences aside to ensure their kids, Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher, have a stable and loving environment. That’s something we can all respect.

Read also:

Is Lsquolive With Kelly And Markrsquo Ending The Real Story Behind The Move

Arnold went on to explain, “So everything is kind of just as if we’re together but we have separate lives.” They’ve carved out a unique dynamic where they maintain their own relationships but always prioritize their children. “We always communicate about the kids, about the holidays, about birthday parties and Mother’s Day parties and Christmas. My chapter with Maria will continue on forever. Even though it’s a different relationship, there’s no reason for me to feel anything other than love for her.” That’s powerful stuff right there.

Arnold’s New Chapter with Heather Milligan

Now, let’s talk about Arnold’s current relationship with Heather Milligan, a talented physical therapist. The two first crossed paths in 2012 when Arnold needed shoulder surgery. Heather was instrumental in his recovery, helping him prepare for his role in the 2013 blockbuster Escape Plan. Arnold has nothing but praise for her. “Any football players or baseball players, any athlete, I always send them to her, because she’s the only one that really knows what they’re talking about,” he said. After his therapy wrapped up and the movie was finished, Arnold didn’t hesitate to express his gratitude. He took Heather out for lunch, and as they say, the rest is history.

Arnold’s been open about his relationship with Heather, but Maria has kept her personal life pretty private. After their split, Maria sought guidance from a convent. “The Reverend Mother there said to me at the very end, she said—and I actually have written about this, but I haven’t shared—she said, ‘I think you came here looking for permission,’” Maria shared during a February 2023 episode of the “Making Space With Hoda Kotb” podcast.

She elaborated, “I think the word permission… I had never given myself permission to feel, to be vulnerable, to be weak, to be brought to my knees and the world did it to me.” It’s a profound moment of introspection, where Maria acknowledges the challenges she faced and how she chose to move forward. “And then I was like, ‘OK, God, let’s go. I’m going to take this and learn everything I can about my role and what I need to learn,’” she reflected.