George Foreman was renowned worldwide as a heavyweight champion boxer, an Olympian, and the innovative entrepreneur behind the popular George Foreman Grill. However, to his children, he was simply “dad.” Sadly, in March 2025, the legendary retired boxer passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind 11 of his 12 children. The heartbreaking news of his departure was confirmed by Foreman’s family through a heartfelt post on Instagram, showcasing the profound impact he had on their lives.
“Our hearts are broken,” expressed the caption on Foreman’s Instagram account. “With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great-grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose. A humanitarian, an Olympian, and a two-time heavyweight champion of the world, he was deeply respected—a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name for his family. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”
To explore more about Foreman’s children and the dynamics of his family, continue reading below to discover their stories and contributions.
Discover the Life and Legacy of George Foreman’s Wife, Mary Joan Martelly
In 1985, George Foreman took a significant step in his personal life by marrying his wife, Mary Joan Martelly. Their marriage flourished until his passing in 2025, showcasing a partnership built on love and mutual respect. Prior to his union with Martelly, Foreman experienced four previous marriages. His first marriage was to Adrienne Calhoun from 1971 to 1974, followed by a second marriage to Cynthia Lewis from 1977 to 1979. His third marriage was to Sharon Goodson from 1981 to 1982, and finally, he married Andrea Skeete, with whom he was together from 1982 until their divorce in 1985.
Exploring George Foreman’s Family: The Story Behind His 12 Children
George Foreman was a proud father to a total of 12 children, each contributing uniquely to his legacy. Tragically, his daughter Freeda Foreman passed away in 2019, leaving a profound impact on the family and the boxing community.
Meet the Unique Names of George Foreman’s Children
In a distinctive choice, George Foreman named all of his sons with the same name—George. However, to add a personal touch, each son goes by a different nickname: George Jr., George III (known as “Monk”), George IV (affectionately called “Big Wheel”), George V (nicknamed “Red”), and George VI (often referred to as “Little Joey”). This unique naming strategy reflects Foreman’s desire to cultivate a sense of unity among his sons while also celebrating their individuality.
Foreman has shared his reasoning behind this unconventional naming decision, explaining why it was important to him.
“I named all my sons George Edward Foreman so they would always have something in common. I say to them, ‘If one of us goes up, then we all go up together. And if one goes down, we all go down together!’” expressed the former boxer, highlighting the strong sense of family and support he instilled in his children.
George Foreman is also the father to several daughters: Natalia, Leola, Freeda, Michi, Georgetta, Isabella, and Courtney. The loss of Freeda in 2019 due to suicide was a tragic chapter in the family’s history, and she followed in her father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in boxing before her untimely death. Foreman’s daughters continue to carry on his legacy in various ways, contributing to the family’s story.
Additionally, Isabella and Courtney were adopted by Foreman, demonstrating his commitment to family and the love he provided to all his children, biological or otherwise.
