Diane Plese is a Canadian-American optometrist who gained public attention due to her marriage to Robert Herjavec, a renowned businessman and television personality. The couple, who were married for 25 years, went through a high-profile divorce in 2015 that sparked public interest in Diane’s personal life. Despite being in the public eye for much of her marriage, Diane has maintained a low profile since her divorce, living a private life and focusing on her career, family, and personal growth. In this article, we will delve into Diane’s early life, career, marriage, divorce, and life after parting ways with Robert Herjavec.
Early Life and Family Background
Diane Plese was born in 1959 in Toronto, Canada, to Croatian immigrant parents. Growing up in the Parkdale neighborhood of Toronto, Diane’s upbringing was shaped by her cultural heritage, which played a significant role in her identity. Although details about her early years are scarce, it is clear that Diane’s strong family values and disciplined nature were instilled at a young age. Her parents’ immigrant journey and their work ethic likely influenced Diane’s approach to her education and career.
From an early age, Diane knew that she wanted to pursue a career in medicine. She initially began her studies in pre-med, a common pathway for those interested in becoming doctors. However, her journey took a different direction when she decided to specialize in optometry, the branch of medicine dedicated to eye health. Diane’s decision to focus on optometry set the stage for her professional life and her future success.
Diane Plese’s Career as an Optometrist
Diane Plese’s career as an optometrist was both successful and rewarding. Optometry is a field that requires precision, empathy, and attention to detail, all of which Diane possessed in abundance. After completing her medical studies, Diane established herself as a skilled eye doctor, working with patients to diagnose and treat a wide range of vision problems. Whether helping individuals with corrective lenses or diagnosing more serious eye conditions, Diane made a significant impact on the lives of those who sought her expertise.
Her dedication to her patients and her reputation as a compassionate and effective optometrist earned her respect in the medical community. Diane was more than just a healthcare professional; she was a trusted advisor to many, providing them with the guidance and care they needed to maintain their vision and overall health. Throughout her career, Diane demonstrated the commitment to excellence that would characterize many aspects of her life.
Diane and Robert Herjavec: A Marriage in the Spotlight
Diane’s personal life became intertwined with that of Robert Herjavec, a prominent businessman and television personality, when they met in the early 1990s. Their relationship began in a professional setting—Robert was a patient at Diane’s eye clinic. Over time, their connection deepened beyond the doctor-patient dynamic, and they began dating. Diane and Robert shared a strong cultural bond, both being of Croatian descent, which helped solidify their relationship.
In 1990, Diane and Robert married, and their union lasted for 25 years. Together, they had three children: Brendan, Skye, and Caprice. Diane’s role as a wife and mother was central to her life during their marriage, and she was devoted to her family. The couple built a life together, balancing Robert’s thriving business ventures and media career with Diane’s optometry practice and family responsibilities. From the outside, their marriage appeared to be one of harmony and success, but, like many long-term relationships, it faced its challenges.
Throughout their marriage, Robert’s growing fame as the founder of the Herjavec Group, a leading cybersecurity firm, and his role on the popular TV show Shark Tank brought increased media scrutiny. The spotlight placed additional strain on their relationship, which was further complicated by Robert’s affair in the early 2010s. For Diane, the breach of trust was a significant blow to their marriage. Despite attempts to work through the issues, the couple ultimately made the difficult decision to divorce in 2015.
The Divorce and Its Aftermath
Diane and Robert’s divorce in 2015 was highly publicized, as both individuals were well-known figures in the media. The divorce process was long and complex, in part due to the division of assets. During their marriage, Robert’s net worth had grown significantly, with estimates placing his wealth around $300 million at the time of the split. The divorce settlement gave Diane a substantial financial security, which allowed her to maintain a comfortable lifestyle after the dissolution of their marriage.
Although the divorce was emotionally challenging, Diane emerged with strength and independence. Despite being thrust into the public eye, she chose to maintain a low profile, staying away from the media spotlight. This decision allowed Diane to focus on her personal growth and well-being, and she dedicated time to her family and professional pursuits. While Robert moved on and remarried his Dancing with the Stars partner Kym Johnson, Diane kept a private life, choosing not to engage in any public discussions about her marriage or the divorce.
Diane Plese’s Net Worth and Financial Independence
Diane Plese’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million, a sum largely attributed to her divorce settlement. While she had her own successful career as an optometrist, it was the division of assets from her marriage to Robert Herjavec that significantly impacted her financial standing. Robert’s wealth at the time of their divorce, which was estimated at $300 million, was split between the couple, providing Diane with a comfortable financial cushion.
Despite her substantial wealth, Diane has largely stayed out of the public eye and has not sought fame or attention. She values her privacy and prefers to live a quiet, independent life away from the media’s scrutiny. This financial security allows her to focus on her own interests, including her career and family, without the pressures of public life.
Life After Divorce: Moving Forward
Since her divorce, Diane has remained out of the media spotlight, focusing on her personal and professional life. Her choice to live a private life reflects her desire to maintain her independence and find peace away from the public attention that once surrounded her. Although Robert’s new marriage to Kym Johnson attracted media attention, Diane has chosen to focus on herself and her children, taking time to reflect and move forward in her own way.
Diane’s life after the divorce has been marked by a sense of quiet strength. She has proven that she is capable of navigating life’s challenges with grace and resilience. Diane has not sought to capitalize on her ex-husband’s fame or engage in public discussions about their past. Instead, she has remained committed to living life on her own terms, focusing on her personal happiness and well-being.
The Children of Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec
Diane and Robert’s three children—Brendan, Skye, and Caprice—each pursued different paths in life, though they all remain relatively private individuals, much like their mother.
- The oldest of the three, Brendan Herjavec, has mostly avoided the spotlight. Like his mother, he has maintained a low profile and prefers to keep details of his personal life private.
- Skye Herjavec: Born in 1996, Skye has carved her own path as an entrepreneur. She opened three Lululemon pop-up stores in Ontario, which contributed to her estimated net worth of around $5 million as of 2024. Skye’s business ventures have gained her attention, but she continues to focus on her professional success.
- Born in 1994, Caprice Herjavec has established herself as a prominent figure in the consulting industry. She currently works for the New York City management consulting firm FW Cook. She was also a rower at Columbia University and appeared in several TV shows. Like her siblings, Caprice maintains a relatively private life but has shown a strong drive in her professional career.
Robert Herjavec’s Continued Success
As Diane concentrated on her job and family, Robert Herjavec’s financial success grew. Born in Croatia in 1962, Robert immigrated to Canada with his family at a young age. His entrepreneurial journey began with the founding and eventual sale of BRAK Systems for $30.2 million. This success laid the foundation for his future ventures, including his role as the CEO of The Herjavec Group, a global cybersecurity company.
In addition to his business ventures, Robert became a television personality, appearing on the hit shows Shark Tank and Dragons’ Den, where he became known for his investments and business insights. Despite the public’s fascination with his career, Diane chose to remain focused on her own path, away from the fame and media attention that often followed Robert.
Conclusion
The life of Diane Plese is an example of fortitude, tenacity, and self-reliance. From her successful career as an optometrist to her ability to navigate the challenges of a high-profile divorce, Diane has shown that she is more than just the ex-wife of a famous businessman. Her financial independence, her focus on family, and her commitment to personal growth have allowed her to move forward with grace and dignity.
Today, at 65 years old, Diane continues to live a quiet, fulfilling life. Though she has chosen to stay out of the public eye, her legacy is one of determination and self-sufficiency. https://newsdraz.com/ Diane’s story is an inspiring one, reminding us that it is possible to thrive in both our personal and professional lives, even after facing difficult circumstances.
