Maria Shriver is an American journalist, author, and former First Lady of California. She is also widely recognized as the ex-wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
For 25 years, the two were considered a power couple until their separation in 2011. Since then, many have wondered if Shriver has found love again. So, who is Maria Shriver’s boyfriend?
Arnold Schwarzenegger, a renowned actor and former politician, was married to Shriver, and together they share four children. However, their seemingly perfect marriage came to an end when Arnold admitted to fathering a child outside of their marriage with their former housekeeper.
While Maria remains private about her personal life, we have uncovered lesser-known details about her current relationship status.
Who Is Maria Shriver’s Boyfriend?
Over the years, Shriver has kept her dating life under wraps, making it difficult to determine whether she is currently in a romantic relationship.
However, in 2013, she was rumored to be dating political analyst Matthew Dowd, who served as Schwarzenegger’s chief campaign strategist. The two made their first public appearance together at her cousin’s wedding in 2014.
Shortly after their relationship became public, speculation arose that Maria and Dowd had been involved in an affair while she was still married to Arnold. A campaign staffer told PageSix that the pair had an unusually close relationship during the campaign period.
“They flirted a lot. They spent time alone, and Arnold was rarely around when they were together. She had a unique banter with him and lit up around him.”
Despite the speculation, Dowd denied the allegations, insisting their relationship was purely platonic. According to the New York Post, they eventually parted ways four years later.
What Happened Between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver?
The former couple began dating in 1977 and married in 1986. However, their relationship ended in 2011 after Arnold publicly admitted to having an affair with their longtime housekeeper, Mildred Baena.
The affair resulted in the birth of their son, Joseph Baena. Arnold took full responsibility for his actions, issuing a statement that read:
“I understand the anger and disappointment among my friends and family and take full responsibility for my actions. I apologize to my wife and children; I am sorry. While I deserve the media’s attention and criticism, I ask that you respect my wife and kids.”
Their divorce was finalized a decade later, in 2021.
Does Arnold Schwarzenegger Get Along with His Ex-Wife?
Despite their split, Arnold and Maria continue to share a good relationship. According to Nicki Swift, Arnold confirmed their close bond in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, saying:
“We are good friends and super proud of how we raised our kids.”
In his Netflix docuseries Arnold, Schwarzenegger also reflected on their friendship, stating:
“Nothing is more important than having a good partner by your side, and Maria was exactly that. We have a great relationship.”
Is Arnold Schwarzenegger Currently in a Relationship?
Maria Shriver’s ex-husband is currently dating Heather Milligan, a physical therapist. Reports suggest that the couple has been together since 2013, despite their 28-year age difference.
According to The Sun, during a 2024 appearance on Travis and Jason Kelce’s podcast New Heights, Arnold discussed how he learned about football thanks to his partner, saying:
“I learned the game and its rules, and then, around 10 years ago, I fell in love with Heather. She is fantastic at sports, especially football.”
