The life of Diane Plese has long carried a sense of quiet strength and mystery, especially because of her decades-long marriage to world-famous entrepreneur Robert Herjavec. While his rise from immigrant hardship to multimillionaire investor is widely known, the untold chapter belonging to Diane Plese is equally compelling. For over thirty years, she stood beside him as his wife, confidant, and the mother of his three children.
Their separation and divorce in 2015 opened a new, complicated chapter—one filled with emotional endurance, legal battles, and ultimately personal transformation. Today, Diane Plese stands as a symbol of resilience, privacy, and quiet empowerment in the face of overwhelming public attention, proving that even after a highly publicized breakup, an individual can rise stronger. This article uncovers the journey of Diane Plese, tracing her early years, marriage, personal growth, and her life after the storm.
Quick Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Diane Plese |
| Birth Year | 1959 |
| Age (2026) | 67 Years Old |
| Birthplace | Parkdale, Toronto, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Croatian-Canadian |
| Profession | Optometrist |
| Known For | Ex-wife of Robert Herjavec |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Children | Brendan, Skye, Caprice |
| Residence | Toronto, Canada |
| Net Worth | $25 Million |
| Eye / Hair Color | Brown / Blonde |
EARLY LIFE AND BACKGROUND
Long before becoming linked to a tech tycoon, Diane Plese had built an identity rooted in education, discipline, and cultural pride. Born in Toronto to Croatian immigrant parents, she grew up in a home where hard work and integrity were core values. Her upbringing shaped her calm and grounded personality—traits that later became vital during her challenging divorce. The young Diane Plese was quiet, observant, and academically focused.
Her Croatian heritage played a significant role in her sense of loyalty and family commitment. Even as she grew into adulthood, she remained deeply connected to her roots, attending cultural events and supporting traditional values of family unity. This disciplined foundation formed the backbone of her entire life, including the decades she spent supporting Robert’s demanding entrepreneurial journey.
AGE AND PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
In 2026, Diane Plese is 67 years old and continues to maintain the grace and professional demeanor she has been known for since her early career. Standing around 5’10”, she has always carried herself with elegance—a presence consistently noted in past public appearances during her marriage. Despite never seeking fame, Diane Plese naturally drew attention due to her calm confidence. Her brown eyes and blonde hair complement her sophisticated style, reflecting her preference for simplicity over extravagance. Even while married to a multimillionaire, she remained modest, investing her energy into her family rather than the spotlight. Her appearance today mirrors her personality: poised, self-assured, and grounded in authenticity.
EDUCATION
Long before meeting Robert, Diane Plese was building an impressive professional path. She earned her degree in the late 1970s before pursuing advanced optometry studies in the early 1980s. Her academic achievements paved the way for a respected career as a licensed optometrist in Ontario. She developed strong patient relationships, built a positive reputation, and enjoyed the independence of running her own clinic. Education has always been a pillar of Diane Plese’s personality—something she later instilled in her children. Her commitment to learning also equipped her with the stability and confidence required during her marriage and beyond.
MEETING AND MARRIAGE WITH ROBERT HERJAVEC
The love story between Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec began in 1988 when he visited her optometry clinic for an eye exam. The connection was instant. She later shared in interviews that she admired his excitement for life—his energy, ambition, and optimism. In Robert, she saw a man with potential far beyond his circumstances. They married in 1990 at a Croatian church in Ontario, honoring both of their cultural backgrounds.
Over the next two decades, Diane Plese supported Robert through every step of his entrepreneurial journey. She helped raise their three children while he built and sold companies, eventually becoming a global television personality. Their relationship appeared strong, steady, and traditional—making their 2014 separation even more surprising to the public.
HIS FATHER — DIANE PLESE’S INFLUENCE
While the heading references “His Father,” the deeper reality is that Diane Plese played a significant parental role in shaping the emotional stability of their children. Her calm, structured parenting style created a sense of balance during the family’s fast-paced lifestyle. She prioritized routine, school activities, and a grounded home environment. As Robert’s career accelerated, she became the anchor of the household, ensuring their children grew up with strong values and emotional support. Her influence remains evident today as all three children maintain successful, purpose-driven adult lives.
HIS MOTHER — ROBERT HERJAVEC’S ROOTS
Understanding the dynamics of their marriage also requires recognizing how Robert Herjavec’s own upbringing shaped him. His mother, who endured extreme hardship as a Croatian refugee, influenced his drive for success. These generational pressures and personal expectations ultimately placed strain on the marriage. Throughout this period, Diane Plese remained supportive and patient, even as Robert’s increasing fame added emotional distance between them. This backdrop also influenced the outcome of their divorce, making the situation more complicated than the public understood.
WHO IS ROBERT HERJAVEC
Robert Herjavec is a globally recognized entrepreneur, investor, and Shark Tank star. He built his career from the ground up, beginning with a modest job and eventually founding cybersecurity companies worth millions. His charisma and business intelligence turned him into a beloved television figure. However, success came with heavy personal sacrifices. Despite their long marriage, the emotional gap between Robert and Diane Plese widened over time, leading to their eventual separation. Their divorce became one of Canada’s most widely discussed celebrity breakups.
DIANE PLESE AND ROBERT HERJAVEC CHILDREN
The three children of Diane Plese—Brendan, Skye, and Caprice—remain one of the most important parts of her life. She raised them with unwavering dedication, even after stepping away from her optometry career. Brendan pursued business studies, Skye embraced entrepreneurship, and Caprice explored athletics and later consulting. Their grounded upbringing reflects the values Diane Plese instilled throughout their childhood. The divorce initially strained their relationship with their father, but over time, the family found ways to rebuild communication and stability.
IMPACT ON ROBERT HERJAVEC’S CAREER
The presence of Diane Plese during Robert’s rise cannot be understated. She provided emotional and domestic stability that allowed him to focus on building his empire. During his toughest professional years, her support served as a foundation for his achievements. Even after the divorce, Robert admitted that losing daily connection with his children brought him to the lowest point of his life. The separation deeply affected him emotionally, influencing both his personal and professional decisions. In interviews, he acknowledged that the marriage shaped his entire early career, adding a powerful emotional layer to their story.
CURRENT LIFE
Today, Diane Plese lives a quiet, private life in Toronto. She does not seek media attention and keeps her distance from the world of celebrity television. Her focus is on personal wellness, family connections, and maintaining the stability she built long before fame entered her life. Despite receiving a $25 million settlement, she continues to live with balance rather than extravagance. Her life in 2026 centers on peace, independence, and strong emotional boundaries. The dignity with which Diane Plese handled her divorce has earned her lasting respect.
MEDIA EXPOSURE AND PRIVACY
Unlike many public figures connected to celebrity spouses, Diane Plese has always valued privacy. She does not maintain social media accounts, rarely gives interviews, and avoids public events. Her discretion stands in sharp contrast to Robert’s highly visible lifestyle. Even during the height of media attention surrounding the divorce, she remained composed, dignified, and silent. This quiet strength has become one of her most powerful qualities—making her story even more compelling.
DIANE PLESE NET WORTH
As of 2026, Diane Plese has a net worth of approximately $25 million, largely from her divorce settlement, which included spousal support and equalization payments. She received properties, financial compensation, and monthly support during the early years after separation. While the settlement was large, it aligned with the luxurious lifestyle the couple lived for decades. Her measured handling of her finances reflects her practicality and long-term planning, ensuring that she remains financially secure without exploiting her past marriage.
CONCLUSION
The journey of Diane Plese is a powerful reminder that silence can hold strength, and privacy can be a luxury worth protecting. Her 30-year marriage to Robert Herjavec shaped an important chapter of her life, but it does not define her future. From dedicated optometrist to devoted mother, from emotional hardship to independence, Diane Plese has demonstrated resilience and dignity through every stage of her life. Her story continues to inspire those who face personal storms, proving that rebuilding is not only possible—it can be transformative.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Why is Diane Plese widely known today?
Diane Plese is best known as the ex-wife of entrepreneur and Shark Tank investor Robert Herjavec. Her quiet strength and dignified handling of their divorce made her a compelling public figure.
2. What was the main reason behind Diane and Robert’s divorce?
While the couple never publicly shared every detail, emotional distance and allegations of infidelity played major roles in the breakdown of their 24-year marriage.
3. How many children do Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec share?
They share three children—Brendan, Skye, and Caprice—each of whom has pursued successful academic and professional paths.
4. Did Diane Plese continue her optometry career after marriage?
She paused her optometry practice for many years to focus on raising her children and managing the household during Robert’s demanding business schedule.
5. How much spousal support did Diane receive after the divorce?
She received a settlement valued at around $25 million, which included monthly support payments and property distribution.
6. What is Diane Plese doing in 2026?
In 2026, Diane Plese is living privately in Toronto, focusing on her family, wellness, and a peaceful post-divorce lifestyle away from the media.
7. How did the divorce affect Robert Herjavec emotionally?
Robert admitted he reached a devastating emotional low, struggling with mental health and suicidal thoughts after the separation. Over time, therapy, faith, and volunteer work helped him rebuild his sense of purpose.
