Marriage separations are often messy and weigh heavily on the parties involved. But celebrity splits become even more taxing for the couple as their personal and vulnerable matter gets exposed in front of the whole world. Something similar happened to Maria Shriver, whose split from Arnold Schwarzenegger became the biggest heartbreak of her life. Shriver is a woman of many talents: a journalist, author, former First Lady of California, and nonprofit founder.

Besides all these, she is also an important member belonging to the Shriner and Kennedy families. But beyond these happy designations, Shriver carries a constant pain in her heart from her split that continues to hurt her. 

After her split from Arnold Schwarzenegger was finalized in 2021, Maria Shriver has been vocal about how the separation impacted her life and feelings. And as an experienced journalist, she has found a way for her to deal with them by turning them into literature. Her latest book, I Am Maria, is about to be released soon, and she has penned down all her personal struggles and heartbreak. Recently, Shriver appeared on CBS Sunday Morning to discuss it. She talked about her married life and how she went straight from her parents' to her husband's.

Shriver's life changed for the worse when the split happened. In her book, she wrote a special poem about the experience and named it The Public Square. It reads as, “Shame filled my body, humiliation filled my soul, Every inch of my being crumbled”. The words truly show how the separation affected her harshly.  Shriver, however, continued to maintain dignity and refused to say anything about her ex-husband, saying she does not believe in talking behind other people in public. “I am in a good place with Arnold; that is really important to me,” she added.   

‘Terminator’ Grandpa, Arnold Schwarzenegger Seen Kissing Eloise Schwarzenegger

Shriver's kind words are proof of her strength after the messy split. But what exactly went wrong?

Arnold Schwarzenegger married Maria Shriver in 1986. Their relationship reached its unfortunate end due to Schwarzenegger infidelity, which he admitted in his 2023 documentary Arnold, and they filed for separation in 2011. During the time thanking the public for the support given to her, she said in a statement, "Thank you all for the kindness, support, and compassion. I am humbled by the love. Thank you.” The split was finalized in 2021 after ten years. Together they share four children.

The talented lady has donned many hats over the years and worked for the development of her people, her community. And with her latest literary venture, she shows what a talented author she is, who faces life with courage.

“She wanted to…” – Back When Arnold Schwarzenegger Said He Ruined His Honeymoon by Taking Maria Shriver to Sets of This Movie

What do you think about Maria Shriver's moving poem? Tell your thoughts in the comments below.