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Diane Plese’s Divorce Story: Truth About Robert Herjavec’s Ex-Wife

Published

6 hours ago

21 July 2025

Diane Plese’s Divorce Story: Truth About Robert Herjavec’s Ex-Wife

When you hear the name Diane Plese, you might immediately think of Robert Herjavec, the famous investor from the hit show Shark Tank. But Diane’s story is much more than just being Robert’s first wife. She is a smart and hardworking woman who built a career as an optometrist long before Robert became a household name.

People are still curious about Diane because her life was closely tied to Robert’s early success. Their marriage lasted for 24 years, which is a long time in the public eye. But when their relationship ended in 2015, it became one of the most talked-about divorces in Canada.

In this article, we will look at Diane Plese’s life — from her early years and career to her marriage, divorce, and children. We’ll also share where she is now and why people still find her story inspiring.

Diane Plese Quick Bio


Full Name	Diane Plese
Birth Year	1959
Age	66 years (as of 2025)
Birthplace	Parkdale, Toronto, Canada
Nationality	Canadian
Ethnicity	White (Croatian descent)
Religion	Christianity
Height	5’10” (178 cm)
Hair Color	Blonde
Eye Color	Brown
Profession	Optometrist
Marital Status	Divorced
Ex-Husband	Robert Herjavec
Children	Brendan, Skye, Caprice
Net Worth	$100 million
Current Residence	Toronto, Canada

Who Is Diane Plese?

Diane Plese is a Canadian optometrist who became well-known because of her marriage to Robert Herjavec. While Robert built his fortune and fame through his business ventures and television shows, Diane stayed mostly behind the scenes, focusing on her career and family.

Even though she prefers a quiet life, Diane’s name often comes up whenever people talk about Robert’s personal life. This is because she was not only his first wife but also someone who supported him during his early struggles before he became a millionaire. Her calm and private nature is very different from the spotlight Robert lives in today.

Diane Plese’s Early Life

Diane was born in 1959 in Parkdale, Toronto, Canada. Her parents were Croatian immigrants who moved to Canada for a better life. Growing up in a hardworking family, Diane learned the values of discipline and determination from a young age.

Not much is known about her childhood because she has always kept her personal life private. But it is clear that she was focused on education and building a career. She chose the medical field and studied optometry, which became her lifelong profession.

Diane Plese’s Career as an Optometrist

Diane started her journey as an optometrist in the early 1980s, after finishing her college studies and professional training. She was passionate about helping people improve their vision and soon became a trusted name in her community.

Her job as an eye doctor not only gave her independence but also played a big role in changing her life. It was at her clinic that she met Robert Herjavec, a young man who would later become a successful entrepreneur and television personality.

How Diane Met Robert Herjavec

The story of how Diane met Robert is simple yet charming. In 1988, Robert walked into Diane’s clinic for an eye check-up. At that time, Robert was just starting out and didn’t have the fame or fortune he has today. Diane was drawn to his positive energy and his love for life.

She once mentioned in an interview that Robert’s excitement and motivation were hard to ignore. Their connection grew quickly, and they started dating. Within two years, their relationship had grown so strong that they decided to get married.

Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec’s Marriage

Diane and Robert got married in 1990 in a Croatian church in Mississauga, Ontario. It was a beautiful wedding that celebrated not just their love but also their shared cultural roots. After the wedding, they settled down and started building their life together.

Robert was still working hard to grow his business, and Diane was always there to support him. She stood by his side during the early days of his company, BRAK Systems, which he famously built from their basement. When Robert sold the company to AT&T Canada in 2000 for $30.2 million, their lives changed forever.

The couple enjoyed a life of luxury and success. They attended red carpet events and lived in beautiful homes, but their relationship remained grounded. For years, they seemed like a perfect team — a power couple who had it all.

Why Did Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec Divorce?

After 24 years of marriage, Diane and Robert shocked everyone when they announced their separation in 2014. Diane filed for divorce in March 2015, and the process was finalized in 2016.

Reports suggested that Robert had an affair with actress Danielle Vasinova, which caused tension in their marriage. Although neither of them went into detail publicly, Robert admitted that the breakup was incredibly hard on him. He even shared that it was one of the most difficult years of his life.

Despite the pain, Diane described Robert as a “caring husband and responsible father,” showing that there was still respect between them even during the separation.

Diane Plese’s Divorce Settlement

Diane Plese’s divorce from Robert Herjavec was one of the most talked-about celebrity divorces in Canada. After their separation, a court ordered Robert to pay Diane a divorce settlement of $25 million. On top of that, she received $125,000 every month in spousal and child support.

The settlement also included a share of the couple’s luxurious properties. Diane got the family’s beautiful ski chalet in Caledon and their Florida home. These were not just homes but places filled with memories from their 24 years together.

While Robert’s fortune came from his hard work in tech and television, Diane’s strong role as his supporter through the tough years made her part of that success story. This large settlement allowed Diane to continue living comfortably, even after the end of their marriage.

Diane Plese’s Children

Diane Plese is a proud mother of three children, all from her marriage to Robert. Her kids are now grown up and successful in their own ways.

Her oldest son, Brendan Herjavec, was born in 1993. He followed in his father’s footsteps by entering the world of business. Brendan has a degree in marketing and also runs a podcast called Building Blocks With Brendan Herjavec, where he talks to entrepreneurs about their journeys.

Her daughters, Skye and Caprice, are equally impressive. Skye, born in 1996, graduated from the University of Southern California with a business degree. She has worked in investment banking and has a strong career ahead of her. Caprice, born in 1998, was a competitive rower during her college years at Barnard College. Today, she works as a consultant in New York City.

Robert Herjavec’s New Marriage

After his divorce, Robert Herjavec found love again. He married Kym Johnson, a professional dancer from Dancing With the Stars, in 2016. Their love story began when they were paired together on the show, and it quickly blossomed into something real.

Robert and Kym welcomed twins, Hudson and Haven, in April 2018. Robert often shares how much he enjoys being a father again, even though raising twins is a new adventure for him. Kym has also shared sweet moments of their family life, giving fans a glimpse of their happy home.

Diane Plese’s Net Worth

Diane Plese’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million as of 2025. Most of this wealth comes from her divorce settlement, but she also earned well from her career as an optometrist.

Even though Diane has the kind of fortune that could put her in the spotlight, she chooses to live quietly. She does not chase fame or attention and prefers a calm and private lifestyle.

Where Is Diane Plese Now?

After her divorce, Diane decided to stay out of the public eye. She lives in Toronto, Canada, and focuses on her family. She is not active on social media, which makes her life even more private compared to Robert’s.

Many people admire Diane for the way she has handled her life after the split. Instead of letting the media define her, she has chosen to live life on her own terms, enjoying peace and family time.

Interesting Facts About Diane Plese

Diane is 66 years old as of 2025.
She is 5’10” tall and has blonde hair with brown eyes.
She is of Croatian descent but was born and raised in Canada.
Diane met Robert by chance during an eye check-up, which changed her life forever.
She is a proud mother who has always kept her children away from unnecessary media attention.

Final Thoughts

Diane Plese’s story is one of strength, privacy, and quiet success. While many know her as Robert Herjavec’s ex-wife, she is much more than that. She is a professional, a mother, and someone who has built a meaningful life away from fame.

Her 24-year marriage to Robert was full of love and partnership, but even after their divorce, Diane showed grace and dignity. Her journey is proof that you can live a happy and fulfilled life even when the world is watching.