Martha Stewart, renowned for her influence in the lifestyle industry, was once married to Andrew Stewart, her first and only husband. Their relationship spanned nearly three decades before they eventually went their separate ways. While Martha became a household name, her relationship with Andrew played a significant role in shaping her life journey. Here’s a closer look at Martha Stewart’s marriage to her ex-husband Andrew Stewart and the impact of their divorce.
The Early Days: How Martha Met Andrew Stewart
Martha Stewart and Andrew Stewart’s story began in 1961 when they met on a blind date. At the time, Andrew was a 23-year-old law student at Yale, while Martha, just 19, was attracted to his serious demeanor. The two quickly fell in love, and after dating for a year, they married and began their lives together. Their marriage marked the start of what would be a long, complex relationship, filled with personal and professional ambitions.
Building a Life Together: Family and Renovation Projects
In 1965, Martha and Andrew welcomed their only child, a daughter named Alexis Stewart. While the couple shared a deep interest in home renovations, which eventually became a key aspect of Martha’s brand, they also faced challenges balancing family life with their professional goals. Early in their marriage, they spent weekends restoring a historic schoolhouse in the Berkshires. In 1971, they purchased Turkey Hill Farm, a fixer-upper in Westport, Connecticut, where Martha started developing her lifestyle empire.
Their dedication to their careers and home projects, however, created distance in their personal lives. In a candid interview, Andrew reflected on their parenting, admitting that their intense focus on their careers sometimes led to neglecting family time. He expressed regret, acknowledging that their relationship with Alexis suffered as a result, saying, “We didn’t spend enough time with Lexi.” Despite their accomplishments, the pressures of their careers contributed to strain in their marriage.
Professional Lives Diverge: Andrew’s Publishing Career
While Martha focused on developing her business and brand, Andrew pursued a career in publishing. He transitioned from law to publishing after receiving his law degree from Yale and a master’s of law from Columbia University. He became president of Harry N. Abrams, a major art book publisher, and later founded his own company, Stewart, Tabori & Chang. Eventually, he took on the role of Publisher Emeritus at Fieldstone Publishing, which specialized in nature books.
His career, like Martha’s, continued to thrive independently, though it remained rooted in intellectual and creative pursuits. Andrew’s work in publishing placed him in high-ranking roles, giving him significant influence in the industry. Today, his legacy lives on through Fieldstone Publishing, where he continues to contribute to his love of nature photography alongside his wife, Shyla Nelson Stewart.
The Separation and Divorce: A Painful Chapter
After over 25 years of marriage, Martha and Andrew separated in 1987, and three years later, their divorce was finalized in 1990. Their split was not amicable, and the couple has reportedly not spoken since the divorce. Martha described the experience as devastating, stating, “Getting divorced was a terrible thing for me because we were the first to divorce in my family.” The breakup had a lasting emotional impact on her, one that she openly shared in interviews years later.
For Andrew, the separation also came with challenges. Following the divorce, he obtained a court order to restrict communication from Martha, marking a particularly difficult phase for both. Despite the public success they each achieved, the emotional toll of their separation was profound.
Life After Divorce: New Relationships and Reflections
After the divorce, both Martha and Andrew moved on to new relationships. Martha briefly dated actor Anthony Hopkins but revealed in 2022 that she ended the relationship because she couldn’t separate him from his famous role as Hannibal Lecter. Andrew, on the other hand, married Robyn Fairclough, who was Martha’s former assistant, in 1993. However, this marriage also ended in divorce, and in 2016, he married his current wife, Shyla Nelson Stewart.
Today, Andrew and Shyla live between Pasadena, California, and Lake Champlain, Vermont. They share a blended family with five children and three grandchildren. Shyla is the president and CEO of Fieldstone Publishing and an advocate for environmental causes, aligning with Andrew’s passion for nature.
Martha’s Reflections and Legacy
Martha has often reflected on her marriage and divorce, particularly in her recent Netflix documentary Martha. In the documentary, she advises young women to leave a marriage if infidelity occurs, candidly admitting to an affair early in her own marriage. The revelation highlights the complexities of their relationship, as well as the resilience that Martha demonstrated in moving forward.
As a pioneer in lifestyle branding, Martha Stewart’s journey from a traditional married life to a self-made business mogul is nothing short of inspiring. Her life story serves as a testament to resilience, reinvention, and success on her own terms, despite the personal setbacks she faced along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Martha Stewart’s ex-husband, Andrew Stewart?
Andrew Stewart is Martha Stewart’s first and only husband, whom she married in 1961. He is a former law student and current publisher, with a career that transitioned from law to founding Stewart, Tabori & Chang and working at Fieldstone Publishing.
2. When did Martha and Andrew Stewart divorce?
Martha and Andrew separated in 1987, and their divorce was finalized in 1990 after nearly 30 years of marriage.
3. Does Martha Stewart have children?
Yes, Martha and Andrew have one daughter, Alexis Stewart, born in 1965. Alexis is Martha’s only child.
4. Why did Martha and Andrew Stewart divorce?
Their marriage was strained by their career ambitions and personal differences. Although both enjoyed successful careers, these pressures eventually led to an estrangement, culminating in their separation and eventual divorce.
5. Who is Andrew Stewart married to now?
Andrew Stewart is currently married to Shyla Nelson Stewart. They married in 2016 and live between California and Vermont, sharing a blended family with five children and three grandchildren.
In her journey from homemaker to lifestyle mogul, Martha Stewart’s life has been marked by professional achievements and personal challenges. Her marriage to Andrew Stewart remains an integral part of her story, highlighting the resilience that has made her a cultural icon.