When you hear the name Diane Plese, many might immediately think of her connection to Robert Herjavec, the Shark Tank star and Canadian entrepreneur. But Diane is so much more than a former spouse of a celebrity. She’s a dedicated optometrist, a loving mother, and a woman who has built her own legacy with grace, professionalism, and independence.
Despite the media attention her high-profile marriage attracted, Diane has always prioritized privacy and substance over publicity, proving that you can maintain your identity even in the shadow of fame. Let’s dive into her life story, from her Croatian roots in Toronto to her successful career and family life.
Early Life & Background: Roots That Shaped Her
Diane Plese was born in 1959 in Parkdale, Toronto, Canada, to Croatian immigrant parents. Her early life was steeped in a multicultural environment, which helped shape her open-minded perspective.
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Academic Curiosity: From a young age, Diane was intellectually curious and drawn to healthcare.
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Family Values: Growing up in a hardworking immigrant household instilled discipline, humility, and perseverance—values she carried into adulthood.
Unlike many who rise to fame through associations, Diane’s foundation was built on her own achievements, giving her the independence to thrive personally and professionally.
Family Roots and Croatian Heritage
Diane’s Croatian background played a significant role in shaping her values and identity:
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Raised with strong family traditions emphasizing faith, resilience, and community.
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Grew up bilingual, connecting deeply with Toronto’s Croatian-Canadian neighborhoods.
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Her heritage influenced how she raised her children, blending tradition with modern opportunities.
This deep sense of identity gave Diane the strength to navigate life’s challenges while maintaining her independence.
Education and Early Academic Years
Education was central in Diane’s upbringing:
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Excelled academically, showing a natural talent for science and healthcare.
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Pursued higher education in optometry, combining her love for science with the desire to help people.
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By the time she completed her studies, Diane had already established herself as a qualified professional ready to make an impact.
Her academic achievements laid the foundation for her career and her independence long before she met Robert Herjavec.
Career as an Optometrist: Building Her Own Legacy
Choosing a Medical Path
Diane’s choice to become an optometrist was driven by:
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A passion for healthcare and improving people’s quality of life.
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The opportunity for close interaction with patients while applying technical expertise.
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A desire for stability and independence, especially as a woman in a professional field.
Her dedication to her career symbolized a commitment to merit-based success, which later helped her maintain her identity during her marriage.
Building a Professional Practice in Canada
After completing her education, Diane:
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Established her optometry practice in Toronto, quickly gaining respect for her skill and professionalism.
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Became known for her compassionate approach, focusing on patient care and eye health.
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Built a financially independent career, separate from her husband’s business success.
Her medical career provided her with confidence and stability, even amidst the pressures of public attention.
Diane Plese’s Reputation as an Eye Doctor
Over the years, Diane earned recognition as a dedicated and respected optometrist:
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Known for personalized care, focusing on vision and overall eye health.
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Maintained credibility and respect even after her marriage ended.
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Proved that her achievements stood on their own merit, not just through association with Robert Herjavec.
Personal Life & Marriage
Meeting Robert Herjavec
Diane first met Robert when he came to her optometry clinic as a patient. Their connection was instant:
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Diane’s intelligence and grounded personality drew Robert in.
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They shared common values despite different career paths.
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Their meeting eventually led Diane into the world of high-profile entrepreneurship and media.
The Wedding and Early Years Together
In 1990, Diane and Robert married in a private ceremony. Their early years together involved:
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Supporting Robert through the early stages of his business career.
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Balancing family life while Diane continued her optometry practice.
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Building a home with mutual respect and shared ambitions.
The couple laid the groundwork for both a family and a partnership built on trust and collaboration.
Balancing Family and Career
Diane became a model of a modern professional woman:
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Successfully managed her career while raising three children.
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Maintained stability in the household despite Robert’s growing public presence.
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Demonstrated that personal identity and family responsibilities can coexist harmoniously.
Family Life: Motherhood and Values
Becoming a Mother
Diane and Robert welcomed three children:
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Skye Herjavec
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Caprice Herjavec
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Brendan Herjavec
Diane prioritized creating a supportive and nurturing environment for her kids, keeping them grounded despite their father’s fame.
Parenting Approach and Values
Her parenting philosophy focused on:
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Encouraging education, responsibility, and independence.
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Blending tradition with modern opportunities.
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Maintaining normalcy while navigating wealth and fame.
Today, her children honor her guidance in their personal and professional choices.
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Relationship with Her Children Today
Even after her divorce, Diane remains:
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Closely connected to her three children.
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Celebrating their milestones and supporting their ambitions.
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A constant source of encouragement and guidance.
Family continues to be Diane’s top priority, shaping her decisions and lifestyle.
Divorce from Robert Herjavec
The Separation in 2014
After nearly 25 years, Diane and Robert separated in 2014:
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The split surprised many, as the couple had long appeared stable.
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Diane approached the separation with dignity, focusing on her family and personal growth.
Legal Proceedings and Settlement
Their divorce finalized in 2016 included:
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A reported $25 million settlement, reflecting Diane’s role in supporting Robert’s rise.
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Ensuring financial security and independence post-divorce.
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Diane remained grounded, choosing privacy over public attention.
Life After Divorce: Private, Independent, and Fulfilled
Maintaining a Private Lifestyle
Since her divorce:
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Diane has remained low-profile, avoiding media controversies.
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She continues to practice optometry in Canada.
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Her life focuses on peace, family, and personal interests, rather than fame.
Relationship with Ex-Husband Robert Herjavec
Even post-divorce:
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Diane and Robert maintain a respectful co-parenting relationship.
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Robert’s remarriage to Kym Johnson did not affect Diane’s bond with her children.
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Diane remains acknowledged for her role in his personal and professional journey.
Interests and Hobbies
Outside work and family:
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Diane enjoys travel, culture, and personal enrichment.
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She values quiet, meaningful experiences over public recognition.
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Her hobbies reflect a balanced lifestyle focused on health, family, and well-being.
Net Worth & Financial Status
Divorce Settlement and Wealth
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Diane reportedly received around $25 million from her divorce settlement.
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The settlement acknowledged her support during Robert’s early business years.
Lifestyle and Investments
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Diane lives a modest, private life despite her wealth.
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Focuses on stability, health, and family over flashy luxuries.
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Financial independence allows her to make choices aligned with her values.
Comparing Wealth with Robert Herjavec
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Robert’s net worth exceeds $200 million, but Diane’s focus has never been competing or flaunting wealth.
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She has maintained her own identity as a professional and mother, separate from Robert’s fame.
Public Perception & Media Coverage
Media Attention During Divorce
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The divorce attracted headlines due to Robert’s celebrity status.
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Diane avoided sensationalism, maintaining silence and dignity.
Life Away from the Spotlight
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Returned to her private medical practice.
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Reinforced her image as a strong, independent woman.
Respect from Fans and Media
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Admired for grace, professionalism, and dedication to family.
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Acknowledged for her role in Robert’s early success while maintaining independence.
Legacy and Influence
Contribution as a Professional Woman
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Diane exemplifies women balancing careers and family life.
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Demonstrates that independence is possible, even married to a public figure.
Role in Supporting Robert Herjavec’s Career
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Provided stability and encouragement during the early stages of his career.
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Played a significant role behind the scenes, though not in the media spotlight.
Legacy as a Mother and Professional
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Raised three successful children while maintaining a medical career.
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Inspires women to embrace independence, dignity, and purpose.
Conclusion
Diane Plese is much more than Robert Herjavec’s ex-wife. She is:
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A dedicated optometrist
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A loving, hands-on mother
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A woman who values privacy and independence
From her Croatian roots and professional achievements to her high-profile marriage and dignified divorce, Diane’s story is one of resilience, grace, and quiet strength. Today, she continues to inspire through her children, career, and legacy of independence.
FAQs About Diane Plese
Q1. Who is Diane Plese?
Diane Plese is a Canadian optometrist and the ex-wife of Robert Herjavec.
Q2. When did Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec marry?
They married in 1990 and divorced in 2016.
Q3. How many children does Diane Plese have?
Three: Skye, Caprice, and Brendan Herjavec.
Q4. What is Diane Plese’s net worth?
Estimated at $25 million, primarily from her divorce settlement.
Q5. Is Diane Plese still practicing medicine?
Yes, she continues her work as an optometrist in Canada.
Q6. What nationality is Diane Plese?
She is Canadian with Croatian heritage.
Q7. Where does Diane Plese live now?
She resides in Canada, maintaining a private and low-profile lifestyle.