Jill Diven is best known as the former wife of Brad Garrett, the American actor and comedian renowned for his role as Robert Barone on the sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Their relationship, from a high-profile engagement to a challenging divorce, has been a subject of public interest.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in 1964, Jill Diven led a relatively private life before her association with Brad Garrett. She worked as a cocktail waitress in Las Vegas, a profession through which she met Garrett. Specific details about her early life, including her upbringing and education, remain scarce, as she has maintained a low public profile.
Relationship with Brad Garrett
Jill and Brad’s relationship began in the late 1990s. Their romance garnered significant attention when Garrett proposed to Diven on the set of “Everybody Loves Raymond” in August 1998, with the cast, crew, and a live audience as witnesses. The couple married on May 18, 1999, and had two children: a son named Maxwell Bradley Garrett, born in 1998, and a daughter named Hope Violet Garrett, born in 2000.
Challenges and Divorce
Despite their seemingly fairy-tale beginning, the marriage faced challenges. The couple separated in April 2006, citing irreconcilable differences, and their divorce was finalized in November 2007. In interviews, Garrett acknowledged the difficulties in their relationship, stating, “I was not a faithful husband, and the apathy on both sides was overwhelming. The bottom line was we were decent people who just didn’t belong together.”
Custody and Financial Arrangements
Following the divorce, Jill and Brad agreed to share joint legal and physical custody of their children. The financial terms of the settlement were substantial. Garrett was ordered to pay $20,000 per month in child support and $35,000 per month in spousal support until December 31, 2018, or until Jill’s remarriage or the death of either party.
Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Jill Diven chose to maintain a private life, focusing on raising her children away from the public eye. There is limited information available about her professional endeavors or personal life post-divorce. In contrast, Brad Garrett continued his career in entertainment and later married IsaBeall Quella in 2021.
Conclusion
Jill Diven’s life, particularly her marriage to Brad Garrett, attracted public attention during their years together. Since their separation, she has remained largely out of the spotlight, dedicating herself to her family and personal endeavors. Her story reflects the complexities of life associated with public figures and the challenges that come with maintaining privacy amidst public interest.