Charles Barkley shares tight bond with wife Maureen Blumhardt who likes to keep low profile
'I think the main reason is she accepts my flaws and all,' the 60-year-old said while explaining the reason behind his long-lasting marriage
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA: Charles Barkley needs no introduction. The 11-time All-Star has proved his mettle time and again, making him one of the legends in the world of basketball.
However, the 60-year-old is not only a hero in his professional life. He is also reportedly a great family man, who knows how to love and maintain a respectful environment at home.
Who is Charles Barkley’s wife?
Barkley, just like his dedication to the game, is very passionate about the love of his life — his wife of over three decades.
The television analyst’s wife is Maureen Blumhardt, an ex-fashion model as well as a legal aide, who now reportedly serves as an honorary member of the Fresh Women's Association.
Though the 63-year-old is on social media sites, she is not very active there.
When did Charles Barkley marry Maureen Blumhardt?
Barkley’s and Blumhardt’s paths crossed at a City Avenue restaurant. Soon they started dating before saying “I do” to each other in 1989.
The two got hitched when interracial marriages were not common and under quite a bit of scrutiny. But they remained together despite all the criticisms and rumors.
In the same year, the pair welcomed their only daughter, Christiana Barkley, who is also now married to Ilya Hoffman.
Sharing tips on how he and Blumhardt lead a happy married life, Barkley told Sports Illustrated, “I think the main reason is she accepts my flaws and all. She doesn’t judge me, accepts me how I am. She’s a great mother.”
Rumors affected Charles Barkley and Maureen Blumhardt’s married life
However, the sports hero also experienced some troubling times in his marriage with Blumhardt.
It was alleged that the former basketball power forward was romantically involved with Madonna in the early 1990s.
The rumors escalated so quickly that Barkley had to come forward to clear the air as well as ask the media to refrain from further fueling such unsubstantiated speculations.
In 1993, the Chicago Tribune reported him saying, “She (his mother-in-law) has had a lot of stress from the jokes about me and Madonna (dating) and has been harassed with people (media) calling the house.”
He continued, “She's not doing well right now and that's a major concern. I only met her (Madonna) one time when she was in Phoenix,” before asserting, “We don't date. We don't have a relationship.”
At the time, Barkley also added, “They should leave my wife and daughter alone. When my wife goes out, they play Madonna songs, they're calling my in-laws. This stuff is ridiculous, unbelievable.”
