From Mike Tyson to William Shatner, celebrities are paying their respects to boxing legend, entrepreneur, and media figure George Foreman. On the evening of March 21, 2025, Foreman’s family released a statement via Instagram announcing the sports icon’s death. Foreman was 76, according to People.
“Our hearts are broken,” his family’s statement began. “With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.”
George Foreman’s Family Asks For Privacy as They Grieve
Foreman’s family included a photo of them surrounding him in happier times, calling him “a humanitarian, an Olympian, and two time heavyweight champion of the world.”
The statement continued, “He was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name— for his family.”
Their post concluded, “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”
According to People, Foreman had seven daughters — Natalia, Leola, Michi, Isabella, Courtney, Georgetta and Freeda, who died in 2019. He also had five sons, all named George Edward Foreman. He is also survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Mary Joan Martelly, whom he married in 1985, per People.
After his boxing career ended in 1999, Foreman made millions from the massive success of his George Foreman Grill, which first launched in 1994 and has sold over 100 million units. He appeared in TV infomercials and on many TV shows over the years, even competing on “The Masked Singer” in 2022. The following year, he executive produced his biopic, “Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World.”
Famous Friends Pay Tribute to George Foreman
Tributes began rolling in from friends and fans as soon as Foreman’s family posted the news of his passing, including from former boxer Mike Tyson, who tweeted, “Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
NBA legend and fellow entrepreneur Earvin “Magic” Johnson tweeted, “I was really sad to hear the news that one of my boxing heroes, George Foreman, passing away. I attended so many of George’s championship fights over his career. He was a knockout artist in the ring, and it was a pleasure getting to know him not only as a boxer but as a man. After leaving the ring, he turned into an amazing businessman — I even bought one of the first George Foreman grills! Cookie and I will be praying for his family during this time.🙏🏾”
Former NBA Scottie Pippen tweeted, “Rest in peace, George Foreman. Your legacy lives on, champ.”
Comedian Jeff Dye tweeted multiple photos with Foreman and wrote, “Heartbroken to hear about my guy @GeorgeForeman . Loved this guy. Had the pleasure of traveling, talking, crying , arguing, eating and hanging with this guy all over the globe on a project called ‘Better Late Than Never’. Gonna miss you champ.”
Actor William Shatner tweeted, “Condolences to the family of George Foreman. 😔”
Foreman’s family did not reveal a cause of death at the time of their statement.
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George Foreman’s Family & Celebs Share Touching Tributes: ‘Our Hearts Are Broken’