Who is Martha Stewart’s ex-husband? All about Andrew Stewart divorce from his former wife Martha

Andrew Stewart married his first wife, Martha Stewart, in 1961. Their marriage, which began with a whirlwind romance and a shared dream of building a life together, spanned nearly three decades before ending in a much-publicized divorce in 1990. Together, they raised their daughter, Alexis Stewart, while Andrew pursued a successful career in publishing and Martha transformed into a household name.

Despite the challenges that marked the later years of their relationship, Andrew’s influence on Martha’s early career was undeniable. From introducing her to key publishing figures to sharing a passion for home renovation, Andrew was a quiet but essential presence during the formative years of what would become Martha’s lifestyle empire.

In the years since their split, Andrew has remained largely out of the public eye, carving out a legacy of his own in the publishing industry. But who is Andrew Stewart beyond his role as Martha Stewart’s ex-husband? Here’s everything you need to know about the man who once stood at the crossroads of one of America’s most iconic success stories.

How did Andrew Stewart meet Martha Stewart?

Andrew Stewart’s first meeting with Martha Stewart was both unexpected and transformative. At Yale Law School, Andrew was introduced to Martha by his sister, Diane Stewart Love, a Barnard College classmate of Martha’s. The blind date quickly blossomed into a deep connection.

Martha, just 19 years old, was struck by Andrew’s sincerity and seriousness, describing him as “honest and extremely serious,” qualities that resonated deeply with her. For Andrew, Martha’s confidence and charm were irresistible; he confessed to falling in love by the end of their first dinner. Their romance intensified as Martha visited Andrew at Yale on weekends, culminating in their marriage in 1961, just a year after they met. This began a union spanning 26 years and profoundly shaped their lives.

What role did Andrew Stewart play in Martha Stewart’s success?

Andrew Stewart’s career in publishing became a cornerstone of Martha Stewart’s rise to prominence, providing pivotal connections and opportunities that helped define her early success. Starting as the chief executive of Harry N. Abrams, a renowned publishing house, Andrew later founded Stewart, Tabori & Chang, a publishing company focusing on cooking, gardening, and interior design—genres that aligned perfectly with Martha’s talents and interests. Through his publishing ventures, Andrew consistently supported Martha in leveraging her skills to build a platform.

A turning point in Martha’s career occurred when Andrew invited her to cater a book release party for Harry N. Abrams. At the event, Martha’s culinary expertise caught the attention of Alan Mirken, president of Crown Publishing Group, who proposed the idea of a cookbook. This collaboration culminated in Martha’s debut bestseller, Entertaining, in 1982, which launched her process as a lifestyle icon and business mogul. Andrew’s foresight and support during this time were instrumental in shaping the foundation of Martha’s career.

Additionally, Andrew and Martha’s shared passion for home renovation and design helped them establish Turkey Hill, a restored Connecticut farmhouse that became a family home and the birthplace of Martha’s lifestyle empire. Martha once said, “If I didn’t have Turkey Hill, I wouldn’t be me right now.”

Why did Andrew Stewart and Martha Stewart divorce?

Andrew and Martha Stewart’s marriage faced numerous challenges over the years, creating a rift that led to their separation in 1987 and eventual divorce in 1990. These difficulties included mutual infidelity and deep personal conflicts, which cast a shadow over their once-promising union. The split was marked by mutual infidelity and personal conflicts, making their divorce one of the most vicious aspects of their shared history.

Martha’s documentary on Netflix, Martha, reveals new details about their relationship. In the documentary, Martha openly admits to having had an affair early in their marriage, although she claims that Andrew never knew about it. Conversely, Andrew’s affair with Martha’s assistant, Robyn Fairclough, who lived on their property, became a publicized source of contention. Martha described her feelings in a letter to Andrew, saying, “I am agonizingly jealous of your other women… I’m worried and lonely, alone, hopeless.”

Their separation also included legal battles, with Andrew obtaining a court order to prevent Martha from communicating with him. Reflecting on the divorce, Martha admitted that it was a painful experience, especially as it was the first divorce in her family. Despite the hardships, Martha has since expressed gratitude for the lessons learned: “The life I had is over. And what has taken its place is better.”

Who is Andrew Stewart’s current wife?

Andrew Stewart’s life took a different trajectory following his divorce from Martha. In 1993, he married Robyn Fairclough, but their relationship ended in divorce. He later found lasting love with Shyla Nelson Stewart, a publisher and environmental advocate, whom he married in 2016. They live between Pasadena, California, and Lake Champlain, Vermont.

Andrew and Shyla share five children and three grandchildren, building a life centred on family, creativity, and environmental advocacy. Shyla, who serves as the president and CEO of Fieldstone Publishing, has defended Andrew against claims made in Martha’s documentary, describing him as “one of the gentlest, most soft-spoken, kind-hearted men I’ve ever known.” She added that their marriage is built on “beauty, meaning, productivity, and purpose, infused with true love.”

Andrew Stewart’s achievements

Andrew Stewart’s contributions to the publishing industry and his role in shaping Martha Stewart’s early career remain integral to his legacy. During his tenure as chief executive of Harry N. Abrams, he championed innovative publishing projects, and his founding of Stewart, Tabori & Chang introduced a unique focus on lifestyle books that became highly influential in the industry. As publisher emeritus of Fieldstone Publishing, Andrew has made strides in the field, focusing on books that celebrate nature and creativity. His love for photography and environmental causes reflects his dedication to preserving beauty and meaning in everyday life.

Although his marriage to Martha Stewart ended decades ago, Andrew’s influence on her journey to becoming a cultural icon cannot be overstated. Their shared ventures in home renovation, publishing, and entertainment laid the groundwork for Martha’s signature brand.

FAQs

Who is Andrew Stewart? Andrew Stewart is a Yale Law School graduate and publishing executive best known as the ex-husband of Martha Stewart. He is currently the publisher emeritus of Fieldstone Publishing and lives with his wife, Shyla Nelson Stewart.

What role did Andrew Stewart play in Martha Stewart’s career? Andrew played a significant role in launching Martha’s career by introducing her to publishing executives, including the one who proposed her first cookbook. Their shared passion for home renovation inspired many of Martha’s early ventures.

Why did Andrew and Martha Stewart divorce? They divorced in 1990 after a turbulent marriage marked by mutual infidelity and personal conflicts. Their separation was acrimonious, and both parties expressed regret and pain over the fallout.

Who is Andrew Stewart’s current wife? Andrew Stewart is married to Shyla Nelson Stewart, a publisher and environmental advocate. The couple has five children and three grandchildren.

What is Andrew Stewart’s professional background? Andrew has a distinguished career in publishing, having served as the chief executive of Harry N. Abrams and the founder of Stewart, Tabori & Chang. He is now the publisher emeritus of Fieldstone Publishing.