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Her father,Robert Sargent Shriver Jr. was a diplomat and politician.

As such, Shriver grew up surrounded by politics, but decided to pursue a career in journalism instead.

Maria Shriver close-up

Herextended familyincludes her cousin Caroline Kennedy and son-in-lawChris Pratt, who is married to her daughter,Katherine Schwarzenegger.

In fact, there is a lot that you probably never knew about the fascinating life she has lived.

“My cousins are like siblings and best friends.

Young Maria Shriver with her cousins

We’re very connected.”

she recalled toOn Being.

Shriver recounted having to explain who she was and being asked about her cousins, leaving her insecure.

Young Maria Shriver with her mom

What are you doing to make the world a better place by going on a honeymoon with yourself?"

“It’s impossible to compete with that level of accomplishment.”

“We started a conversation,” said Winfrey.

Maria Shriver posing with Oprah

Shriver and Winfrey have supported each other through a lot in their decades-long friendship.

In my darkest moments, she was right there, sitting right next to me, holding space."

Shriver became involved with Alzheimer’s awareness after her father was diagnosed with the disease in 2003.

Maria Shriver with Arnold Schwarzenegger

“I think I’m probably a cafeteria Catholic,” she said.

In spite of her disagreement with many Catholic teachings, Shriver takes comfort in her faith.

Shriver’s faith is a cornerstone of her life and continues to shape her choices.

Maria Shriver laughing with her dad

“I reassure myself of that on an ongoing basis a daily basis, actually.”

I served as a Democratic first lady in a Republican administration here in California.

The move was a bold one, but Shriver had hinted at her moderate leanings before.

Maria Shriver speaking

People get so caught up with labels."

Shriver’s tolerance for the GOP doesn’t go as far as supportingDonald Trump, though.

Shriver is definitely formidable, but somehow we can’t imagine her being strict.

Maria Shriver speaking

I’m gonna come up with my own name.

I’ll just be Mama.

No, I can’t do that.

Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s wedding

I’ll figure it out."

Per People, Schwarzenegger and Pratt welcomed a second child, Eloise Christina, in June 2022. she told AARP in 2013.

“I’m counting on that!

Maria Shriver posing with her kids

If not, I’ll probably take someone else’s kids!

I might start a daycare center!

Shriver added that she is happy with herself “even if I never accomplish another thing.”

Maria Shriver grinning

“But I’ve come to discover that there isn’t anything you should be doing for someone else.

You are lovable as you are.”

“Having practices that support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being is critical,” she toldParade.

Maria Shriver posing

“I play Uno.

I have family night on Sunday night.

I love playing games, charades, watching rom-coms, dancing, being in nature, and walking.”

Maria Shriver speaking

It’s the simple things in life that matter the most to Shriver.

It’s a simplicity she urges others to seek in inspiring social media posts that fill herTwitterandInstagramfeeds.

“Getting older is not only a fact of life, it’s a gift!”

As far as Shriver is concerned, life is a journey and she’s having fun on the ride.

Shriver still has a lot to accomplish, and she’s not going to let age stop her.

But that’s not what I’m experiencing at all.”