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Bernadette Robi: The Heartbeat of Sugar Ray Leonard's Life

Published Tue Dec 19 2023 By Bsgurung
Bernadette Robi: The Heartbeat of Sugar Ray Leonard's Life

Bernadette Robi, known as Sugar Ray Leonard's wife, is an American celebrity spouse. Sugar Ray, a legendary boxer, motivational speaker, and actor, is celebrated as one of the greatest in the sport. 

The couple's enduring marriage spans three decades, marked by Robi's discretion in keeping personal details away from public scrutiny. Despite her low profile, their union has withstood the test of time, offering a glimpse into a private life shielded from the prying eyes of the internet.

Bernadette Robi Met Husband, Sugar Ray Leonard At Concert

In April 1989, former model Bernadette Robi encountered Sugar Ray Leonard at a Luther Vandross concert, attended with saxophonist Kenny G and his girlfriend. Intrigued by Bernadette's interest, Kenny G inquired about Sugar Ray's marital status. 

Bernadette Robi husband
Image: Bernadette Robi with her husband, Sugar Ray Leonard. Source: Briefly

At that time, Sugar Ray was divorced from his first wife, Juanita Wilkinson, whom he was married to from January 1980 to December 1990. 

Bernadette, impressed by Sugar Ray's contrasting gentle demeanor to his boxing persona, described him as a "down-to-earth" individual with an "incredible heart," highlighting the softer side of the renowned athlete.

Lavish Wedding Ceremony

Sugar Ray Leonard and Bernadette Robi tied the knot in August 1993, concluding a four-year courtship. The extravagant wedding unfolded at a lavish $8.7 million mansion in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, transformed into a floral wonderland with over 10,000 roses and flowers from the Netherlands. 

The newlyweds indulged in a luxurious honeymoon at the Bel-Air Hotel's Honeymoon Suite, courtesy of saxophonist Kenny G, complete with champagne, caviar, candles, and soft music. 

This romantic celebration marked the union of the legendary boxer and his wife in an opulent ceremony that reflected both their love and the generosity of their old friend Kenny G.

How Many Kids Does Bernadette Robi Have? 

Sugar Ray Leonard and his wife, Bernadette Robi, are parents to two children. Their daughter, Camille Leonard, entered the world in 1997, and their son, Daniel Ray Leonard, was born in 2000. 

Camille is carving her path in modeling, emulating her mother's career, and also serves as a social media personality managing her own business. In addition to their shared children, Sugar Ray has two sons, Ray and Jarrel, from his previous marriage.

Bernadette Robi Was Previously Married Football Player

Bernadette, initially married to former football player Lynn Swann, exchanged vows on June 10, 1979, in a lavish ceremony featuring a $30,000 reception and a $1,500 four-tiered wedding cake, attended by over 500 guests, including sports celebrities like O.J. Simpson and Julius Erving

Following their honeymoon in Paris and London, the couple settled in Marina Del Rey, California. Despite the glamorous beginning, Bernadette and Lynn parted ways after a decade, finalizing their divorce in 1983. Their high-profile marriage, marked by opulence and notable guests, concluded after ten years of union.

Husband, Sugar Ray Leonard Past Marriage

Sugar Ray Leonard married his high school sweetheart, Juanita Wilkinson, in January 1980. Their son, Ray Jr., served as the ring bearer at the ceremony, and in 1984, they welcomed another son, Jarrell

The couple divorced in 1990, and during the proceedings, Juanita testified about physical abuse by Leonard under the alcohol influence and occasional cocaine use. Leonard corroborated her claims but attributed the marriage issues to factors other than substance use. 

Their relationship, marked by a high-profile wedding and subsequent challenges, ultimately ended after a decade, revealing details of personal struggles during the divorce proceedings.

Bernadette Robi Career Highlights

Maintaining privacy on her private Instagram account, Bernadette Robi emphasizes faith in God and cherishes motherhood in her bio. Transitioning from modeling to a newfound purpose, she now directs the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation, co-founded with her husband in 2009. 

The foundation is dedicated to improving children's health through diet and exercise, funding research on type 1 and type 2 diabetes in kids, as well as contributing to adult diabetes research. 

Despite life's challenges, Bernadette's strength shines through her commitment to both her marriage and a successful career, showcasing resilience and a compassionate focus on enhancing the well-being of others.

Spouse, Sugar Ray Leonard is a Legendary Boxer

Sugar Ray Leonard, born on May 17, 1956, in Wilmington, North Carolina, emerged as a legendary American boxer, transcending his sport to become an icon of the ring. Named after the singer Ray Charles, Leonard earned Olympic gold in 1976 before captivating the professional boxing scene. 

Sugar Ray Leonard kids
Image: American Boxer, Sugar Ray Leonard with his wife and son at the event. Source: Getty Images

His dynamic career spanned weight classes, securing world titles in multiple divisions. Known for speed, finesse, and a captivating fighting style, Leonard engaged in historic bouts, notably against rivals like Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns. Beyond the ring, he evolved into a motivational speaker, actor, and philanthropist, leaving an indelible mark on the legacy of boxing.

Bernadette Robi Net Worth in 2023

As of 2023, Bernadette Robi boasts a net worth of $1.5 million, primarily contributed by her role as a Sports Illustrated model earning an average annual income of $71,924

While currently focused on family responsibilities, her husband, the retired boxing legend Ray Charles Leonard, commands a substantial net worth of $120 million. Leonard's wealth was amassed through a groundbreaking professional career, marking him as the first to surpass $100 million in earnings. 

Their opulent lifestyle is reflected in their former Pacific Palisades home, a sprawling property listed for $52 million in 2019, featuring a 17,000-square-foot mansion with amenities like a guesthouse, putting green, tennis court, and swimming pool.

Early Life and Parents Details

Born on April 18, 1958, in the United States, Bernadette Robi, now 65, belongs to the Aries zodiac sign. As the sole child of her parents, Paul and Marth Robi, her father, Paul, was a member of the iconic American vocal group The Platters, passing away on February 1, 1989, in Los Angeles. 

Meanwhile, Martha's professional background remains undisclosed, adding an air of mystery to her life. 

Bernadette's roots in music trace back to her father's contribution to The Platters, a significant influence on her early life before becoming known for her pursuits as a former model and public figure.

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