Martha Stewart has long been a household name, known for her achievements in media, business, and lifestyle. However, behind the scenes of her illustrious career lies a story marked by a challenging marriage and eventual divorce from her first husband, Andrew Stewart.
As the new Netflix documentary, Martha, brings her life into the spotlight, more attention is also being directed toward Andrew and his current wife, Shyla Nelson Stewart. Here, we explore the complex relationships, career shifts, and personal revelations that have shaped Andrew’s life and the intriguing partnership he shares with Shyla.
The Rise and Fall of Martha and Andrew Stewart’s Marriage
Martha Kostyra and Andrew Stewart married in 1961, when Martha was just 19 years old. They seemed like an ideal couple, with Andrew’s law background complementing Martha’s early ambition.
However, the marriage faced challenges that eventually led to a separation in 1987 and a finalized divorce in 1990. Reflecting on her marriage in the Netflix trailer for Martha, Stewart bluntly warns younger women, “If you’re married and your husband starts to cheat on you, he’s a piece of s***. Get out of that marriage.” This insight reveals Martha’s perception of the marriage as deeply painful and complex.
Despite a shared life and a daughter, Alexis Stewart, the marriage brought more strain than happiness for Martha. In a 2020 interview with People, she shared, “Getting divorced was a terrible thing for me, because we were the first to divorce in my family … and that we haven’t spoken since the divorce is even more painful.” Her words emphasize the emotional weight the divorce carried, as well as the residual hurt that lingers to this day.
Andrew Stewart: A Career Shift from Law to Publishing
Born into a privileged family in New York, Andrew Stewart was expected to pursue a successful career. The son of an investment banker, he studied in elite locations such as Florida, Switzerland, and Vermont, before majoring in philosophy at the University of Virginia. Andrew continued his education with a law degree from Yale and an advanced law degree (LLM) from Columbia University.
Though he initially embarked on a legal career, Andrew eventually transitioned into publishing. This career pivot allowed him to channel his intellectual pursuits into the world of books, and he ultimately became president of the Harry N. Abrams publishing company. Later, he founded his own publishing house, Stewart, Tabori & Chang, and today serves as the publisher emeritus at Fieldstone Publishing.
Shyla Nelson Stewart: The New Chapter in Andrew’s Life
Andrew’s second wife, Shyla Nelson Stewart, plays an essential role in his life today. Known for her work as a professional singer, speaker, and environmental advocate, Shyla’s influence has shifted Andrew’s focus toward nature and personal growth. According to her, Andrew enjoys nature photography—a hobby that complements her own passion for environmental preservation. Together, they share a lifestyle centered around creativity, awareness, and activism, a departure from the corporate-centered life Andrew shared with Martha.
In interviews, Shyla has described Andrew and Martha’s marriage as “painful and abusive,” highlighting the difficult years Andrew endured before their eventual divorce. This portrayal adds another layer to Andrew’s life story, one marked by resilience and the eventual pursuit of happiness in a new relationship.
Andrew Stewart’s Role in Martha’s Early Career
One of the most intriguing aspects of Andrew Stewart’s legacy is his indirect role in launching Martha’s career. While he didn’t directly shape her career path, his position in publishing allowed Martha to secure her first book deal. This initial opportunity eventually paved the way for her to build an empire in media and lifestyle, transforming her from a homemaker into an American icon. Despite their marriage’s end, Andrew’s early influence on Martha’s career trajectory is undeniable.
Martha Stewart’s Advice on Marriage and Independence
In the Martha documentary trailer, Stewart offers candid advice on marriage, addressing the topic of infidelity with an unfiltered perspective. Reflecting on her own experiences, she asserts that if a spouse begins to cheat, the best course of action is to leave. While Stewart herself had an affair during her marriage to Andrew, she claims he never discovered it. This revelation highlights the complexities of their marriage and the emotional toll it took on both parties.
As Martha shares this advice, her story serves as a reminder of the importance of independence and self-respect in relationships. For Stewart, the role of a “cookie cutter housewife” was never her destiny, and her marriage to Andrew reinforced the need to find fulfillment beyond traditional expectations.
Conclusion
The life of Martha Stewart’s ex-husband, Andrew Stewart, offers a unique perspective on the challenges and transformations that have shaped both his and Martha’s lives. From an early marriage filled with challenges to a new life with Shyla Nelson Stewart, Andrew’s journey reflects resilience, career evolution, and personal growth. As Martha sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of their marriage, audiences are reminded that even the most successful public figures carry hidden stories of hardship and perseverance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Shyla Nelson Stewart? Shyla Nelson Stewart is Andrew Stewart’s current wife, a professional singer, speaker, and environmental advocate. She is known for her work in environmental activism and for promoting sustainability. Her relationship with Andrew brings a renewed focus on nature, creativity, and advocacy in his life.
2. How did Andrew Stewart influence Martha Stewart’s career? Although he didn’t actively shape her career, Andrew Stewart’s position in publishing indirectly helped Martha secure her first book deal. This opportunity allowed her to launch a career that would eventually make her a household name in lifestyle and media.
3. Why did Martha and Andrew Stewart divorce? Martha and Andrew’s marriage faced challenges stemming from conflicting life goals and emotional strain. According to Martha, the “cookie cutter” housewife role wasn’t fulfilling for her, and the couple eventually separated in 1987, divorcing in 1990.
4. What does Shyla Nelson Stewart say about Andrew’s marriage to Martha? Shyla has described Andrew and Martha’s marriage as “painful and abusive,” suggesting that Andrew experienced significant emotional hardship during their years together. This portrayal contrasts with the public perception of Martha and provides insight into the toll the relationship took on Andrew.
5. What is Andrew Stewart’s current occupation? Andrew Stewart is now the publisher emeritus at Fieldstone Publishing, after a successful career in publishing. He continues to be active in the industry, while also dedicating time to his passion for nature photography, an interest he shares with his wife, Shyla Nelson Stewart.