Can you imagine being proposed to on the set of a famous TV show — in front of the crew, the cast, and even a live studio audience? That’s what happened to Jill Diven back in 1998. Brad Garrett, the tall and funny actor from Everybody Loves Raymond, got down on one knee and asked her to marry him right there on set.
People loved the moment. It was sweet, bold, and romantic. But behind that public proposal was a private story — a story full of ups, downs, and real-life struggles. Jill Diven was never a celebrity, but her name became known when she married Brad. Their love story was short, their divorce was quiet, and Jill disappeared from the spotlight.
In this article, we’ll look at who Jill Diven really is. We’ll talk about how she met Brad Garrett, their fast-growing family, why their marriage didn’t last, and what Jill is doing today in 2026.
Jill Diven Quick Bio
| Full Name | Jill Diven |
| Year of Birth | 1964 |
| Age (2026) | 61 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches |
| Famous As | Brad Garrett’s ex-wife |
| Ex-Husband | Brad Garrett |
| Marriage Year | 1999 |
| Divorce Year | 2007 |
| Children | 2 (Maxwell and Hope) |
| Job Before Fame | Cocktail waitress |
| Remarried | No |
| Net Worth | Not public, but very comfortable |
| Current Life | Private, peaceful, lives in the U.S. |
Jill Diven’s Early Life Before She Met Brad Garrett
Before Jill Diven was known as Brad Garrett’s ex-wife, she lived a quiet and simple life. She wasn’t an actress, model, or celebrity. She worked as a cocktail waitress in Las Vegas, just trying to make a living like everyone else.
There’s not much public information about her early years. She never shared stories about her childhood, family, or personal dreams. And that tells us something important — Jill never wanted fame. Even when she became part of a Hollywood love story, she stayed away from the spotlight.
Her story began in a regular place, but it would soon take a surprising turn.
How Jill Diven Met Brad Garrett
Jill met Brad Garrett in the late 1990s while she was working in Las Vegas. Brad was already getting popular from playing Robert Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond. He was tall, funny, and charming — and Jill caught his eye.
They started dating and quickly got close. Just three months into the relationship, Jill found out she was pregnant. That news changed everything. Brad didn’t run away. Instead, he stepped up and said he wanted to build a real family.
This wasn’t just a Hollywood fling. Brad wanted to do things the right way. And soon, he planned something that would grab everyone’s attention.
The Famous TV Proposal That Made Headlines
In August 1998, Brad Garrett did something very bold. He proposed to Jill Diven on the set of Everybody Loves Raymond. The cast, the crew, and even the studio audience were all there. It was public, big, and full of love.
Can you imagine that? Cameras rolling, lights shining, and your boyfriend suddenly kneels down to ask, “Will you marry me?” It felt like a scene from a movie, but it was real.
That moment made the news. Fans thought it was romantic. Brad seemed completely sure about starting a new life with Jill, and she said yes. From that day on, Jill Diven became part of the spotlight — whether she wanted to or not.
Jill Diven and Brad Garrett’s Fast-Growing Family
After the proposal, things moved fast. Jill and Brad got married on May 18, 1999, and their first child, Maxwell, was already on the way. In 2000, they welcomed their second child, a daughter named Hope.
From the outside, it looked like a perfect family. Brad was a TV star, Jill was a new mom, and they had two beautiful children. They had a big home, money coming in, and happy moments to share.
But life isn’t always as perfect as it seems. Brad was getting busier with work. Jill stayed home with the kids. And slowly, cracks began to form in their relationship.
Life as Brad Garrett’s Wife During His TV Fame
During their marriage, Brad’s fame kept growing. He was one of the main stars on Everybody Loves Raymond, which became one of the most popular shows on TV. He started winning Emmy awards, doing interviews, and working non-stop.
Jill, on the other hand, stayed behind the scenes. She didn’t appear on the show. She didn’t walk red carpets. She chose to focus on raising the kids and keeping their family life stable. But that kind of life isn’t easy when one partner is always in the spotlight and the other is always at home.
The fame, the long work hours, and the pressure started to change things. Their sweet love story was slowly turning into a quiet struggle.
Why Jill Diven and Brad Garrett’s Marriage Fell Apart
At first, they tried to make it work. But by the fourth year, things were not the same. In later interviews and in his 2015 book, Brad admitted he was not a faithful husband. He also said they both became distant — like they were living in two different worlds.
He wrote:
“I was not a faithful husband, and the apathy on both sides was overwhelming… We were decent people who just didn’t belong together.”
Jill never spoke badly about him. She didn’t give interviews or throw blame. She stayed quiet and focused on what mattered — her children. Still, it was clear the marriage couldn’t be saved.
In April 2006, they separated. A year later, they were officially divorced.
Jill Diven’s Divorce from Brad Garrett
After separating in 2006, Jill Diven filed for divorce a few months later. The reason listed in court was “irreconcilable differences.” That’s a legal way of saying they couldn’t fix what was broken.
The divorce was made official in November 2007. Both Jill and Brad chose to keep things quiet. There were no public fights, no nasty headlines. They handled everything calmly and respectfully — especially for the sake of their kids.
Even after the split, Jill Diven stayed private. She never gave interviews or tried to get attention. She simply moved on with her life, quietly and with grace.
Jill Diven’s Divorce Settlement, How Much Did She Get?
Because Brad Garrett was a big TV star, the divorce settlement made news. People were curious about how much Jill Diven, Brad Garrett’s ex-wife, would receive. And the numbers were big.
Jill got $35,000 per month in spousal support until December 2018 — unless she remarried or one of them passed away. She also got $20,000 per month in child support, which included $7,400 for Maxwell and $12,600 for Hope.
But that’s not all. Jill also received:
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Half of Brad’s profits from Everybody Loves Raymond
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Half of their retirement accounts and savings
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Two luxury cars — a 2007 Mercedes and a 2005 Cadillac
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Half of the money from the sale of their Hidden Hills home
Even though she got a large amount, Jill never bragged about it. She didn’t show off or use her name to become famous. She kept things private — just like always.
Co-Parenting After Divorce, Jill Diven’s Role as a Mom
One thing Jill and Brad agreed on was putting their kids first. They shared joint legal and physical custody of Maxwell and Hope. That means both parents had equal rights and time with their children.
Even though they were no longer a couple, they stayed a parenting team. Brad said in an interview,
“We will always be friends because we will never be single parents. We will always be two parents.”
Jill also spoke kindly of Brad. She said they realized they were better as friends and would always care about their children together. They didn’t blame each other — they just moved forward.
Where Is Jill Diven Now? Her Life After Brad Garrett
After the divorce, Jill Diven disappeared from the spotlight. She didn’t do interviews. She didn’t post on social media. She never tried to be in the public eye.
It’s clear she wanted a quiet, peaceful life. She focused on her children and her own healing. Her story shows that you don’t need to be famous to be strong.
As of 2026, Jill is now 61 years old. She is believed to be living in the U.S., but there are no exact details. That’s the way she wants it — a life of privacy and peace.
Did Jill Diven Ever Remarry?
Many fans have wondered: Did Jill Diven get married again? The answer is no — at least not publicly.
There are no reports, no wedding photos, no news of a new partner. Jill chose not to return to the dating scene (or kept it very private if she did).
Brad Garrett, however, did find love again. In 2008, he met Isabella Quella, and they married in 2021. She’s 24 years younger than him, and they seem happy together. Meanwhile, Jill Diven stayed single and content.
Final Thoughts
Jill Diven may not be a star on TV, but her story matters. She went through a fast romance, a high-profile proposal, marriage to a celebrity, motherhood, and a tough divorce — and she handled it all with quiet strength.
She didn’t chase fame. She didn’t speak badly about her ex. She focused on her children and stayed true to herself. Even today in 2026, Jill Diven’s calm and private life stands out in a world that often loves drama.
For anyone going through a breakup, divorce, or major life change — Jill’s story is a reminder: You can walk away with peace. You can choose privacy. And you can still live a beautiful life, even if no one’s watching.
(FAQs)
How much money does Jill Diven have now?
Jill Diven’s exact net worth is not shared online. But after her divorce, she got over $55,000 every month for many years, plus half of Brad Garrett’s TV money and savings. She is living a comfortable life.
Why did Jill Diven divorce Brad Garrett?
Jill Diven and Brad Garrett divorced because their marriage was not working anymore. Brad later said he was not faithful, and both slowly grew apart. The divorce was final in 2007.
How tall is Jill Diven?
Jill Diven is about 5 feet 5 inches tall. Brad Garrett is very tall at 6 feet 8 inches, which is why people always noticed the big height difference.
Are Jill Diven and Brad Garrett still close?
They are not married, but they stayed friendly for their children. They worked together as parents and avoided public fights or drama.
Where does Jill Diven live today in 2026?
Jill Diven lives a quiet and private life in the United States. Her exact home is not shared because she likes to stay away from fame and cameras.
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