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• Charles Barkley was an 11-time NBA All-Star
• The Alabama native became a famous TV sports analyst following his pro basketball career
• He married in 1989 and has one child

Charles Barkley can’t help but become more beloved by NBA fans year after year. The Alabama native, born in 1963, became a sports hero as a wise-cracking power forward and 11-time All Star while playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets. Following his athletic retirement, “Sir Charles” was then welcomed into America’s living rooms as a hilarious TV sports analyst on TNT and CBS Sports.

The man, the myth and the legend would be just as beloved by his wife, Maureen Blumhardt. The pair have been married for over three decades and still going strong. Let’s meet the gorgeous lady, who doesn’t have an Instagram or social media presence, but can be seen here, below.

What Does Maureen Do?

When Charles met Maureen, reportedly after one of his games, she was coming off a successful modeling career. After their marriage, she became very much involved with humanitarian efforts such as the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, according to their website.

When Did They Get Hitched

Happy, playful 29th #WeddingAnniversary wishes to NBA legend Charles Barkley and his wife Maureen! #Brides #Wedding #Invitations #Stationery #IvoryIsleDesigns pic.twitter.com/yGZUUewCb7

— Josie Helmstetter (@IvoryIsleDesign) February 9, 2018

Charles and Maureen had a brief courting period and made it official in 1989. They also welcomed their only child that year, daughter Christiana Barkley.The proud papa previously revealed that his daughter’s first name was inspired by Christiana Mall in Delaware, in an episode of his podcast, The Steam Room. “There’s a Christiana Mall in Delaware that I used to always go by. That’s how she got her name, Christiana,” he said. When Ernie asked him, “Why?,” he hilariously answered, “I don’t know. I just like the mall.”

Secret To Their Marriage

Staying together for over 3 decades is quite a feat for Hollywood folk. Charles even joked that the one “secret” to his long, successful marriage is that he’s gone all the time. “Well, No. 1 I’m gone a lot. That always helps,” he quipped in a 2021 Sports Illustrated interview, before adding, “I think the main reason is she accepts my flaws and all. She doesn’t judge me, accepts me how I am, she’s a great mother.”

Madonna Almost Came Between Them

Maureen Blumhardt, Charles Barkley’s Wife: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know – https://t.co/rNIDYjmNIM pic.twitter.com/k3cEjVjrjz

— Happy Day 24 (@CryptoTech24) May 11, 2017

As super fans know, their romance was almost thwarted by rumors of a Charles and Madonna fling! During the 1993 NBA Finals, rumors started to swirl that Sir Charles was canoodling with superstar Madonna. Even after Charles denied it, the rumor would not go away. At one point, the star believed the incident caused his mother-in-law to suffer a heart attack. according to the Chicago Tribune.  “She (his mother-in-law) has had a lot of stress from the jokes about me and Madonna (dating) and has been harassed with people (media) calling the house,” Charles told the outlet in June 1993. “She’s not doing well right now and that’s a major concern. I only met her (Madonna) one time when she was in Phoenix. We don’t date. We don’t have a relationship.”

“They should leave my wife and daughter alone. When my wife goes out, they play Madonna songs, they’re calling my in-laws. This stuff is ridiculous, unbelievable,” he continued. “Nothing happened. I’m trying to concentrate on the finals, but this is harassment of me and my family.” Charles and the Phoenix Suns would go on to lose to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.

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