View source for Maria Shriver

{{short description|American journalist and author (born 1955)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| image               = Maria Shriver by Gage Skidmore.jpg
| caption             = Shriver in 2018
| office              = 35th [[First Lady of California]]
| governor            = [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]]
| term_label          = In role
| term_start          = November 17, 2003
| term_end            = January 3, 2011
| predecessor         = [[Sharon Davis]]
| successor           = [[Anne Gust Brown]]
| birth_name          = Maria Owings Shriver
| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|1955|11|6}}
| birth_place         = [[Chicago, Illinois]], U.S.
| nationality         = 
| party               = [[Independent politician|Independent]] (2011–present)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Marinucci |first1=Carla |title=California Republicans hit rock bottom |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2018/05/30/california-republicans-third-party-status-613568 |website=POLITICO |date=May 30, 2018 |quote=But Shriver, a descendent of the Kennedy family who announced her move to become an independent voter years ago... |access-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-date=November 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103213501/https://www.politico.com/story/2018/05/30/california-republicans-third-party-status-613568 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| otherparty          = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] (until 2011)
| spouse              = {{marriage|[[Arnold Schwarzenegger]]|1986|2021|end=divorced}}
| children            = 4, including [[Katherine Schwarzenegger|Katherine]] and [[Patrick Schwarzenegger]]
| father              = [[Sargent Shriver]]
| mother              = [[Eunice Kennedy Shriver|Eunice Kennedy]]
| relatives           = [[Shriver family]] <br> [[Kennedy family]] <br> [[Gustav Schwarzenegger]] (father-in-law) <br> [[Chris Pratt]] (son-in-law)
| residence           = [[Brentwood, Los Angeles|Brentwood, California]], U.S.
| education           = [[Georgetown University]] (BA)
| profession          = {{hlist|Journalist|author}}
| signature           = Maria Shriver signature 2003.png
}}
'''Maria Owings Shriver''' ({{IPAc-en|'|ʃ|r|aɪ|v|ər}} {{respell|SHRY|vər}}; born November 6, 1955)<ref>[https://www.smh.com.au/world/shriver-known-for-her-political-bloodlines-20031009-gdhjy5.html Shriver known for her political bloodlines] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163532/https://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/10/08/1065601914303.html |date=June 12, 2018 }} (October 9, 2003) ''[[Sydney Morning Herald]]''. Retrieved December 29, 2021.</ref>
is an American journalist, author, a member of the prominent [[Shriver family|Shriver]] and [[Kennedy family|Kennedy families]], former [[First Lady of California]], and the founder of the nonprofit organization The Women's Alzheimer's Movement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-04-03 |title=Yaffe tells Senate committee continued NIH funding is 'critical' for Alzheimer's research |url=https://psych.ucsf.edu/news/yaffe-tells-senate-committee-continued-nih-funding-critical-alzheimers-research |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=UCSF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thewomensalzheimersmovement.org/research-3/research-3-2/|title=About Us|website=The Women's Alzheimer's Movement|access-date=September 13, 2019|archive-date=May 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513220838/https://thewomensalzheimersmovement.org/research-3/research-3-2/|url-status=live}}</ref> She was married to former [[governor of California]] and actor [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]], from whom she filed for divorce in 2011; which was finalized in 2021.

Shriver began her journalism career at [[CBS]] station [[KYW-TV]] and briefly anchored the ''[[CBS Morning News]]'' before joining [[NBC News]] in 1986. After anchoring weekend editions of the ''[[Weekend Today|Today]]'' show and the ''[[NBC Nightly News]]'', she became a correspondent for ''[[Dateline NBC]]'', also covering politics. After leaving NBC News in 2004 to focus on her role as First Lady of California, she returned in 2013 as a special anchor. For her reporting at NBC, Shriver received a [[Peabody Award]] in 1998 and was co-anchor for NBC's Emmy-winning coverage of the [[1988 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna3949468 | title=Maria Shriver | website=[[NBC News]] | date=January 13, 2004 }}</ref>

As executive producer of ''The Alzheimer's Project'', Shriver earned two [[Emmy Awards]] and an [[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]] award for developing a "television show with a conscience."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2010/05/glee-cory-monteith-kevin-mchale-chris-colfer-mark-salling-maria-shriver-al-gore-television-academy-h.html |title=TV academy honors 'television with a conscience' |access-date=October 8, 2014 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=May 6, 2010 |archive-date=October 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024040733/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2010/05/glee-cory-monteith-kevin-mchale-chris-colfer-mark-salling-maria-shriver-al-gore-television-academy-h.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Early life==
Shriver was born in [[Chicago]], Illinois, on November 6, 1955, the second child of politician [[Sargent Shriver]] and activist [[Eunice Kennedy Shriver|Eunice Kennedy]]. She is a niece of the late U.S. president [[John F. Kennedy]], [[U.S. attorney general]] and [[U.S. senator]] [[Robert F. Kennedy]], U.S. senator [[Ted Kennedy]], and six other [[Kennedy family|siblings]]. A Roman Catholic,<ref>{{cite web |last=Winfrey |first=Oprah |url=https://www.oprah.com/spirit/oprah-interviews-maria-shriver/2 |title=Oprah Talks to Maria Shriver |work=[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]] |date=May 30, 2008 |access-date=December 29, 2021 |archive-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531070619/http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Oprah-Interviews-Maria-Shriver/2 |url-status=live }}</ref> she is of mostly [[Irish American|Irish]] and [[German American|German]] descent.

Shriver spent her middle school years living in [[Paris]]<ref>{{cite web |last=John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. |url=https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/the-kennedy-family/r-sargent-shriver |title=R. Sargent Shriver |work=R. Sargent Shriver [[John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum|JFK Library]] |access-date=May 3, 2021 }}</ref> save for a brief period when Shriver's family moved temporarily to [[Chicago]] in the summer of 1968 following [[Eunice Kennedy Shriver]]'s work with the [[Special Olympics]].<ref name="sargent">{{cite web |last=Sargent Shriver Peace Institute. |url=http://www.sargentshriver.org/article/us-ambassador-to-france |title=US Ambassador to France |work=Sargent Shriver Peace Institute – US Ambassador to France |access-date=May 3, 2021 }}</ref>

Shriver returned permanently from France to [[Bethesda, Maryland]], in 1970,<ref name="sargent"/> where she attended [[Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart]] high school and graduated in 1973,<ref>{{cite tweet | user=mariashriver |number=234776562074001410 |title=Shout out to Olympian @katieledecky who attends Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, MD. My alma mater!}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Alumnae Spotlights {{!}} Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart|url=https://www.stoneridgeschool.org/alumnae/alumnae-spotlights|access-date=June 5, 2021|website=www.stoneridgeschool.org}}</ref> later attending [[Manhattanville College]] in [[Purchase, New York]], for two years, then transferring into a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree in [[American studies]] at [[Georgetown University]] in Washington, D.C., graduating in June 1977.<ref>[http://www.shriverreport.com/awn/contributors.php About the Contributors] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504134055/http://www.shriverreport.com/awn/contributors.php |date=May 4, 2011 }} ''[[The Shriver Report]]''. Accessed May 23, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://explore.georgetown.edu/documents/?DocumentID=740&PageTemplateID=52 Well-known Georgetown Alumni] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613025811/http://explore.georgetown.edu/documents/?DocumentID=740&PageTemplateID=52 |date=June 13, 2011 }}. Accessed May 23, 2011.</ref>

Shriver is a fourth cousin of tennis player [[Pam Shriver]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-sep-04-la-sp-dwyre-us-open-20100905-story.html|title=ESPN's Pam Shriver talks as good a game as she played|last=Dwyre|first=Bill|date=September 4, 2010|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=July 6, 2019|issn=0458-3035|archive-date=July 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706210927/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-sep-04-la-sp-dwyre-us-open-20100905-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 

==Career==

===Media career and advocacy===
In her book ''[[Ten Things I Wish I'd Known Before I Went Out Into The Real World]]'' (2000), Shriver says that she became passionate about [[broadcast journalism]] after being sent to the back of the campaign plane with the [[press corps]] while volunteering for her father's [[1972 United States presidential election|1972 U.S. vice presidential race]], calling these orders "the best thing that ever happened to me". After her journalism career began with [[KYW-TV]] in [[Philadelphia]], Pennsylvania, she co-anchored ''[[The Early Show|The CBS Morning News]]'' with [[Forrest Sawyer]] from August 1985 until August 1986, co-anchored [[NBC News]]'s ''[[Weekend Today|Sunday Today]]'' from 1987 until 1990. Shriver also served as Saturday anchor 1989 & Sunday 1990 and contributing anchor 1996-1999 of ''[[NBC Nightly News]]''. She was a contributing anchor on ''[[Dateline NBC]]'' from 1992 until 2004. In August 2003, Shriver took an unpaid leave of absence from NBC News when her husband became a candidate in the [[California gubernatorial recall election, 2003|2003 California gubernatorial recall election]].

Following her husband's November 17, 2003, inauguration as the 38th Governor of California, she became the First Lady of California. She then returned to reporting, making two more appearances for ''Dateline NBC''.

On February 3, 2004, Shriver asked to be "relieved of [her] duties at NBC News," citing concerns the network had over the conflict of interest between her role as a journalist and her status as the First Lady of California and her increasing role as an advocate of her husband's administration.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://ew.com/article/2004/02/04/maria-shriver-leaves-nbc-news/ |title=Maria Shriver leaves NBC News
|publisher=Entertainment Weekly |date=February 4, 2004 |access-date=December 29, 2021 |author=Susman, Gary |archive-date=June 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627073801/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,587213,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

She appeared as herself in the film ''[[Last Action Hero]]'' (1993). She also played a minor role as herself in "Be Prepared", a 2006 episode of the television series ''[[That's So Raven]]'' promoting a "Preparedness Plan". On March 23, 2007, Shriver returned to television news as substitute host of panel-discussion talk show ''[[Larry King Live]]'' on CNN with musician [[Sheryl Crow]] and other guests.

Shriver announced that she would not return to the news media after the excessive media coverage of the death of [[Anna Nicole Smith]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2007-10-24-shriver-NBC_N.htm?csp=34 |title=Maria Shriver won't return to NBC News |date=October 24, 2007 |work=USA Today |access-date=April 28, 2008 |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=April 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080419020730/http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2007-10-24-shriver-NBC_N.htm?csp=34 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Adam |last=Tanner |date=May 16, 2007 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSN1546390720070516 |title=Shriver says Anna Nicole frenzy ended her TV return |work=[[Reuters]] |access-date=April 28, 2008 |archive-date=January 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080107185701/http://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSN1546390720070516 |url-status=live }}</ref> Shriver subsequently returned to the news media.<ref name="USA Today">{{cite news |title=Maria Shriver heading back to NBC as special anchor |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2013/04/30/maria-shriver-heading-back-to-nbc-as-special-anchor/2123191/ |work=USA Today |access-date=April 30, 2013 |date=April 30, 2013 |archive-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228022654/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2013/04/30/maria-shriver-heading-back-to-nbc-as-special-anchor/2123191/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Mediabistro">{{cite web |url=http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/maria-shriver-returns-to-today_b200471 |title=Maria Shriver Returns to 'Today' – TVNewser |publisher=Mediabistro.com |date=October 18, 2013 |access-date=August 19, 2014 |archive-date=October 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018190355/https://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/maria-shriver-returns-to-today_b200471 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Maria Shriver speaking about the California Alzheimer's Task Force.ogg|thumb|Shriver, in 2019, talking about the inaugural meeting of the California Alzheimer's Task Force, which she chairs.]]
In 2003, Shriver's father [[Sargent Shriver]] was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and she became an advocate and fundraiser for Alzheimer's patient care and [[biomedical research]].<ref name="AlzOrgProfile">{{cite web |title=Maria Shriver Highlights Alzheimer's Disease |url=http://alz.org/mariashriver/mariashriver.asp |publisher=[[Alzheimer's Association]] |access-date=September 15, 2022}}</ref> Shriver was the executive producer of ''The Alzheimer's Project'', a four-part documentary series that premiered on [[HBO]] in May 2009<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hbo.com/alzheimers/ |title=HBO Documentaries: The Alzheimer's Project |author=HBO |access-date=October 8, 2014 |archive-date=October 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012183320/http://www.hbo.com/alzheimers/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and later earned two [[Emmy Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emmys.com/articles/hbo-tops-2009-creative-arts-emmys-nbc-leads-nets |title=Tina Fey, Justin Timberlake Among Big Creative Arts Winners |publisher=Emmys.com |date=September 12, 2009 |access-date=March 23, 2011 |archive-date=May 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527065731/http://www.emmys.com/articles/hbo-tops-2009-creative-arts-emmys-nbc-leads-nets |url-status=live }}</ref> It was described by the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' as "ambitious, disturbing, emotionally fraught and carefully optimistic".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-may-08-et-alzheimers8-story.html |title=Grace and pain in 'Alzheimer's' |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=December 29, 2021|first=Mary |last=McNamara |date=May 8, 2009 |archive-date=October 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024042804/http://articles.latimes.com/2009/may/08/entertainment/et-alzheimers8 |url-status=live }}</ref> The series took a close look at cutting-edge research being done in the country's leading Alzheimer's laboratories. The documentary also examined the effects of this disease on patients and families. One of the Emmy Award-winning films, ''Grandpa, Do you Know Who I Am?'' is based on Shriver's best-selling children's book dealing with Alzheimer's.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103953870 |title=Maria Shriver Turns Spotlight On Alzheimer's |date=May 10, 2009 |work=NPR.org |access-date=October 8, 2014 |archive-date=October 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014023446/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103953870 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2016, Shriver published the coloring book ''Color Your Mind'', a coloring book for people with Alzheimer's.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/maria-shrivers-coloring-book-for-alzheimers-patients-and-their-families/2017/05/26/11e3c70a-3fc0-11e7-8c25-44d09ff5a4a8_story.html|title=Maria Shriver's coloring book for Alzheimer's patients and their families|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |archive-date=November 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130063701/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/maria-shrivers-coloring-book-for-alzheimers-patients-and-their-families/2017/05/26/11e3c70a-3fc0-11e7-8c25-44d09ff5a4a8_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Shriver has been a lifelong advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. She is a member of the International Board of [[Special Olympics]], the organization her mother founded in 1968.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/08/14/shriver.funeral/index.html |title=Special Olympics Torch Lights Eunice Kennedy Shriver's Funeral |access-date=October 8, 2014 |work=CNN |date=August 15, 2009 |archive-date=October 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013233129/http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/08/14/shriver.funeral/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> She is also on the advisory board of [[Best Buddies]], a one-to-one friendship and jobs program for people with intellectual disabilities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bestbuddies.org/in-the-news/257-sportsillustrated092109 |title=Shriver's legacy lives on through Best Buddies |access-date=October 8, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101026170148/http://www.bestbuddies.org/in-the-news/257-sportsillustrated092109 |archive-date=October 26, 2010 }}</ref> In addition, Shriver serves as Chair of the Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle, a bike ride that raises millions of dollars for programs supporting people with intellectual disabilities. As First Lady, Shriver has been instrumental in the hiring of individuals with intellectual disabilities in the capitol and in various state offices through her WE Include program.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.weinclude.ca.gov/ |title=We Include |publisher=State of California |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117061032/http://weinclude.ca.gov/ |archive-date=November 17, 2010}}</ref> In February 2008, Shriver launched an ice cream company called [[Lovin' Scoopful]] with her brother, [[Tim Shriver]]. Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from Lovin' Scoopful benefits the [[Special Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/using-ice-cream-for-good_b_556240 |title=Using Ice Cream for Good: How Lovin' Scoopful is Working for the Special Olympics |date=April 29, 2010 |work=HuffPost |access-date=December 29, 2021 |archive-date=October 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015193721/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-samson/using-ice-cream-for-good_b_556240.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2008, Shriver executive-produced ''American Idealist: The Story of Sargent Shriver''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/columnist/criticscorner/2008-01-20-critics-corner_N.htm?csp=34 |work=USA Today |title=Critic's Corner Monday |first=Robert |last=Bianco |date=January 21, 2008}}</ref> The documentary originally aired on PBS on January 21, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanidealistmovie.org/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080124063922/http://www.americanidealistmovie.org/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 24, 2008 |title=American Idealist |publisher=Americanidealistmovie.org |date=January 21, 2008 |access-date=March 23, 2011 }}</ref> The film chronicled the life, accomplishments and vision of her father, [[Sargent Shriver]]. Shriver also serves on the advisory board of the Sargent Shriver Peace Institute, which raises public awareness of her father's legacy as a peacebuilder and offers educational and training programs grounded in the principles of public service that motivate the many programs he created, including the [[Peace Corps]], [[Job Corps]], [[Head Start (program)|Head Start]], and [[Legal Services Corporation|Legal Services for the Poor]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.womensconference.org/maria-shriver |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091223085726/http://www.womensconference.org/maria-shriver/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 23, 2009 |title=California First Lady Maria Shriver |publisher=Womensconference.org |date=November 17, 2003 |access-date=March 23, 2011 }}</ref>

In 2018, she published ''I've Been Thinking...: Reflections Prayers and Meditations for a Meaningful Life'', which became an instant No. 1 ''New York Times'' bestseller.<ref>{{Cite book|isbn = 978-0525522607|title = I've Been Thinking ...: Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life|last1 = Shriver|first1 = Maria|year = 2018| publisher=Penguin }}</ref> Shriver released a companion journal, ''I've Been Thinking...The Journal: Reflections, Prayers and Inspirations for Your Meaningful Life'', in January 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.today.com/parents/hoda-jenna-shared-their-mother-s-day-wish-list-t152343|title=Hoda and Jenna revealed their Mother's Day wish lists — and we want everything|website=TODAY.com|date=May 7, 2019 |access-date=September 13, 2019|archive-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604022521/https://www.today.com/parents/hoda-jenna-shared-their-mother-s-day-wish-list-t152343|url-status=live}}</ref>

Shriver and her daughter, Christina Schwarzenegger, were co-executive producers of ''[[Take Your Pills]]'' (2018), an hour-long documentary on [[psychostimulant]] medications.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://schedule.sxsw.com/2018/films/122686|title=SXSW 2018 Schedule|website=sxsw.com|access-date=December 28, 2020|archive-date=March 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328103338/https://schedule.sxsw.com/2018/films/122686|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== The Shriver Report ====
In October 2009, Shriver launched "The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Changes Everything", a national study and comprehensive report conducted in partnership with the [[Center for American Progress]], USC's Annenberg Center on Communication, Leadership and Policy, and the [[Rockefeller Foundation]]. The Shriver Report revealed that American women, for the first time, make up half of the United States workforce and studied how that fact is impacting major institutions like family, business, government and faith organizations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33247001/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091017235153/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33247001/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 17, 2009 |title=Special report: Women today |publisher=MSNBC |access-date=March 23, 2011}}</ref> The report was released in 2013 in partnership with ''TIME''<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1930506,00.html |title=The American Woman |date=October 26, 2009 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |access-date=October 8, 2014 |first=Richard |last=Stengel |archive-date=August 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826135938/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1930506,00.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> and [[NBC News]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2009/04/womans_nation.html|title=A Woman's Nation – Center for American Progress|date=April 15, 2009|access-date=May 16, 2010|archive-date=October 14, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091014133247/http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2009/04/womans_nation.html|url-status=live}}</ref> According to ''The New York Times'', the report "was modeled on [[Presidential Commission on the Status of Women|a study undertaken almost 50 years ago]] during the administration of [[John F. Kennedy]], Shriver's uncle, and led by [[Eleanor Roosevelt]]."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/business/media/29nbc.html|title=NBC Plans a Week of Coverage on Evolving Role of Women|first=Bill|last=Carter|date=September 28, 2009|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=February 10, 2017|archive-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228232036/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/business/media/29nbc.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The report features, among other things, writings by public figures including [[Suze Orman]], [[Beyoncé]], [[Tammy Duckworth]], [[Billie Jean King]], [[Heidi Hartmann]], [[Susan J. Douglas]], [[Stephanie Coontz]], [[Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner]], [[John Podesta]], and [[Oprah Winfrey]].<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nY6-O9P532sC&q=shriver+report&pg=PT1 |title=The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Changes Everything |access-date=October 8, 2014 |isbn=9781439187630 |last1=Shriver |first1=Maria |date=October 20, 2009 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118154132/https://books.google.com/books?id=nY6-O9P532sC&q=shriver+report&pg=PT1 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2010 ''The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Takes on Alzheimer's'' was published.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PhNGy-9utp0C&q=woman%27s+nation+alzheimer%27s+launched&pg=PT99 |title=The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Takes On Alzheimer's |access-date=October 8, 2014 |isbn=9781451628999 |last1=Shriver |first1=Maria |date=October 19, 2010 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118154133/https://books.google.com/books?id=PhNGy-9utp0C&q=woman%27s+nation+alzheimer%27s+launched&pg=PT99 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is a study by Maria Shriver and the [[Alzheimer's Association]].<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PhNGy-9utp0C&q=shriver+report |title=The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Takes On Alzheimer's |access-date=October 8, 2014 |isbn=9781451628999 |last1=Shriver |first1=Maria |date=October 19, 2010 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118154114/https://books.google.com/books?id=PhNGy-9utp0C&q=shriver+report |url-status=live }}</ref> It features, among other things, writings by public figures including [[Barbra Streisand]], [[Laura Bush]], [[Patti Davis]], [[Soleil Moon Frye]], [[Rosalynn Carter]], [[Susan Collins]], [[Kathleen Sebelius]], [[Barbara Mikulski]], and [[Joe Biden]].<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PhNGy-9utp0C&q=shriver+alzheimer%27s |title=The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Takes On Alzheimer's |access-date=October 8, 2014 |isbn=9781451628999 |last1=Shriver |first1=Maria |date=October 19, 2010 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118154128/https://books.google.com/books?id=PhNGy-9utp0C&q=shriver+alzheimer%27s |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2014, ''The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Pushes Back from the Brink'' was published; it is about women and their children in poverty.<ref name="amazon.com">{{Cite book|title=The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Pushes Back from the Brink: Maria Shriver, Olivia Morgan, Karen Skelton|isbn=9781137279743|publisher=St. Martin's Griffin |date=March 11, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://shriverreport.org/a-special-message-from-maria-shriver-the-shriver-report-team/|title=A Special Message from Maria Shriver & the Shriver Report Team|date=July 31, 2014|access-date=October 3, 2014|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006154931/http://shriverreport.org/a-special-message-from-maria-shriver-the-shriver-report-team/|url-status=live}}</ref> It is by Maria Shriver, with editors Olivia Morgan, and Karen Skelton, and features, among other things, writings by public figures including [[Carol Gilligan]], [[Beyoncé]], [[Joan Chittister]], [[Ai-Jen Poo]], [[Eva Longoria]], [[Stephanie Coontz]], [[Jennifer Garner]], [[Kathleen Sebelius]], [[Jada Pinkett Smith]], [[Anne-Marie Slaughter]], [[Tory Burch]], [[Sheryl Sandberg]], [[Kirsten Gillibrand]], [[Barbara Ehrenreich]], [[LeBron James]], and [[Hillary Clinton]].<ref name="amazon.com" /><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3ooXngEACAAJ&q=shriver+report+brink |title=The Shriver Report |access-date=October 8, 2014 |isbn=9781137279743 |last1=Shriver |first1=Maria |last2=Progress |first2=Center for American |date=March 11, 2014 |publisher=Macmillan |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118154114/https://books.google.com/books?id=3ooXngEACAAJ&q=shriver+report+brink |url-status=live }}</ref>

===First Lady of California===
After Arnold took office, Shriver took on several key initiatives as First Lady, which included raising awareness of the contributions of women to the state, working on practical solutions to end [[Cycle of poverty|cycles of poverty]], and encouraging all Californians to engage in acts of service to their communities. Once Schwarzenegger was elected, Shriver had to cut back on her news reporting to avoid conflicts of interest.<ref name="parade">{{cite news|title=In Step With: Maria Shriver |publisher=Parade Magazine |date=April 10, 2005 |url=http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2005/edition_04-10-2005/in_step_with_1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090605162809/http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2005/edition_04-10-2005/in_step_with_1 |archive-date=June 5, 2009  }}</ref>
[[File:Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver-mod.jpg|thumb|right|Shriver with her husband [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] at the 2007 [[Special Olympics]] in Shanghai, China]]
Shriver began leading the [[California Governor & First Lady's Conference on Women]] when Schwarzenegger took office in 2003. Under her leadership, The Women's Conference event grew into the nation's premier forum for women and, in 2010, attracted more than 30,000 attendees and 150 world opinion leaders over three full days. Each year, the event is held at the [[Long Beach Convention Center]] in October.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.presstelegram.com/breakingnews/ci_13661549 |title=Women's Conference's future in Long Beach uncertain after 2010 |access-date=October 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613195911/http://www.presstelegram.com/breakingnews/ci_13661549 |archive-date=June 13, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Luminaries have spoken at the conference including [[Oprah Winfrey]], Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court [[Sandra Day O'Connor]], U.S. Secretaries of State [[Condoleezza Rice]] and [[Madeleine Albright]], [[Barbara Walters]], [[Warren Buffett]], Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, former British Prime Minister [[Tony Blair]], [[Richard Branson]], [[Bono]], [[Billie Jean King]], [[Gloria Steinem]], and the [[Dalai Lama]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2008/07/maria-shriver-announces-her-womens-conference-lineup.html |title=Maria Shriver Announces Her Women's Conference Lineup |magazine=Vanity Fair |date=July 14, 2008 |access-date=October 8, 2014 |archive-date=June 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614141914/http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2008/07/maria-shriver-announces-her-womens-conference-lineup.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wowowow.com/post/maria-shriver-announces-star-studded-womens-conference-64914 |title=Maria Shriver Announces Star-Studded Women's Conference |date=July 14, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091103173509/http://www.wowowow.com/post/maria-shriver-announces-star-studded-womens-conference-64914 |archive-date=November 3, 2009}}</ref>

In 2004, Shriver created The Minerva Awards to honor and reward "remarkable California women" who have changed their communities, their state, their country and the world with their courage, wisdom and strength.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_13656556 |title='Remarkable California women' honored with Minerva Awards |access-date=October 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100615024856/http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_13656556 |archive-date=June 15, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Minerva Awards are named after [[Minerva]], the [[Roman goddess]] who adorns the [[Great Seal of California|California State Seal]] and "who symbolizes the dual nature of women as warriors and peacemakers".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_10792605 |title=Betty Chinn accepts Minerva Award, wins over crowd |work=times-standard.com |access-date=October 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014155218/http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_10792605 |archive-date=October 14, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Minerva Awards are presented annually at [[The Women's Conference]] in [[Long Beach, California|Long Beach]] during a special ceremony. Recipients of the award also receive a grant to continue their work.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_14997778 |title='A tsunami of hope': Maria Shriver cuts ribbon on Eureka's first public shower facility |work=times-standard.com |access-date=October 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014155122/http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_14997778 |archive-date=October 14, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Past Minerva Awards recipients include former first lady [[Betty Ford]], [[Nancy Pelosi]], [[Gloria Steinem]], [[Billie Jean King]], [[astronaut]] [[Sally Ride]] and the late [[Eunice Kennedy Shriver]], Shriver's mother. The achievements of The Minerva Award winners are chronicled in a permanent exhibit at [[The California Museum for History, Women and the Arts]] in [[Sacramento]] and have become part of California's official state archive.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.californiamuseum.org/exhibits/minerva-awards |title=Minerva Award Exhibit |publisher=California Museum |access-date=March 23, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212220632/http://californiamuseum.org/exhibits/minerva-awards |archive-date=December 12, 2010 }}</ref>

In 2004, Shriver was in attendance at both [[2004 Democratic National Convention|the Democratic National Convention]] and [[2004 Republican National Convention|the Republican National Convention]], attending the first to watch her uncle Ted Kennedy speak, and the latter to watch her husband speak.<ref>{{cite web |title=Maria Shriver to Attend Democratic Convention |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jul-16-me-shriver16-story.html |website=Los Angeles Times |agency= Associated Press |access-date=March 3, 2021 |date=July 16, 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=California First Lady Gets a GOP Cameo |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-aug-30-na-maria30-story.html |website=Los Angeles Times |agency= Associated Press |access-date=March 3, 2021 |date=August 30, 2004}}</ref>

In 2005, Shriver launched her WE Connect Program, which connects working families in need with money-saving programs and support services. WE Connect brings together community organizations and businesses, government agencies and state leaders, congregations and schools as partners in responding to the needs of the millions of individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet. Through a partnership with ''[[La Opinión]]'', the nation's largest Spanish-language newspaper, WE Connect has developed three editions of a 24-page, full-color, bilingual supplement that has been circulated to over 20 million Californians in need. In December 2009, Shriver, in partnership with The Women's Conference, created the WE Connect–Million Meals Initiative.<ref>[http://www.ebcf.org/press-room/217-one-million-meals-for-families-in-need One Million Meals for Families in Need] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100514104431/http://www.ebcf.org/press-room/217-one-million-meals-for-families-in-need |date=May 14, 2010 }}</ref> Through this initiative, The Women's Conference made a donation to The California Association of Food Banks to provide more than one million meals to California families in need.<ref>{{cite web |author=Thadeus Greenson |url=http://www.times-standard.com/ci_13975658 |title=California first family hosts Betty Chinn, encourages outreach |publisher=Times-Standard Online |access-date=March 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100506001817/http://www.times-standard.com/ci_13975658 |archive-date=May 6, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The donation was allocated to the food bank's 44 member organizations who then distributed the food to California families through its more than 5,000 community-based organizations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abc7news.com/archive/7164016/ |title=Gov. visits Bay Area in effort to feed the hungry |work=ABC7 San Francisco |access-date=December 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311150009/http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news%2Flocal%2Feast_bay&id=7164016 |archive-date=March 11, 2014 }}</ref> In March 2010, Shriver held a three-day Community Resources Fair in Fresno and Los Angeles through WE Connect. The fairs provided vital programs and free support services such as tax preparation, housing and home foreclosure assistance, job assistance, flu shots, healthy food distribution and more.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kmph-kfre.com/Global/story.asp?S=12179884 |title=Maria Shriver At "We Connect Weekend" In Fresno |date=March 21, 2010 |access-date=October 8, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014150243/http://www.kmph-kfre.com/Global/story.asp?S=12179884 |archive-date=October 14, 2014 }}</ref> Event organizers estimated that over 40,000 individuals took advantage of free services during the course of the two weekends, and hundreds of thousands pounds of food were distributed.<ref>[http://www.knx1070.com/pages/6669173.php? Maria Shriver Talks About 'We Connect Weekend'] {{dead link|date=September 2011}}</ref>

As First Lady, Shriver worked to promote service and volunteerism. As Honorary Chair of [[CaliforniaVolunteers]], Shriver conceived of and launched the largest statewide volunteer matching network at CaliforniaVolunteers.org. Shriver was instrumental in inspiring Governor Schwarzenegger to establish the nation's first state cabinet-level Department of Service and Volunteering.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/26/us/26calif.html|title=California Creates Cabinet Post to Manage Volunteers|first=Jennifer|last=Steinhauer|date=February 26, 2008|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=February 10, 2017|archive-date=January 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103003827/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/26/us/26calif.html|url-status=live}}</ref> She also pioneered and promoted a statewide disaster preparedness program called WE Prepare that encourages and educates Californians to be ready for an emergency or natural disaster. In addition, Shriver established WE Build and WE Garden, a children's playground and community garden-building initiative. "Try growing Tomatoes, I' beans don't grow," she exclaimed.  Through CaliforniaVolunteers, Shriver has built 31 playgrounds with gardens in lower-income communities around the state in partnership with [[KaBOOM! (non-profit organization)|KaBOOM!]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2009/06/68367527/1Michelle#.Ycy1BGjMLIV|title=Obama and Maria Shriver: Making space for play – for all generations |work=USA Today |access-date=December 29, 2021 |date=June 22, 2009 |archive-date=October 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008030206/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2009/06/68367527/1Michelle |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2008, Shriver launched her WE Invest Program, which provides training, mentoring, support networks, microloans and other resources to help women launch or grow their businesses. In June 2009, she expanded WE Invest nationally through a partnership with [[Kiva (organization)|Kiva]], creating the first-ever online peer-to-peer microlending program in the U.S.<ref name="usatoday.com">{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/columnist/abrams/2009-06-12-microlending-maria-shriver_N.htm |title=Strategies: Shriver's big on small loans, for good reason |access-date=October 8, 2014 |work=USA Today |first=Rhonda |last=Abrams |date=June 12, 2009 |archive-date=November 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125063559/http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/columnist/abrams/2009-06-12-microlending-maria-shriver_N.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Shriver is credited with coming up with the idea to bring Kiva's international [[micro-lending]] model to the United States.<ref name="usatoday.com" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/06/10/kiva-brings-microlending-home-to-us-entrepreneurs-in-need/ |title=Kiva Brings Microlending Home To U.S. Entrepreneurs In Need |date=June 10, 2009 |work=TechCrunch |access-date=October 8, 2014 |archive-date=October 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004092440/http://techcrunch.com/2009/06/10/kiva-brings-microlending-home-to-us-entrepreneurs-in-need/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Shriver is co-chair of The California Museum for History, Women and the Arts<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.californiamuseum.org/ |title=Home Page &#124; California Museum |access-date=October 8, 2014 |archive-date=October 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009010253/http://www.californiamuseum.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and she has been credited with revitalizing the state museum during her tenure. Shriver created the [[California Hall of Fame]] in 2006<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.californiamuseum.org/exhibits/halloffame/history |title=History |publisher=California Museum |access-date=March 23, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212213234/http://californiamuseum.org/exhibits/halloffame/history |archive-date=December 12, 2010 }}</ref> at the Museum to honor legendary Californians such as [[Cesar Chavez]], [[Clint Eastwood]], [[Walt Disney]], [[Amelia Earhart]], [[Ronald Reagan]], [[John Steinbeck]], [[Rita Moreno]], [[Earl Warren]], [[Julia Morgan]], [[Leland Stanford]], [[Dorothea Lange]] and others.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-nov-26-la-me-cap26-2009nov26-story.html |work=The Los Angeles Times |title=California Hall of Fame inductees range from excellent to just OK |first=George |last=Skelton |date=November 26, 2009 |access-date=December 29, 2021 |archive-date=January 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103015946/http://articles.latimes.com/2009/nov/26/local/la-me-cap26-2009nov26 |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2008, Shriver launched the California Legacy Trails, a first-of-its-kind web-based multimedia learning tool designed to help students learn California history.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/pressroom/pressreleases/200811/111708CaliforniaMuseum.html | title=California Museum and Maria Shriver Unveil 'A Museum without Walls' | publisher=Adobe | date=November 17, 2008 | access-date=July 23, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120803130810/http://www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/pressroom/pressreleases/200811/111708CaliforniaMuseum.html | archive-date=August 3, 2012 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/videos/maria-shriver-touts-new-online-learning-tool/ |title=Maria Shriver Touts New Online Learning Tool |work=CNET |access-date=December 29, 2021 |archive-date=October 6, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006045023/http://cnettv.cnet.com/maria-shriver-touts-new-online-learning-tool/9742-1_53-50004507.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On February 3, 2008, Shriver endorsed Senator [[Barack Obama]] for the [[2008 Democratic party presidential primaries|2008 Democratic presidential nomination]]. The endorsement was given at a [[University of California, Los Angeles|UCLA]] rally featuring [[Caroline Kennedy]] (Shriver's cousin), [[Oprah Winfrey]], [[Stevie Wonder]], and Obama's wife [[Michelle Obama]].<ref name="thecaucus.blogs.nytimes">{{cite web|url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/03/maria-shriver-backs-obama/|title=Maria Shriver Backs Obama|first=Adam|last=Nagourney|date=February 3, 2008|access-date=February 3, 2008|archive-date=February 5, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080205192601/http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/03/maria-shriver-backs-obama/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/samgrahamfelsen/CPcT |title=Breaking: California First Lady Maria Shriver Endorses Barack Obama |work=Organizing for Action |access-date=October 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814020119/https://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/samgrahamfelsen/CPcT |archive-date=August 14, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Governor Schwarzenegger had endorsed Senator [[John McCain]] for the [[2008 Republican Presidential Primaries|Republican presidential nomination]] a few days earlier on January 31, 2008.<ref name="thecaucus.blogs.nytimes" /> Later that year, as in 2004, Shriver was in attendance at [[2008 Democratic National Convention|the Democratic National Convention]] when her uncle Ted Kennedy spoke.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Haberman |first1=Maggie |title=TED GETS PARTY STARTED |url=https://nypost.com/2008/08/26/ted-gets-party-started/ |website=New York Post |access-date=March 3, 2021 |date=August 26, 2008}}</ref>

In May 2009, Shriver planted the first edible garden at a state capitol in what once was a flower bed. She teamed up with [[Alice Waters]] on the project.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/nov05election/detail?blogid=14&entry_id=40501 |title=Capitol edible garden arrives with star power |date=May 21, 2009 |work=Politics Blog |access-date=October 8, 2014 |first=Wyatt |last=Buchanan |archive-date=May 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528035500/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/nov05election/detail?blogid=14&entry_id=40501 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The food grown in the organic garden is distributed to local food banks.<ref>[http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/7952 Shriver Gets Her Hands Dirty] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722080309/http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/7952 |date=July 22, 2011 }}</ref> Shriver has been an advocate for edible gardens and chairs the California School Garden Network that has doubled the number of gardens in state schools from 3,000 to 6,000 since 2004.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-mar-27-me-garden27-story.html |title=Maria Shriver says edible garden will be planted in Capitol Park flower bed |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=December 29, 2021 |first=Mary |last=MacVean |date=March 27, 2009 |archive-date=October 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024042843/http://articles.latimes.com/2009/mar/27/local/me-garden27 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Return to NBC News===
On April 30, 2013, NBC announced that Shriver would join the network again as a special [[News presenter|anchor]] working on issues surrounding the shifting roles of women in American life.<ref name="USA Today"/>

On October 18, 2013, Shriver returned to the anchor desk on ''[[Today (U.S. TV program)|Today]]'', filling-in for [[Savannah Guthrie]] for the first time since 1998 as co-anchor with [[Matt Lauer]].<ref name="Mediabistro"/>

==Career timeline==
* 1978–1985: [[KYW-TV]] anchor
* 1985–1986: ''[[The CBS Morning News]]'' co-anchor
* 1986–2004: [[NBC News]]
** 1987–1990: ''[[Weekend Today|Sunday Today]]'' co-anchor
** 1989 ''[[NBC Nightly News]]'' Saturday anchor–1990: Sunday anchor
** 1992–2004: ''[[Dateline NBC]]'' contributing anchor & correspondent
* 2003–2011: [[First Lady of California]]
* 2013–present: [[NBC News]]
** 2013–2021: Special Anchor
** 2013–2015: Dateline NBC correspondent
** 2013–2021: ''[[Today (American TV program)|Today]]'' substitute co-anchor
** 2019–2021: [[Today with Hoda and Jenna|Hoda & Jenna]] substitute co-anchor

==Personal life==
[[File:MariaShriverApr2013.jpg|thumb|upright|Shriver in April 2013]]
[[File:DIG135625-018.jpg|thumb|(L-R) [[Lynda Johnson Robb]], Shriver, and [[Luci Baines Johnson]] at the Civil Rights Exhibit at the LBJ Presidential Library in 2014]]
In 1977, [[Tom Brokaw]] introduced Maria to [[Austrians|Austrian]] bodybuilder and actor [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] at a charity tennis tournament being held at her mother's home. She married Schwarzenegger on April 26, 1986, in [[Hyannis, Massachusetts]], at St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/04/27/style/maria-owings-shriver-wed-to-arnold-schwarzenegger.html|title=Maria Owings Shriver Wed To Arnold Schwarzenegger|date=April 27, 1986|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=January 29, 2018|archive-date=May 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528091553/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A0DE3DF103DF934A15757C0A960948260|url-status=live}}</ref> They have four children; two boys and two girls, including [[Katherine Schwarzenegger|Katherine]] and [[Patrick Schwarzenegger|Patrick]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/07/24/style/chronicle-482791.html |title=Chronicle |work=The New York Times |date=July 24, 1991 |access-date=December 29, 2021 |first=Eric |last=Pace |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118154155/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/07/24/style/chronicle-482791.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/09/21/style/chronicle-924193.html |title=Chronicle |work=The New York Times |date=September 21, 1993 |access-date=December 29, 2021 |first=Nadine |last=Brozan |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118154133/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/09/21/style/chronicle-924193.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/30/nyregion/chronicle-367451.html |title=Chronicle |work=The New York Times |date=September 30, 1997 |access-date=December 29, 2021 |first=Nadine |last=Brozan |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118154133/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/30/nyregion/chronicle-367451.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On May 9, 2011, Schwarzenegger and Shriver announced their separation after 25 years of marriage, and Shriver moved out of the couple's [[Brentwood, Los Angeles|Brentwood]] mansion.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-mew-arnold-maria-separate-20010510,0,2542211.story?track=rss |title=Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver announce separation |work=Los Angeles Times |date=May 9, 2011 |author=Mark Z. Barabak |access-date=February 20, 2020 |archive-date=May 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513224218/http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-mew-arnold-maria-separate-20010510,0,2542211.story?track=rss |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/arnold-schwarzenegger-and-wife-of-25-years-maria-shriver-say-theyre-separating/2011/05/10/AF16qwdG_story.html |title=Arnold Schwarzenegger and wife of 25 years, Maria Shriver, say they're separating |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=May 10, 2011 |agency=Associated Press |first=Carolyn |last=Hax |access-date=September 4, 2017 |archive-date=July 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715143420/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/arnold-schwarzenegger-and-wife-of-25-years-maria-shriver-say-theyre-separating/2011/05/10/AF16qwdG_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-schwarzenegger-idUSTRE7490PP20110510 |title=Arnold Schwarzenegger, wife Maria Shriver separate |work=Reuters |date=May 10, 2011 |author=Dan Whitcomb |access-date=July 1, 2017 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924152934/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/10/us-schwarzenegger-idUSTRE7490PP20110510 |url-status=live }}</ref> In a message for her Twitter followers posted on May 13, 2011, Shriver said: "Thank you all for the kindness, support and compassion. I am humbled by the love. Thank you."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0517-arnold-20110517,0,1994592.story |title=Schwarzenegger fathered a child with longtime member of household staff May 17, 2011 |date=May 17, 2011 |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=October 8, 2014 |first1=Mark Z. |last1=Barabak |first2=Victoria |last2=Kim |archive-date=February 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214031924/http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0517-arnold-20110517,0,1994592.story |url-status=live }}</ref>

On May 17, 2011, Schwarzenegger publicly admitted to fathering [[Joseph Baena]] with longtime household staff member Mildred "Patty" Baena. Baena became pregnant in 1997, before his election as [[Governor of California]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/arnold-schwarzenegger-fat_n_862866 |title=Arnold Schwarzenegger Fathered A Child With Member Of Household Staff |work=Huffington Post |location=USA |date=May 17, 2011 |first=Ashley |last=Reich |access-date=December 29, 2021 |archive-date=March 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310094054/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/17/arnold-schwarzenegger-fathered_n_862867.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He confessed to Shriver only after she confronted him with the information, and after Shriver had confirmed her long-held suspicions in a conversation with Patty Baena.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/people/how-maria-found-out-arnies-wife-reportedly-confronted-lover-about-child-20110520-1evji.html?from=smh_sb |title=How Maria found out: Arnie's wife reportedly confronted lover about child |work=Sydney Morning Herald |date=May 20, 2011 |access-date=February 20, 2020 |archive-date=August 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819012529/http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/people/how-maria-found-out-arnies-wife-reportedly-confronted-lover-about-child-20110520-1evji.html?from=smh_sb |url-status=live }}</ref> Shriver described Schwarzenegger's admission as "painful and heartbreaking". She declined to speak further on the issue, saying: "As a mother, my concern is for the children. I ask for compassion, respect and privacy as my children and I try to rebuild our lives and heal."<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/maria-shriver-speaks-is-a-189081 | title=Maria Shriver Speaks Out: 'This Is a Painful and Heartbreaking Time' | work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] | date=May 17, 2011 | first=Lindsay | last=Powers | access-date=February 20, 2020 | archive-date=February 20, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220015033/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/maria-shriver-speaks-is-a-189081 | url-status=live }}</ref> Shriver filed for divorce on July 1, 2011, citing "irreconcilable differences".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Medina |first1=Jennifer |title=Shriver Files for Divorce From Schwarzenegger |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/02/us/02divorce.html |website=The New York Times |date=July 1, 2011 |access-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-date=October 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005173929/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/02/us/02divorce.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to various legal disputes, the divorce was not finalized until December 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Serjeant |first1=Jill |title=Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver are finally divorced |url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/arnold-schwarzenegger-maria-shriver-are-finally-divorced-2021-12-29/ |website=Reuters |access-date=December 29, 2021 |date=December 29, 2021}}</ref>

In an interview with the [[Commonwealth Club of California]] in 2018, Shriver revealed that she had changed her registration from [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] to [[Independent voter|independent]], stating that there are good people and bad people in both parties.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/3lOpBFmdxqk Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20180322230415/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lOpBFmdxqk Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lOpBFmdxqk|title=Maria Shriver: Best and Worst of Being First Lady of California (Clip 1)|date=March 14, 2018|type=video|publisher=Commonwealth Club of California|time=01:09}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==Honors==
As executive producer of ''The Alzheimer's Project'', Shriver earned two Emmy Awards and an Academy of Television Arts & Sciences award for developing a "television show with a conscience".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/shriver-gore-honored-tv-academy-wbna36997744|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100509082437/http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/36997744/ns/today-entertainment/ |url-status=live |archive-date=May 9, 2010 |title=Shriver, Gore honored by TV academy |work=TODAY.com |date=May 6, 2010 |access-date=June 6, 2020}}</ref> She has additionally won [[Peabody Awards]] for her television journalism.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna3949468 |title=Maria Shriver – Dateline NBC |publisher=NBC News |date=January 13, 2004 |access-date=March 23, 2011 |archive-date=March 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324234640/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/3949468/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2009, Shriver was honored with the Shinnyo-en Foundation's 2009 Pathfinders to Peace Award, which is bestowed annually to a person who exemplifies the ideals of compassion, harmony, and peace.<ref>[http://cio.chance.berkeley.edu/chancellor/Birgeneau/remarks/6-23-09-Pathfinders_to_Peace.htm Shinnyo-en Foundation names UC Berkeley chancellor and Maria Shriver its 2009 'Pathfinders to Peace'] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609071220/http://cio.chance.berkeley.edu/chancellor/Birgeneau/remarks/6-23-09-Pathfinders_to_Peace.htm |date=June 9, 2010 }}</ref> At the presentation ceremony honoring Shriver, the foundation's chief executive said, "Maria Shriver sees the best in other people – their innate goodness – and inspires them to become their own 'Architects of Change'. In a world that glorifies ambition at any cost, Maria instead teaches character. She is a woman of quiet strength who role-models kindness and charity, and has used her celebrity to help create peace in the world."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKeu8Jmj2cw |title=Maria Shriver receiving Shinnyo-en Foundation's Award at 2009 NCVS |website=[[YouTube]] |access-date=October 8, 2014 |archive-date=July 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709054112/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKeu8Jmj2cw |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Saint John's Health Center]] has a nursery named after Shriver.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://california.providence.org/saint-johns/services/obstetrics/nursery/ |title=The Maria Shriver Nursery |publisher=Saint John's Health Center |access-date=July 23, 2012 |archive-date=November 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141124194648/http://california.providence.org/saint-johns/services/obstetrics/nursery/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

A [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]] rose was named after Shriver in October 2004. The Maria Shriver rose contains starchy-white blooms and a powerful citrus fragrance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20041017/news_1hs17maria.html |title=Rose named in honor of Maria Shriver |access-date=October 8, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118230110/http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20041017/news_1hs17maria.html |archive-date=November 18, 2011  }}</ref>

In 2017, the [[Alzheimer's Association]] awarded Shriver with its first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.alz.org/forum/highlight-tuesday-pm.asp|title=Forum Highlight {{!}} Forum 2017 {{!}} Alzheimer's Association|date=March 18, 2016|website=Alzheimer's Association {{!}} Advocacy Forum 2017f|access-date=September 13, 2019|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803192730/https://www.alz.org/forum/highlight-tuesday-pm.asp|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Books==
* {{cite book |author=Maria Shriver |author2=Sandra Speidel |title=What's Heaven? |date= February 1999 |publisher=[[Golden Books]] Adult Publishing |isbn=978-0-312-38241-4}}
* {{cite book |author=Maria Shriver |title=Ten Things I Wish I'd Known Before I Went Out Into The Real World |date=April 4, 2000 |publisher=[[Hachette Book Group USA#Grand Central Publishing|Grand Central Publishing]] |isbn=978-0-446-52612-8}}
* {{cite book |author=Maria Shriver |author2=Sandra Speidel |title=What's Wrong With Timmy? |date=October 16, 2001 |publisher=Little, Brown and Company |isbn=978-0-316-23337-8 |url=https://archive.org/details/whatswrongwithti00shri }}
* {{cite book |author=Maria Shriver |author2=Sandra Speidel |title=What's Happening to Grandpa? |date=April 28, 2004 |publisher=Little, Brown and Company |isbn=978-0-316-00101-4 |url=https://archive.org/details/whatshappeningto00shri }}
* {{cite book |author=Maria Shriver |title=And One More Thing Before You Go... |date=April 5, 2005 |publisher=[[Free Press (publisher)|The Free Press]] |isbn=978-0-7432-8101-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/andonemorethingb00shri }}
* {{cite book |author=Maria Shriver |title=Just Who Will You Be? |date=April 15, 2008 |publisher=[[Hachette Books]] |isbn=978-1-4013-9550-6  |url=https://archive.org/details/justwhowillyoube00shri }}
* {{cite book |author=Maria Shriver |title=I've Been Thinking...: Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life |date=February 27, 2018 |publisher=[[Penguin Group|Penguin Publishing Group]] |isbn=9780525559917}}
* Maria Shriver (April 1, 2025). ''I Am Maria: My Reflections and Poems on Heartbreak, Healing, and Finding Your Way Home.'' Penguin Publishing Group. {{ISBN|978-0-593-65339-5}}.

==See also==
* [[Shriver family]]
* [[Kennedy family]]
{{Portal|Biography|Journalism|Children's literature|California|United States}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Maria Shriver}}
* {{Official website|http://www.mariashriver.com/}}
* [http://awomansnation.org/ A Woman's Nation]
* [http://shriverreport.org/ The Shriver Report]
* {{IMDb name|5425}}
* {{C-SPAN|23446}}

{{S-start}}
{{s-hon}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Sharon Davis]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[First Lady of California]] | years=2003–2011}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Anne Gust Brown]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{Kennedy family|state=collapsed}}
{{NBC News Personalities}}
{{Arnold Schwarzenegger}}
{{Spouses of California Governors}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Shriver, Maria}}
[[Category:1955 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:20th-century American non-fiction writers]]
[[Category:20th-century American women journalists]]
[[Category:20th-century American women writers]]
[[Category:20th-century Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:21st-century American non-fiction writers]]
[[Category:21st-century American women writers]]
[[Category:21st-century Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:Activists from California]]
[[Category:Activists from Illinois]]
[[Category:Alzheimer's disease activists]]
[[Category:American disability rights activists]]
[[Category:American health activists]]
[[Category:American feminists]]
[[Category:American people of German descent]]
[[Category:American people of Irish descent]]
[[Category:American Roman Catholic writers]]
[[Category:American self-help writers]]
[[Category:American television news anchors]]
[[Category:American television reporters and correspondents]]
[[Category:American women children's writers]]
[[Category:American women founders]]
[[Category:American women non-fiction writers]]
[[Category:American women television journalists]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:California Democrats]]
[[Category:Catholic feminists]]
[[Category:Catholics from California]]
[[Category:Catholics from Illinois]]
[[Category:Catholics from Maryland]]
[[Category:CBS News people]]
[[Category:First ladies and gentlemen of California]]
[[Category:Georgetown University College of Arts & Sciences alumni]]
[[Category:Illinois Democrats]]
[[Category:Journalists from Illinois]]
[[Category:Kennedy family]]
[[Category:Manhattanville University alumni]]
[[Category:NBC News people]]
[[Category:News & Documentary Emmy Award winners]]
[[Category:Peabody Award winners]]
[[Category:People from Brentwood, Los Angeles]]
[[Category:People from Potomac, Maryland]]
[[Category:Schools of the Sacred Heart alumni]]
[[Category:Schwarzenegger family]]
[[Category:Shriver family]]
[[Category:Westland Middle School alumni]]
[[Category:Writers from Bethesda, Maryland]]
[[Category:Writers from Chicago]]
[[Category:Writers from Los Angeles]]