Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ex Maria Shriver seen with rumored love interest a decade after they were first linked

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This week, Maria Shiver was spotted with her long-time friend and alleged romantic partner, Matthew Dowd, by her side – a reunion that marks twelve years since their initial romantic speculations.

In a laid-back manner, the 69-year-old former journalist and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ex-wife was spotted walking alongside the 64-year-old political advisor and commentator, in Los Angeles.

In June, Shriver stated that she’d been unattached throughout her 60s. As they strolled together, she appeared quite companionable with ex-ABC News analyst Dowd, both attired casually in a white top and leggings.

Dowd functioned as a prominent political advisor for George W. Bush during his elections in 2000 and 2004, being a key member of his team. However, their relationship ended publicly in 2006 due to disagreements over the Iraq war.

He additionally worked for Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was previously married to California’s Governor Maria Shriver. He joined the re-election campaign team of the Terminator actor in his governorship.

For approximately two and a half decades, Shriver, who is the niece of Robert F. Kennedy and President John F. Kennedy, was married to Schwarzenegger. However, in 2011, it became public knowledge that he had been unfaithful during their marriage, having an affair with his maid which resulted in the birth of a child named Joseph Baena.

She and Schwarzenegger have four children together. 

Dowd had been married and divorced twice. His second marriage ended tragically when one of his twin newborn daughters passed away in the hospital, as reported in a 2007 article in the Los Angeles Times.

He has two grown sons with his first wife and a daughter Josephine with his second wife.

For over a decade, there hasn’t been any public confirmation from Shriver about starting a new relationship with Dowd.

They attended her cousin Bobby Kennedy Jr.’s wedding together in August 2014.

During June, she openly discussed her single life on Today with Jenna & Friends, expressing, “My 60s have been wonderful, and for the entirety of them, I’ve remained unmarried. As my 60s draw to a close, I’ve enjoyed being single. However, others found issue with my choice.

As an ardent admirer, I’d rephrase it like this: “Being blissfully unattached, I often find myself fielding questions such as, ‘Why aren’t you in a relationship yet?’ or ‘What seems to be the issue? Why aren’t you dating?’ Sometimes, I even get the curious query, ‘Aren’t you open to romance?’

People, too, seem to hope that you experience happiness, find love, and form a relationship with someone.

As a hopeless romantic at heart, I’m always eager to hear about extraordinary love stories. You bet! Life’s too short not to embrace it fully, and I’m on board for every adventure that comes my way. To tell you the truth, I just concocted this little spiel. But isn’t that what makes our shared passion all the more exciting?

‘I think if a great man comes along, that’s great, at any age, by the way.’

That same month she told the Jamie Kern Lima Show podcast that she was ‘open’ to a new romance.

She expressed that she often acts as a matchmaker and strongly values relationships and love. Currently, she finds herself pondering the possibility, yet uncertain, that her life is currently quite complete. She’s not actively seeking new connections, but remains open to any opportunities that might be divinely guided her way.

‘My kids have kidded around going, ‘We should make you a dating app [profile].

I’m doing great, thank you! After quite an effort, I’ve managed to become self-reliant, which feels incredibly rewarding. I’m blessed with a wonderful life that fills me with immense gratitude, and it’s overflowing with love.

The Daily Mail reached out to Maria Shriver’s representatives for a response, but as of now, there has been no reply.

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2025-08-12 23:03