| Full Name | Marta Maranda Fitzgerald |
| Date of Birth | December 10, 1960 |
| Age | 65 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Former Aerobics Instructor |
| Height | 160 cm (5’3″) |
| Famous For | Ex-Wife of Rush Limbaugh |
| Married | Rush Limbaugh (1994–2004) |
| Net Worth | $5 million (estimated) |
Who Is Marta Fitzgerald?
Marta Fitzgerald is an American former aerobics instructor who’s best known as the third wife of conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh. The couple married on May 27, 1994, and their divorce was finalized in 2004 after a decade together. While Rush Limbaugh was one of the most recognized voices in American media, Marta has largely stayed out of the public eye since their split.
Born Marta Maranda Fitzgerald on December 10, 1960, she’s now 65 years old. Despite being connected to one of the most high-profile figures in talk radio history, Marta has chosen a quiet, private life in the years following her divorce.
Early Life and Background
Marta Fitzgerald was born and raised in the United States. Details about her parents, siblings, and childhood remain largely undisclosed. What’s known is that she grew up with an interest in fitness and health, which eventually led her toward a career in the fitness industry. She’s associated with Jacksonville, Florida, where she lived during and after her marriage to Rush Limbaugh.
Her educational background hasn’t been publicly documented. Marta kept a low profile before meeting Limbaugh, and much of what’s known about her early years comes from reporting during their marriage and subsequent divorce proceedings.
Career as an Aerobics Instructor
Before she became a household name through her marriage, Marta Fitzgerald worked as an aerobics instructor. During the 1980s and 1990s, the aerobics industry was booming in the United States, and Marta was part of that wave. She taught classes and built a career around physical fitness and group exercise instruction.
Her work as an aerobics instructor is how she reportedly met Rush Limbaugh. At the time, Limbaugh’s radio career was already in full swing — The Rush Limbaugh Show had launched in 1988 and was rapidly becoming the most-listened-to talk radio program in the country. Their paths crossed through social circles, and the relationship grew from there.
After marrying Limbaugh, Marta stepped away from her professional career. She didn’t pursue public-facing work during the marriage and hasn’t returned to the fitness industry since.
Marriage to Rush Limbaugh
Marta Fitzgerald and Rush Limbaugh married on May 27, 1994. The ceremony was notable for one reason that made headlines: U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas officiated the wedding. It was a signal of Limbaugh’s deep connections within conservative political circles at the time.
Marta was Rush’s third wife. He’d previously been married to Roxy Maxine McNeely from 1977 to 1980, and to Michelle Sixta from 1983 to 1990. Both earlier marriages ended in divorce. After Marta, Rush married Kathryn Adams in 2010, and they remained together until his death in 2021.
When Marta married Rush, he was already at the peak of his influence. His radio show drew an audience of roughly 20 million weekly listeners, and he was a dominant force in American conservative media. Marta found herself at the center of that world — attending events, managing a high-profile household, and navigating life under public scrutiny.
Life During the Marriage
During their ten years together, Marta and Rush Limbaugh lived a comfortable and high-profile life. Rush’s annual earnings from his radio contract, book deals, and speaking engagements placed the couple among the wealthiest media families in the country.
Marta didn’t take on a public role during the marriage. Unlike some spouses of media personalities, she rarely appeared on-air or at political events. She was known more as a private figure who supported her husband’s career from behind the scenes. The couple didn’t have children together.
Their time together coincided with some of the most significant moments in Rush’s career, including his expansion into television, his bestselling books, and his growing influence on Republican politics throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Divorce from Rush Limbaugh
After ten years of marriage, Marta Fitzgerald and Rush Limbaugh divorced in 2004. The split was handled relatively quietly by celebrity standards, though it did attract media attention given Rush’s fame.
Marta reportedly received a substantial financial settlement as part of the divorce agreement. The exact terms weren’t publicly disclosed, but given Limbaugh’s estimated earnings of tens of millions per year at that point, the settlement was believed to be significant. This settlement is thought to form the foundation of Marta’s current net worth.
After the divorce, Marta retreated almost entirely from public life. She didn’t do interviews, didn’t write a tell-all book, and didn’t seek media attention. That decision to stay private has defined her post-divorce years more than anything else.
Rush Limbaugh’s Legacy
Rush Limbaugh passed away on February 17, 2021, at the age of 70, following a battle with lung cancer. He’d announced his diagnosis in February 2020 and continued broadcasting for much of that year before his health declined.
Limbaugh’s career spanned over three decades. The Rush Limbaugh Show ran from 1988 until shortly before his death in 2021, making it one of the longest-running and highest-rated radio programs in American history. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in February 2020.
Rush was married four times in total. His final wife, Kathryn Adams Limbaugh, was with him until the end. While Marta’s chapter with Rush lasted a decade, it represented a significant period in both of their lives — one that coincided with his rise to becoming the most influential voice in talk radio.
Marta Fitzgerald’s Net Worth
Marta Fitzgerald’s net worth is estimated at approximately $5 million. The bulk of her wealth is believed to come from the divorce settlement she received after her split from Rush Limbaugh in 2004.
At the time of the divorce, Rush was earning an estimated $30 to $40 million annually from his radio contract alone, not including book royalties, speaking fees, and other business ventures. Even a modest percentage of the marital assets would have resulted in a multi-million-dollar payout for Marta.
Since the divorce, there’s no public record of Marta returning to the workforce or launching any business ventures. She’s maintained a private lifestyle, and her financial situation appears stable based on available estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Marta Fitzgerald?
Marta Fitzgerald is an American former aerobics instructor who’s best known as the third wife of conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh. They were married from 1994 to 2004.
How old is Marta Fitzgerald?
Marta Fitzgerald was born on December 10, 1960. She’s currently 65 years old.
What is Marta Fitzgerald’s net worth?
Marta Fitzgerald’s estimated net worth is around $5 million, largely attributed to her divorce settlement from Rush Limbaugh in 2004.
Who officiated Marta Fitzgerald and Rush Limbaugh’s wedding?
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas officiated the wedding ceremony on May 27, 1994.
Where is Marta Fitzgerald now?
Marta Fitzgerald has lived a very private life since her 2004 divorce from Rush Limbaugh. She’s associated with Jacksonville, Florida, but doesn’t maintain a public presence or social media accounts.
