Marta Fitzgerald is best recognized as the third wife of the late conservative radio legend Rush Limbaugh, but there’s far more to her than that title. She is a certified fitness professional, former magazine publisher, journalist, and later transitioned into the world of real estate. Marta’s journey exemplifies the story of a woman who thrived in both her professional and personal lives, often away from the public spotlight.
From a small-town Florida upbringing to launching her own media publication, and from being at the side of one of the most polarizing figures in American media to finding her own identity after divorce—Marta Fitzgerald’s story is one of adaptability, courage, and quiet strength.
Early Life and Background
Childhood in Titusville, Florida
Born on December 10, 1960, in Titusville, a small town on Florida’s Space Coast, Marta Maranda Fitzgerald had a relatively private upbringing. Raised by her mother Esther Peluso, Marta was taught the importance of education, self-reliance, and health from a young age.
Titusville, known for its proximity to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, nurtured in her a curiosity about the world and a love for nature. Although little is known about her early family dynamics or siblings, Marta has always been described as reserved, ambitious, and intellectually curious.
Education and Intellectual Formation
Marta pursued her higher education at the University of North Florida (UNF), where she majored in Journalism. During her time there, she:
- Developed strong writing and communication skills
- Participated in student journalism and creative writing
- Interned with local media outlets to gain industry experience
Her journalism background would later serve as a foundation for her professional ventures, including the launch of a lifestyle magazine.
Career Foundations: Fitness and Wellness
Early Career as a Fitness Instructor
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Marta worked as a certified aerobics and fitness instructor in Jacksonville, Florida. She quickly earned a reputation for being:
- Energetic and motivating in group fitness settings
- Passionate about holistic health, including diet and mental wellness
- Supportive of her clients, many of whom were women seeking empowerment through fitness
Her background in fitness aligned with emerging trends of the time, as the U.S. saw a boom in health consciousness, particularly among working professionals and suburban mothers.
Publishing Ambitions: The Launch of Vent Magazine
Vision for a New Kind of Media
In 1998, Marta made a bold career pivot by founding Vent, a youth-oriented lifestyle magazine. Based in West Palm Beach, the magazine was created with the intention of giving a voice to young adults aged 18–24, covering themes such as:
- Career and education advice
- Mental health and emotional growth
- Relationships and dating
- Cultural critique and lifestyle inspiration
As the founder and publisher, Marta was deeply involved in every aspect of the magazine—from editorial strategy to marketing and outreach.
Challenges and Closure
Despite an ambitious start, Vent struggled financially and faced intense competition in the late-’90s print market. Only three issues were published before the magazine ceased operations.
Still, the experience showcased Marta’s entrepreneurial courage and her willingness to take calculated risks in pursuit of passion-driven projects.
The Rush Limbaugh Years
How Marta Met Rush Limbaugh
In a twist that feels almost cinematic, Marta met Rush Limbaugh through the online communication platform CompuServe in 1990—well before online dating became mainstream.
Rush, already a rising media icon, and Marta, a Florida-based fitness coach, started chatting regularly. Their virtual conversations soon led to in-person meetings, and a relationship began to blossom.
Wedding Ceremony and Marriage
The couple married on May 27, 1994, in a private ceremony officiated by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas—a testament to Limbaugh’s political connections.
Throughout their marriage:
- Marta often appeared publicly with Rush at charity events and media galas
- She supported him during his public struggles, including hearing loss and addiction recovery
- She remained out of the political fray, never aligning publicly with his controversial statements
They lived in Palm Beach, Florida, in Rush’s sprawling estate, but Marta never fully immersed herself in the conservative media world, choosing instead to remain supportive but detached from his professional image.
Divorce and Moving On
End of the Marriage
After 10 years of marriage, the couple divorced in 2004, finalizing the process quietly and amicably. Reports suggest:
- There was no public scandal or financial dispute
- Marta had moved out months prior
- They did not have any children together
The split marked the beginning of a new, independent chapter for Marta.
Life After Rush Limbaugh
New Career in Real Estate
In the years following her divorce, Marta reinvented herself professionally by entering real estate. She earned a license and began working with residential properties in Florida, where she continues to build a name for herself today.
Her skills in communication, negotiation, and client relations helped her excel in a competitive market. She has specialized in:
- Waterfront properties
- Second-home investments
- Luxury home sales in coastal Florida
Her estimated net worth as of 2025 is between $5 million and $6 million, sourced from:
- Real estate commissions
- Previous publishing ventures
- Likely financial settlements from her marriage
Personal Interests and Low Profile
Marta has made a conscious decision to live away from the limelight. She maintains no public social media profiles and rarely appears in interviews or public events. Friends and sources close to her describe her as:
- An avid reader and writer, still passionate about journalism
- A devotee of yoga and meditation
- Someone who values privacy, mindfulness, and simplicity
She currently resides in Florida, where she lives a quiet, comfortable life surrounded by close friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marta Fitzgerald still married?
No. Marta divorced Rush Limbaugh in 2004 and has not remarried publicly since.
What happened to Vent magazine?
Vent was a youth lifestyle magazine Marta launched in 1998, which published only three issues before closing due to financial limitations.
Did Marta Fitzgerald and Rush Limbaugh have children?
No, the couple did not have children together.
What does Marta do now?
She works in the real estate industry and focuses on private business endeavors in Florida.
Is Marta Fitzgerald politically active?
No public record suggests that Marta has engaged in political activism or aligned herself with any political movement, despite her marriage to Rush.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Marta Fitzgerald
While Marta Fitzgerald is often remembered in the context of her marriage to Rush Limbaugh, her life story stands strong on its own. She is a self-made woman, a professional who has thrived in multiple careers, and a person who has consistently chosen authenticity and privacy over fame.
Whether it’s in the aerobics studio, a publishing office, or negotiating a real estate deal, Marta’s journey reflects resilience, intellect, and quiet determination. In an age of overexposure, her decision to live a life on her own terms speaks volumes.
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