Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver are back in the spotlight after daughter Katherine Schwarzenegger shared a rare photo of her parents together more than a decade after their split. The image appeared in an Instagram birthday tribute for Arnold’s 79th birthday, mixing older family snapshots with a more recent picture from a ski trip. In the photo, the former couple sit side by side in winter gear, relaxed and smiling. The post quickly drew attention because public photos of the two together have been uncommon since their divorce was finalized in 2021.
Katherine Schwarzenegger Marks Arnold’s 79th Birthday
Author Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt led the tribute with a heartfelt caption for her father. “Happy Birthday, Dad ,” Katherine captioned the post according to Page Six. She added, “So lucky you’re ours… and even luckier our kids get you as Opa.” The carousel began with throwback images of Katherine and the actor, then shifted into newer family moments. One of the most talked-about slides featured Maria Shriver beside Arnold during what appeared to be a family ski getaway, giving followers a fresh look at the pair’s current bond.
Maria Shriver Appears in Family Ski Trip Snap
Journalist Maria Shriver, 70, appeared midway through the slideshow in a bundled-up outdoor photo with her former husband. Katherine also shared another image from the same vacation, this time including her younger brother Patrick Schwarzenegger. The actor, 32, responded in the comments with several red heart emojis. It was not clear whether siblings Christopher Schwarzenegger and Christina Schwarzenegger joined the trip as well. Social media users focused on the easy dynamic between Arnold and Shriver, with many praising the fact that the former spouses still appear comfortable around each other.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver Stay Close
The pair married in April 1986 and separated in 2011 after news emerged that Arnold had fathered son Joseph Baena with the family’s former housekeeper, Mildred Baena. Their divorce was completed a decade later, but their connection as parents never fully faded. As reported by Page Six, Arnold spoke in 2023 about where things stand now. “Even though we had this drama, we did Easter together, Mother’s Day together, the Christmases together, all birthdays — everything together,” Arnold said according to Page Six. He also described Shriver as “very close” to him and called her a “really good friend.”
Maria Shriver Says Love Still Connects the Family
Shriver has also spoken openly about the relationship they still share as co-parents and grandparents. In a March 2025 podcast episode, she said there is still love between them, while making clear that peace matters more to her than resentment. She explained that Arnold remains the father of her children and part of the family’s foundation. That context gives Katherine’s post extra meaning. More than a simple birthday message, it showed a family that has worked to stay connected through major changes, and a former couple still showing up for the same milestones.
