Barbara Corcoran First Husband: Clearing Up the Confusion About Her Marriage
If you’re searching for Barbara Corcoran’s first husband, you’re likely trying to understand the early personal life of one of America’s most recognizable entrepreneurs. Barbara Corcoran, the real estate mogul and longtime Shark Tank investor, is often assumed to have had multiple marriages—but the reality is far simpler. Despite the widespread use of the phrase “first husband,” Barbara Corcoran has been married only once. The confusion comes from a famous early relationship that deeply influenced her life, but it was never a marriage.
Understanding this distinction helps paint a clearer picture of Barbara Corcoran’s journey—both personally and professionally.
Who Is Barbara Corcoran? A Brief Look at Her Success Story
Barbara Corcoran is best known today as a sharp, confident investor on Shark Tank, but her success began decades earlier in New York City real estate. Starting with very little money, she built The Corcoran Group into one of the most powerful real estate firms in the country and eventually sold it for tens of millions of dollars.
Her story is often framed around resilience. She has spoken openly about rejection, self-doubt, and learning the hard way—especially early in her career. That same honesty extends to how she talks about relationships. For Barbara, personal experiences are lessons, not labels.
Was Barbara Corcoran Married Before Her Current Husband?
This is the key question behind the search term.
Despite common assumptions, Barbara Corcoran did not have a first husband before her current one. All credible biographies and interviews list only one marriage, to Bill Higgins, whom she married in 1988.
So why does the phrase “first husband” keep appearing?
The answer lies in a long-term relationship Barbara had earlier in life—one that ended painfully and became a defining moment for her—but it was not a marriage.
The Relationship That Sparked the Confusion
Before she became a real estate powerhouse, Barbara Corcoran was in a serious, multi-year relationship with a boyfriend who was also her business partner. He lent her $1,000 to start a small real estate company, which later grew into her empire.
After seven years together, the relationship ended abruptly when he left her to marry her secretary.
Barbara has often shared this story publicly—not as gossip, but as a turning point. She has said the breakup devastated her emotionally but ultimately fueled her independence, ambition, and drive to succeed.
Because the relationship was long-term, deeply personal, and professionally intertwined, many people mistakenly refer to this man as her “first husband.” In reality, they were never married.
Who Is Barbara Corcoran’s Husband?
Barbara Corcoran’s husband is Bill Higgins, a retired U.S. Navy captain and former FBI agent. Unlike Barbara, Bill has never sought the spotlight, and their relationship has remained refreshingly grounded despite her fame.
They met in 1981 at a real estate conference. According to Barbara, she pursued him persistently at first, while he kept things strictly professional. Over time, that persistence paid off, and the two began dating.
They married on Valentine’s Day in 1988, a date that reflects Barbara’s sense of humor and flair.
What Their Marriage Looked Like Early On
By the time Barbara married Bill Higgins, she was already deeply immersed in building her business. Their marriage wasn’t about slowing down—it was about stability.
Bill supported Barbara’s ambitions without trying to compete with them. Barbara has often joked that he embraces his role fully, even once having business cards printed that simply said “Spouse.”
Their relationship dynamic has always leaned toward practical partnership rather than romance-for-show. That realism likely explains why their marriage has lasted for decades.
Children and Family Life
Barbara Corcoran and Bill Higgins have two children together. Their son, Tom, was born in 1994 through IVF using an egg donated by Barbara’s sister. Later, in 2005, they adopted a daughter, Kate.
In addition, Bill Higgins has children from a previous marriage, making their household a blended family.
Barbara has spoken candidly about motherhood, fertility challenges, and choosing adoption—often framing these experiences as part of her larger belief that there is no single “right” path in life.
Why There’s No “First Marriage” to Explain
Many articles that focus on “first husbands” revolve around divorce stories. In Barbara Corcoran’s case, there is no first marriage to analyze or explain.
Instead, her most formative relationship ended before marriage—and that ending became a catalyst rather than a setback. She has frequently credited that breakup with pushing her to become more self-reliant and fearless in business.
In other words, the lesson people are often looking for under the label “first husband” actually comes from a non-marital relationship.
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