"Marriage is more challenging"— When Shark Tank investor Barbara Corcoran shared insights from her marriage to husband Bill

Barbara Corcoran, a real estate mogul and popular investor on Shark Tank, has been candid about the complexities of her long-standing marriage to Bill Higgins. In a December 15, 2024 interview with Sprouht, Corcoran reflected on the realities of married life.

"Marriage for me is more challenging than building a business, any day of the week," she said.

Despite their enduring bond, Corcoran’s reflections highlight that success in marriage requires effort, resilience, and shared understanding. The Shark Tank investor's experiences offer a nuanced perspective on the realities of long-term relationships.

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Shark Tank investor Barbara Corcoran on marriage: Reflections on commitment and challenges

Barbara Corcoran shared her candid views on marriage during her interview, highlighting both the rewards and challenges of a long-term partnership. Emphasizing that love and marriage are nuanced and cannot always be defined by conventional expectations, she remarked,

“That doesn’t mean it’s real love; really, don’t be so quick to judge,” .

Corcoran elaborated on the effort required to maintain a marriage, stating that it “takes great tolerance.” The Shark Tank investor acknowledged that marriage can sometimes feel mundane.

“It gets boring—marriage gets boring. I’ve heard that before; even I’m boring to myself. I’ve said it before,” she said.

Despite the lack of constant excitement, Corcoran underscored that marriage is ultimately a "relationship of support" when one needs it. She described her partnership with Higgins as one grounded in mutual reliability.

“He’s a good guy who will always be there, and I’m a good gal who will always be there for him,” Corcoran stated.

While she rejected the notion of “true love” as a definitive ideal, the Shark Tank investors emphasized the importance of consistency and support in a successful marriage.

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Who is Barbara Corcoran’s husband?

Per a profile by People on April 7, 2024, Bill Higgins, Barbara Corcoran’s husband, is a retired Navy captain and former FBI agent. Before meeting Corcoran, Higgins built a notable career, graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1966, and later serving as a special agent with the FBI.

In the 1980s, he returned to the Naval Reserves, eventually commanding training operations for the Military Sealift Command. During his tenure, Higgins also played a role in Operation Desert Storm.

In addition to his military and law enforcement career, Higgins successfully ventured into real estate. He owned and operated the William F. Higgins Agency in New York, before selling the business in 1997.

His leadership in both military and business contexts demonstrates a diverse professional background, which Corcoran has publicly admired.

On Veterans Day in 2022, she shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, acknowledging his dedication to service and calling it his “proudest achievement.” Higgins met Corcoran in 1981 at a real estate conference, where she was already a prominent figure. He initially approached her with business intentions, but their professional connection quickly evolved into something deeper.

The Shark Tank investor revealed in interviews that her persistence played a role in their relationship, as she pursued him for six months before they started dating. The couple married on Valentine’s Day in 1988 and have since built a life centered around family and shared values.

Together, they have two children, Tom and Kate, and Higgins has four children from a previous marriage.

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Catch Barbara Corcoran and the rest of the panel on Shark Tank, airing every Friday at 8 pm EST on ABC.