Rock Singer

Rod Stewart’s Family, Relationships, and Friends: Full Guide to His Personal Life

Rod Stewart is known not just for his career as a singer but also for the role family, relationships, and friends have played in his life. He once said, “The most important thing in my life is family.” Throughout his journey, those close bonds have influenced his choices and personal growth.

Family Life and Background

Rod Stewart was born in London, England, in 1945. He was raised in a working-class household as the youngest of five children. His father, Robert Stewart, was Scottish, while his mother, Elsie Gilbart, was English.

Growing up, Stewart’s upbringing was marked by strong family values and a supportive environment. He has said these early years defined his path and kept him grounded even as his fame grew.

Stewart is married to Penny Lancaster, a model and photographer. The two met in 1999 when Penny was hired to photograph him at a concert. Their friendship turned into love, and they married on June 16, 2007, in Portofino, Italy.

Rod Stewart has eight children. His children are Kimberly, Ruby, Sarah, Renee, Sean, Liam, Alastair, and Aiden. Some of his children, like Kimberly and Ruby, were born to him and his previous wives, while others were welcomed with Penny Lancaster.

All of Rod Stewart’s children are biological. Among his children, Kimberly is a model and actress, Ruby is a singer, and others have stayed out of the public spotlight.

NameRelationBirth Year
Robert StewartFather1904
Elsie GilbartMother1906
Don StewartBrother1920
Mary StewartSister1923
Peggy StewartSister1925
Bob StewartBrother1931
Kimberly StewartDaughter1979
Sean StewartSon1980
Ruby StewartDaughter1987
Renee StewartDaughter1992
Liam StewartSon1994
Alastair StewartSon2005
Aiden StewartSon2011
Sarah StreeterDaughter1963
Penny LancasterSpouse1971

Relationships Through the Years

Rod Stewart’s romantic life has been the subject of much attention. He married Alana Stewart in 1979. Alana is an American actress and model. The couple met through mutual contacts in the entertainment business but divorced in 1984.

Stewart’s second marriage was to Rachel Hunter, a New Zealand model, in December 1990. They met at a nightclub and married after a whirlwind romance. Their marriage ended in separation and, later, divorce in 2006.

He has also been linked to several girlfriends, fiancées, and partners. Some of his well-known past partners include model Kelly Emberg and British actress Dee Harrington. Kelly Emberg, the mother of his daughter Ruby, is an American model. Dee Harrington, a British model, was Stewart’s partner during the early 1970s.

Some of these relationships ended due to Stewart’s demanding career and lifestyle, while others simply grew apart over time. Stewart has remained on good terms with several of his exes, co-parenting their children.

NameRelationship TypeTime Period
Alana StewartEx-Wife1979–1984
Rachel HunterEx-Wife1990–2006
Kelly EmbergEx-Partner1983–1990
Dee HarringtonEx-Girlfriend1970–1975

Lifelong Friends and Companions

Throughout his life, Rod Stewart has formed close friendships with fellow musicians and artists. One of his closest friends is Ronnie Wood, famous guitarist of The Rolling Stones. Their friendship began in the late 1960s when they both played in the band Faces.

Another longtime friend is Elton John. The two met in the music scene of London and have stayed friends, sharing a playful rivalry and supporting one another’s projects over the years.

These friendships are built on shared experiences in the music industry and a deep mutual respect. Stewart’s friend, Kenney Jones, also played with him in Faces and remained a close companion for decades.

Most of Stewart’s friendships have lasted, bolstered by shared memories and professional support. Few have ended, and most reports point to Stewart staying loyal to those he trusts.

NameKnown SinceProfession
Ronnie Wood1969Musician
Elton John1970Musician
Kenney Jones1969Musician