Rod Stewart & Rachel Hunter: The 24-Year Age Gap Divorce That Took Seven Years to Finalize
He was 45. She was 21. They married, had two kids, and separated when she decided she needed to 'find herself.' The divorce took seven years.
Key Facts
What Happened
Rod Stewart, the gravelly-voiced rock legend, married New Zealand supermodel Rachel Hunter on December 15, 1990, in Beverly Hills. He was 45; she was 21 — a 24-year age difference that raised eyebrows from the start. They had two children: daughter Renee (born 1992) and son Liam (born 1994). For eight years, they were one of rock's most prominent couples, splitting time between homes in Los Angeles, London, and Palm Beach.
Hunter separated from Stewart in January 1999, reportedly telling him she needed time to 'find herself.' Stewart was devastated. He later wrote in his autobiography that the split 'came out of nowhere' and that 'you don't dump a rock star.' The separation became protracted — Hunter initially said it wasn't permanent, which kept Stewart hoping for reconciliation. But reconciliation never came, and the couple lived in legal limbo for years while Hunter pursued acting, modeling, and new relationships.
The divorce was not finalized until November 2, 2006 — nearly eight years after the initial separation. The financial details were sealed, but estimates ranged from $35 million to $65 million, potentially representing a significant portion of Stewart's net worth at the time. Hunter initially claimed publicly that she didn't want any money from the marriage, but later reportedly sought approximately half of Stewart's estimated $130 million fortune. Child support and custody arrangements for their two minor children were included in the sealed settlement.
Stewart later reflected that the 24-year age gap was ultimately the reason for the divorce. 'When I was 53, Rachel was 29 — in the prime of her life,' he said. 'She wanted to go out to clubs and parties. I wanted to stay home and watch the telly.' The case illustrates how age gap marriages face unique pressures as both spouses age: the older partner slows down while the younger one is still evolving. Both eventually remarried — Stewart to Penny Lancaster in 2007 (still married), and Hunter has had several subsequent relationships.
Legal Breakdown: Age Gap Marriages
Prolonged Separation Without Divorce
Hunter and Stewart were separated for nearly eight years before the divorce was finalized. During separation, community property continues to accumulate in California unless formal steps are taken to end the community. Stewart's continued earnings during the seven-year gap between separation and finalization could theoretically have been claimed as community property if the date of separation was disputed.
Sealed Financial Records
Both parties agreed to seal the financial details of the settlement. This is common in high-net-worth divorces where both parties prefer privacy. Sealed records prevent public scrutiny but also prevent the case from serving as precedent or guidance for similar situations. The estimated range of $35–65 million suggests significant negotiation occurred behind closed doors.
Age Gap and Spousal Support Duration
In California, spousal support for marriages of 10+ years can be ordered indefinitely. Stewart and Hunter's marriage lasted 8 years (on paper) but 16 years from wedding to finalization. Courts consider the total duration when calculating support. A younger spouse who married in their early twenties may receive support for a longer period to account for career development opportunities lost during the marriage.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Large age gaps create lifestyle incompatibilities that often emerge years into the marriage. Discuss long-term expectations about energy, lifestyle, and goals before marrying.
- →Prolonged separation without divorce can create financial exposure. In community property states, earnings during separation may still be community property unless formal steps are taken.
- →File for divorce promptly once you decide the marriage is over. Delaying finalization for years creates legal uncertainty and financial risk for both parties.
- →A marriage that lasts close to 10 years in California triggers potentially permanent spousal support. If you're approaching that threshold, the timing of filing matters.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.