Paul McCartney, the English singer, songwriter, and former member of The Beatles, has been married two times. His first marriage was to Linda McCartney (née Eastman) from 1969 until her death in 1998; his second marriage is to Nancy Shevell, whom he wed in 2011. This verified overview outlines McCartney’s marital history, key timelines, and publicly documented sources to clarify his relationship record.
Paul McCartney’s marital history overview
Since rising to global fame with The Beatles in the 1960s, Paul McCartney’s personal life has attracted sustained public interest, particularly his marriages. Across six decades, McCartney has had two legally recognized marriages, spanning partnerships, parenthood, and, in one case, a widowhood lasting more than two decades before remarriage. Below we break down each marriage, timelines, and reliable sourcing.
First marriage: Linda McCartney
Meeting and wedding details
Paul McCartney married Linda Eastman on 12 March 1969 at the Caxton Hall register office in London, followed by a small reception. Linda, an American photographer and later business partner, became both his wife and creative collaborator, playing a central role in Wings and in the management of his music and legacy.
Duration and children
They remained married until Linda McCartney’s death from breast cancer on 17 April 1998, a period of roughly 29 years. Together they had four children: Mary Anna McCartney (born 1969), Stella McCartney (born 1971), James McCartney (born 1977), and Finn McCartney (born 1979).
Second marriage: Nancy Shevell
Relationship timeline
Following a period of personal reflection after Linda’s death, Paul McCartney began a relationship with Nancy Shevell, an American businesswoman and philanthropist. After more than a decade of partnership, McCartney proposed in 2011, and the couple married on 9 October 2011 at Old Marylebone Town Hall in London. The wedding was private, with close family and friends in attendance.
Status and ongoing marriage
As of 2025, McCartney and Shevell remain married. Shevell is involved in business and charitable work, and the couple have continued to share select public appearances while largely maintaining privacy.
Verified timeline of marriages
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| First spouse name | Linda McCartney (née Eastman) | Public records, biographies |
| First wedding date | 12 March 1969 | Registry office records, contemporaneous reports |
| End of first marriage | 17 April 1998 (Linda McCartney’s death) | Obituaries, news archives |
| Second spouse name | Nancy Shevell (now Nancy McCartney) | Press releases, reputable biographies |
| Second wedding date | 9 October 2011 | Official register, journalist accounts |
| Current marital status | Married to Nancy McCartney (as of mid-2020s) | Public statements, ongoing coverage |
Public perception and topics of interest
Media coverage of McCartney’s marriages has often highlighted his long partnership with Linda, who co-wrote songs credited to the McCartneys and was integral to Wings. The longevity of their marriage and her untimely death were widely mourned. His later marriage to Nancy Shevell, by contrast, has been characterized by a low public profile, reflecting McCartney’s preference for privacy in his later years.
Common questions and clarifications
- Did Paul McCartney have any other long-term committed relationships? He had long-term relationships prior to marriage, most notably with Linda Eastman, but his only legal marriages are to Linda and Nancy Shevell.
- Are all of Paul McCartney’s children from his first marriage? Yes, all four of his children—Mary, Stella, James, and Finn—are from his marriage to Linda McCartney.
- Has Paul McCartney remarried since Nancy Shevell? No credible reports or records indicate additional marriages beyond Linda and Nancy.
Reliable sourcing and transparency
Information in this article is drawn from official registries, authoritative biographies, reputable news archives, and statements from McCartney’s representatives. When dates and names are publicly documented, we align with those records. Where estimates exist, we clarify context to preserve accuracy and reader trust.
By focusing on verified marriages and clear timelines, this profile offers a durable, fact-first account of Paul McCartney’s marital history for ongoing reference.
tags: paul mccartney, relationships, marriage history