The Three Loves Of A Legend: Inside Paul McCartney’s Marriages, From Linda To Nancy Shevell

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Sir Paul McCartney, one of the most iconic and enduring figures in music history, has experienced a lifetime of love, loss, and enduring partnership, spanning over five decades. As of December 2025, the legendary former Beatle is happily married to his third wife, Nancy Shevell, a relationship that has brought a welcome stability and quiet joy to his later years, culminating in their 14th wedding anniversary celebration this past October.

The public fascination with McCartney’s personal life remains intense, driven by the profound love story with his first wife, Linda, and the highly publicized, tumultuous divorce from his second, Heather Mills. This article delves into the complete history of Paul McCartney's three marriages, exploring the unique dynamic of each relationship and providing the most current details on his life with Nancy Shevell.

A Complete Biography of Paul McCartney’s Wives

Paul McCartney has been married three times, each woman bringing a unique chapter to his life and career. Here is a look at the three women who have held the title of Lady McCartney.

  • Linda Eastman McCartney (First Wife)
    • Born: September 24, 1941, in New York, USA.
    • Died: April 17, 1998, in Tucson, Arizona, USA (Aged 56).
    • Profession: Professional Photographer, Musician, Animal Rights Activist, Entrepreneur (vegetarian food line).
    • Marriage: March 12, 1969 – April 17, 1998 (29 years).
    • Children: Mary, Stella, James, and adopted daughter Heather (Linda’s daughter from a previous marriage).
  • Heather Mills (Second Wife)
    • Born: January 12, 1968, in Aldershot, England.
    • Profession: Former Model, Media Personality, Anti-landmine Activist.
    • Marriage: June 11, 2002 – March 17, 2008 (Divorced, 6 years).
    • Children: Beatrice Milly McCartney.
    • Divorce Settlement: Awarded £24.3 million (approximately $48.6 million USD at the time) in 2008.
  • Nancy Shevell (Current Wife)
    • Born: November 20, 1959, in New York, USA.
    • Profession: Businesswoman, Former Vice President of New England Motor Freight (NEMF), Former Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board Member.
    • Marriage: October 9, 2011 – Present.
    • Children: None together; she has one son, Arlen, from a previous marriage.

Linda Eastman: The Soulmate and The Wings Era

The first and longest chapter of Paul McCartney’s married life began with Linda Eastman. Their connection was instant, reportedly meeting at a London club in 1967.

The Photographer Who Captured Rock Royalty

Linda was an accomplished American professional photographer, known for capturing the essence of the 1960s rock scene. She was the first female photographer to have her work featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, a major achievement in the male-dominated industry of the time. Her subjects included rock legends like Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, The Who, and, of course, The Beatles.

Their wedding took place on March 12, 1969, at Marylebone Town Hall, a small, civil ceremony that occurred just days before John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s marriage.

From Beatlemania to Wings

Following the tumultuous breakup of The Beatles, Linda became Paul’s anchor. To help him through this difficult period, they formed the band Wings in 1971. Linda, despite having no formal musical training, learned to play the keyboard and provided harmonies, a testament to their unwavering commitment to staying together. The couple famously spent only a handful of nights apart throughout their entire 29-year marriage, a rare feat for a rock star.

Linda was also a passionate advocate for animal rights and a pioneer of vegetarianism, launching her own successful line of vegetarian food products. Her life was tragically cut short in 1998 when she passed away from breast cancer, leaving a profound void in Paul’s life and the lives of their four children.

Heather Mills: A High-Profile Marriage and Contentious Split

Paul McCartney’s second marriage to Heather Mills began in 2002, four years after Linda’s death. Mills, a former model and activist, had lost part of her left leg in a 1993 traffic accident and was a prominent campaigner against landmines.

The Short-Lived Union and Divorce Battle

The couple married in a lavish ceremony at Castle Leslie in Ireland, and they welcomed their daughter, Beatrice Milly McCartney, in 2003. However, the marriage was short-lived, with the couple separating in 2006 and their divorce finalized in 2008. The proceedings became a sensational tabloid spectacle, dominated by contentious court hearings and public accusations.

The £24.3 Million Settlement

The financial settlement was the most scrutinized aspect of the divorce. Mills initially sought a staggering £125 million (approximately $250 million USD at the time), but the High Court judge, Justice Hugh Bennett, ultimately awarded her £24.3 million. The judge’s detailed ruling, which was made public, described Mills as a "less than candid" witness, while praising McCartney for his dignified conduct throughout the proceedings. The settlement included a lump sum and funds for the care of their daughter, Beatrice.

Nancy Shevell: The New York Businesswoman and Enduring Stability

Following the public turmoil of his second divorce, Paul McCartney found his quiet, enduring love with New York businesswoman Nancy Shevell. Their relationship began in 2007, and they were married in a low-key ceremony at Marylebone Town Hall—the same venue where he married Linda—on October 9, 2011.

A Powerful Career in Transportation

Nancy Shevell is a successful and highly respected figure in her own right, coming from a wealthy New Jersey family involved in the trucking industry. She earned a degree in business administration with a concentration in transportation from Arizona State University. For many years, she served as the Vice President of her family’s company, New England Motor Freight (NEMF). Although NEMF ceased operations in 2019, Shevell's reputation as a sharp businesswoman remains.

Furthermore, Shevell was appointed to the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York by then-Governor George Pataki in 2001, where she served for a decade. Her professional career stands in stark contrast to the celebrity-focused lives of McCartney's previous wives, which is often cited as a source of the stability in their marriage.

A Quiet, Enduring Love Story

The couple’s relationship is characterized by privacy and mutual respect. They are frequently spotted enjoying quiet time together in The Hamptons or attending low-key events, a deliberate move away from the intense media spotlight that plagued his previous marriage. In October 2025, Paul McCartney celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary, sharing a heartfelt social media post dedicated to his "lovely wife Nancy," a clear indication of their continued happiness and strong bond. Nancy Shevell's grounded nature and independent career have proven to be the perfect match for the legendary musician, allowing him to enjoy a serene and fulfilling life as he continues his prolific career in his 80s.

paul mccartney wife
paul mccartney wife

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