The Enduring Love: 7 Essential Facts About Art Garfunkel’s Wife, Kim Garfunkel, And Their 37-Year Journey
As of December 23, 2025, the enduring partnership between legendary singer Art Garfunkel and his wife, Kathryn "Kim" Garfunkel (née Cermak), remains a cornerstone of the folk-rock icon’s life. After a tumultuous period in the 1970s and 80s, Art found stability and profound connection with Kim, a former model, singer, and actress, whom he married in 1988. Their relationship, which spans nearly four decades, is one of the most stable and least-publicized marriages in the world of classic rock, providing the foundation for a life focused on family and creative collaboration.
Their story is not just one of a celebrity and his spouse; it’s a testament to resilience, shared artistry, and the quiet strength of a long-term commitment. Kim’s influence extends beyond the domestic sphere, playing a vital role in Art’s personal life, including his recovery from vocal cord issues and his ongoing battle with psoriasis, making her an essential figure in the narrative of his later career.
Kathryn "Kim" Garfunkel: Biography and Profile
Kathryn "Kim" Cermak, now Kim Garfunkel, has carved out a life that intertwines with, yet remains distinct from, her famous husband's. Her background in the performing arts provided a natural connection with the "Bridge Over Troubled Water" singer.
- Full Name: Kathryn "Kim" Cermak Garfunkel
- Maiden Name: Kathryn Cermak
- Date of Birth: 1958 (Approximate)
- Age (as of 2025): Approximately 67 years old
- Place of Birth: Minnesota, USA
- Education: Graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City.
- Profession: Former Model, Singer, Actress.
- Spouse: Art Garfunkel (Married September 18, 1988)
- Children: Two sons—James Garfunkel (Art Garfunkel Jr.) and Beau Daniel Garfunkel.
- Notable Career Highlights: Stage appearances, including a performance at Feinstein's at Loews Regency.
The Three Loves: A Look at Art Garfunkel's Relationship History
Before finding his lifelong partner in Kim, Art Garfunkel navigated a series of intense and sometimes tragic relationships that profoundly shaped his life and music. Understanding this history is key to appreciating the stability he found with Kim.
1. Linda Marie Grossman (First Wife)
Art Garfunkel’s first marriage was to architect Linda Marie Grossman. They wed in 1972, a period shortly after the initial breakup of the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel. The marriage was brief, ending in divorce in 1975. The emotional fallout from the end of his musical partnership with Paul Simon and his first marriage marked a challenging era for the singer.
2. Laurie Bird (The Tragic Muse)
Following his divorce, Garfunkel entered a five-year relationship with actress and model Laurie Bird. Bird appeared in films like *Two-Lane Blacktop* and *Cockfighter*. This period was marked by deep emotional intensity, which tragically ended when Bird committed suicide in 1979. This loss was devastating for Garfunkel, leading him to step away from his music career for a time and embark on his famous cross-country walking journey across America. He has described this period as one of the darkest of his life, a profound loss that he carried for years.
3. Penny Marshall (A Brief Connection)
In the early 1980s, Garfunkel had a relationship with actress and director Penny Marshall, known for her roles in *Laverne & Shirley* and directing *Big* and *A League of Their Own*. This relationship lasted from approximately 1980 to 1983, providing a period of connection before he met his future wife.
The Enduring Partnership: Art and Kim Garfunkel's Life Together
Art Garfunkel met Kathryn "Kim" Cermak in late 1985 while filming the movie *Good to Go*. The 16-year age difference between them proved to be no barrier to a deep and lasting connection. They married on September 18, 1988, marking the beginning of a stable and creatively supportive chapter in the singer’s life.
Kim, with her background as a performing artist, has always understood the demands of a creative life. While she stepped back from her modeling and acting career to focus on family, she has occasionally joined her husband on stage and has maintained her connection to the arts. Her presence has been a grounding force for the often-introspective Garfunkel.
The Garfunkel Sons: James and Beau Daniel
The couple has two sons, both of whom have followed their father into the world of music. The arrival of their children, particularly the youngest, marked a renewed focus on family for Art Garfunkel later in life, an entity that Kim has championed.
- James Garfunkel (Art Garfunkel Jr.): Born in 1990, James has actively pursued a music career. He is an accomplished musician and singer, often performing with his father. Most recently, James (Art Jr.) collaborated with his father on the collaborative album *Father and Son*, released in November 2024, and the 2025 album *Advent*.
- Beau Daniel Garfunkel: Born in October 2005 via a surrogate mother when Art was 64, Beau is also showing musical talent. He has been described as an emerging figure in modern folk-fusion music and is a 2024 honors graduate of the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.
Kim's Role in Art's Health and Vocal Recovery
One of the most significant aspects of Kim’s support came during a critical period in Art Garfunkel’s career. In the early 2010s, he suffered from a vocal cord paresis, which severely limited his ability to sing and tour. Kim's unwavering support was instrumental in his slow, multi-year recovery, which allowed him to eventually return to the stage.
Furthermore, Art Garfunkel has been open about his lifelong struggle with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. He attributes much of his ability to manage the condition and his overall healing not just to medical treatment, but to the "steady support" of Kim and their children. This quiet resilience and partnership in the face of private health struggles highlights the depth of their enduring bond.
The Legacy Continues: Garfunkel in 2025
The current Garfunkel family is an active musical entity. While Art Garfunkel continues to tour and perform, his recent work with his son, Art Jr., on the *Father and Son* album (2024) and the *Advent* album (2025) demonstrates a vibrant continuation of his musical legacy. The family was recently spotted in a rare public sighting in December 2025, confirming the strength of their private life.
Kim Garfunkel's role as wife, mother, and steadfast partner has been crucial in allowing the legendary voice of Simon & Garfunkel to continue his creative journey. From the tragic loss of Laurie Bird to the professional challenges with Paul Simon and his own health battles, Kim has provided the essential stability and love that underpins the later, more peaceful chapters of Art Garfunkel's storied life.
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