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Rod Stewart And Rachel Hunter: 5 Shocking Truths About The 24-Year Age Gap Divorce And Their Recent Reunion

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The legendary romance between rock icon Rod Stewart and supermodel Rachel Hunter remains one of Hollywood's most captivating and, ultimately, most painful celebrity splits. Despite marrying in a whirlwind romance that bridged a 24-year age gap, their union—which lasted nearly a decade—ended in a separation that the rock star recently admitted "tore me to shreds." The story has found a surprising new chapter in 2025, as the former couple reunited for a joyous family event, showcasing a mature and loving co-parenting relationship that has evolved decades after the initial heartbreak. As of December 2025, the most compelling update comes directly from Sir Rod Stewart himself, who recently offered the most candid explanation yet for the end of his second marriage. He revealed to *The Times* that the fundamental issue was their significant age difference, stating simply: "Rachel left me because she was too young." This fresh perspective, coming over two decades after their 1999 separation, provides a definitive answer to the curiosity surrounding one of the most high-profile divorces in rock history. Their shared focus now lies squarely on their two children, Liam and Renee, whose recent milestones have brought the entire blended family together in happy celebration.

Rod Stewart and Rachel Hunter: A Complete Biographical Profile

The pairing of Rod Stewart, a seasoned rock veteran, and Rachel Hunter, a rising New Zealand supermodel, captured global attention due to their contrasting ages and backgrounds.

Sir Roderick David Stewart (Rod Stewart)

  • Full Name: Sir Roderick David Stewart
  • Born: January 10, 1945
  • Birthplace: Highgate, North London, England
  • Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Musician
  • Key Career Highlights: Known for his distinctive raspy voice. Rose to prominence with the Jeff Beck Group and Faces. Solo hits include "Maggie May," "Sailing," "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy," and "Tonight's the Night." Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. Knighted in 2016 for services to music and charity.
  • Marriages: Alana Stewart (m. 1979; div. 1984), Rachel Hunter (m. 1990; div. 2006), Penny Lancaster (m. 2007–present).
  • Total Children: Eight (Sarah, Kimberly, Sean, Ruby, Renee, Liam, Alastair, Aiden).

Rachel Hunter

  • Full Name: Rachel Hunter
  • Born: September 8, 1969
  • Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
  • Occupation: Model, Actress, Television Host
  • Key Career Highlights: Began modeling at age 17, quickly appearing on covers of *Vogue* and *Harper's Bazaar*. A prominent *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue* model. Hosted the popular travel show *Rachel Hunter's Tour of Beauty*.
  • Marriages: Rod Stewart (m. 1990; div. 2006).
  • Total Children: Two (Renee and Liam) with Rod Stewart.

The Age Gap Confession: Why Rachel Hunter Left Rod Stewart

Their romance began in 1990 when Rod Stewart, then 45, met Rachel Hunter, who was just 21 years old. The marriage was swift, taking place just three weeks after they met. At the time, Rod described the New Zealand model as "the woman he was going to marry." The couple appeared to have a fairytale life, welcoming two children, Renee and Liam, and enjoying a high-profile existence that saw Rod's career enjoy a renewed boost. However, after nine years, the relationship fractured, leading to a separation in 1999 and a formal divorce in 2006.

"She Was Too Young": The Painful Truth Revealed in 2025

For years, the exact reason for the split was a subject of speculation. Rod Stewart, now in his 80s, recently offered a definitive and heartbreaking explanation, confirming the 24-year age difference was the insurmountable hurdle. He candidly admitted that Rachel, in her late 20s at the time of the separation, was still seeking to experience life's adventures, while he, already a father of four and a seasoned rock star, was ready for a quieter chapter. "Rachel left me because she was too young," Rod stated. He also shared the profound impact the breakup had on him, revealing that the divorce "tore me to shreds" and left him in a state of deep emotional distress. This recent admission highlights the raw, enduring pain of the split, even as both have moved on to new, happy relationships.

A New Chapter: The Dubrovnik Wedding Reunion

Despite the emotional turmoil of their past, Rod Stewart and Rachel Hunter have successfully navigated a path to amicable co-parenting, a relationship that was beautifully showcased in a major family event in mid-2025. The former couple reunited in Dubrovnik, Croatia, for the wedding of their son, Liam Stewart, to his fiancée, Nicole Artukovich. The event was a testament to the strength of their blended family. Photos from the celebration showed Rod and Rachel, alongside Rod's current wife, Penny Lancaster, all smiling and celebrating together. This public display of unity underscores their shared commitment to their children's happiness and demonstrates a mature, modern family dynamic that transcends past heartache.

The Children: Liam and Renee Stewart's Independent Careers

Both of Rod and Rachel's children have carved out successful careers outside of their parents' shadows, adding to the rich tapestry of the Stewart family legacy.

Liam Stewart: Professional Ice Hockey Player

Liam Stewart, born in 1994, has pursued a career as a professional ice hockey player. He has played for various teams in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) and the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL), including the Coventry Blaze and the Milton Keynes Lightning, representing Great Britain internationally. His recent wedding was the catalyst for the highly publicized family reunion.

Renee Stewart: Dancer and Yoga Teacher

Renee Stewart, born in 1992, is a highly respected dancer and model. She trained extensively at the prestigious London Contemporary Dance School, graduating to work as a professional dance artist. Renee is also a certified 500 HR Yoga Teacher, merging her passions for movement, mindfulness, and well-being. Her career path highlights a dedication to the arts and a focus on building her own identity.

The Blended Family and Topical Authority Entities

The story of Rod Stewart and Rachel Hunter is intrinsically linked to the larger Stewart family narrative. Rod Stewart has eight children with five different women, creating one of the most famous blended families in rock music. The stability Rod found after the divorce is attributed to his relationship with his third wife, Penny Lancaster. Rod and Penny, a model and television personality, married in 2007 and have two sons, Alastair and Aiden. Penny has often spoken about the challenges of blending their families, but has clearly fostered a strong, supportive environment that allowed for the recent joyful reunion with Rachel Hunter in Dubrovnik. The presence of entities such as Penny Lancaster, Alana Stewart (Rod's first wife), and the various Stewart siblings (Kimberly, Sean, Ruby) forms a vital network of support, proving that even the most painful celebrity divorces can evolve into a harmonious family unit centered on the children.
rod stewart rachel hunter
rod stewart rachel hunter

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