Rock icon Rod Stewart and model Penny Lancaster have been married for 17 years. In a joint interview, they reveal how they maintain a strong bond and navigate the complexities of their blended family.
Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster have graced the pages of HELLO! magazine to divulge the secrets behind their successful 17-year marriage. The couple, who recently celebrated their wedding anniversary, shared insights into their approach to spending quality time together, resolving conflicts, and navigating the dynamics of their blended family.
Stewart, 79, and Lancaster, 53, prioritize date nights and make an effort to listen to each other's perspectives. "We listen to each other and try to resolve all our disagreements, the dirty laundry as Penny says, right away, and before we go to bed," Stewart explained.
Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster Share Secrets to 17-Year Marriage
Lancaster emphasizes the importance of a "healthy attraction" in their relationship, saying, "Rod and I can have dinner in a crowded room or just the two of us – we always have eyes for each other. There's this look, this connection, this message without words."
The couple is parents to two sons, Alastair Wallace, 18, and Aiden Patrick, 13. Stewart is also a father to six other children from previous relationships. Lancaster reflects on how she bonded with her stepchildren after she first began dating Stewart in 1999.
Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster Share Secrets to 17-Year Marriage
"I knew that I had to be honest with them, too, so that they would accept me," she said. "I couldn't pretend to please every single one of them, so I was just myself. It took a while, but they came to trust me."
Stewart and Lancaster value family togetherness and have a blended family that includes Stewart's other children and their spouses. They often gather for big celebrations, such as Liam Stewart's wedding in Croatia.
Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster Share Secrets to 17-Year Marriage
"We like to take every opportunity to bring the family, children, and grandchildren together," Lancaster said. "Part of the family lives in America, part in England, so it requires a lot of planning, but at least two or three times a year, the whole clan comes together."
While they have a close family bond, Lancaster acknowledges that they still face "the usual family ups and downs." "You have to use a lot of diplomacy, be patient and understanding," she said. "In the end it's worth it because you experience this wonderful bond that only a family can have. The epicenter of it is ultimately Rod: he's the Rodfather," Lancaster added.
Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster Share Secrets to 17-Year Marriage
Stewart has shifted his priorities over the years, placing more emphasis on his family. "I used to be much more preoccupied with myself and my career," he said. "But I've learnt from my mistakes and am more present."
Despite nearing his 80th birthday, Stewart has no plans to retire. "I don't see any possibility of slowing down anytime soon," he told HELLO!. "And as I get older, I only really want to do things that give me great pleasure."
Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster Share Secrets to 17-Year Marriage
Lancaster agrees, saying, "He loves what he does so much and will never retire. He's a workaholic and constantly on the move. I struggle to keep up with his training schedule. He works out three or four times a week – even on tour."
Stewart is continuously reinventing himself musically. He recently released "Swing Fever," a swing album that claimed the number one spot on the Official U.K. Album Charts. He is also working on a country album, inspired by his love for folk music.
Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster Share Secrets to 17-Year Marriage
Lancaster believes that family is what keeps Stewart motivated. "I think it's family," she said. "Especially the younger generation. They give him strength and drive."
She added, "He's not your average 79-year-old man. He can't sit still and is always on the go. I like to treat myself to a facial or a massage. He can't do that. He can't have a massage for more than half an hour; he gets up and leaves."
