Full Breakdown
Christie Brinkley Reconsiders Soulmates After Four Marriages
7/11/2026, 10:54:53 PM
Overview of the Interview
In a recent cover story for *Social Life* magazine, 72-year-old supermodel Christie Brinkley discussed how aging has reshaped her view of lasting romance. The interview, also referenced in her memoir *Uptown Girl*, centers on her belief that soulmates may evolve rather than remain fixed, and on the freedom she feels with age.
Marriage Timeline
- 1975–1981: Married French artist Jean-François Allaux at age 21; the union ended in a “slow dissolve” after Brinkley felt constrained.
- 1985–1994: Married musician Billy Joel; Brinkley later described his struggle with alcohol as a factor in their split.
- 1994–1995: Married real-estate developer Richard “Ricky” Taubman; she later said he married her for her money.
- 1996–2008: Married architect Peter Cook; their marriage ended after Cook’s extramarital affair and a protracted, “agonizing” divorce.
Reflections on Love and Freedom
Brinkley said she still believes in soulmates but doubts they last forever as she once imagined. She emphasized that age brings a sense of autonomy, allowing her to act without feeling obligated to tolerate unsatisfying relationships. The model also noted that past partners often failed to meet her emotional needs, leading her to question whether the issue lay in the relationships rather than her own lovability. She expressed optimism that love, in its many forms—friendship, family, nature—remains a powerful force in her life.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But I don't know if they last forever in the way that I thought they would.” — Christie Brinkley
- “I think that there’s a freedom that comes with age and that’s quite wonderful.” — Christie Brinkley
- “I’m a fool for love. That love takes work. Sometimes you need to rely on experts. I wish I could have found ways to save some; I wish I hadn’t married others.” — Christie Brinkley
- “Ricky was a larger-than-life character who married me for my money," she claimed.” — Christie Brinkley
- “I find love is the strongest thing in the whole world, and we are surrounded with love," she previously told Fox News Digital.” — Christie Brinkley
