Christie Brinkley Reflects on Aging and Love
Christie Brinkley is opening up about her views on aging and love in a recent interview with Social Life magazine. The iconic supermodel shared her evolving perspective on happiness and relationships with editor Devorah Rose.
“I’m a firm believer in soulmates,” Brinkley, who is 72, said, “But I’m not so sure it lasts forever like I used to think.” She further expressed that, perhaps, soulmates can shift and transform, even if the romantic aspect fades.
Brinkley has experienced four marriages. Her first was to French artist Jean-François Arrow in 1975, which ended in 1981. She then dated French race car driver Olivier Chandon de Braille, who tragically passed away in 1983. This loss was one of the more devastating moments in her life.
Later, she married singer Billy Joel in 1985; their marriage lasted until 1994. Brinkley then married real estate developer Richard Taubman for a brief period before tying the knot with architect Peter Cook in 1996. Their split came in 2008 under very public circumstances.
Now embracing her independence, Brinkley mentioned how age has brought her a sense of freedom. “I think getting older means you’re more liberated,” she remarked, noting, “I do what I want, when I want. I know my preferences better, and I no longer tolerate what doesn’t serve me.”
Despite past ups and downs—scandals and tragedies—Brinkley feels grateful for her present. “I say I’m the happiest right now. It’s interesting… I always thought I had four soulmates. Now, I’m reconsidering. Maybe it was just Gene and Billy,” she mused, reflecting on the complexities of her relationships.
When discussing her marriages, she acknowledged her own trustfulness. “I think I trusted too easily… I have had my share of love missteps,” she admitted, sharing feelings of being unloved at times. “Some valued their wealth or drinks more than me,” she commented candidly about her past relationships.
On a hopeful note, Brinkley still looks forward to finding love again. She expressed, “I truly believe love surrounds us in many forms—friendship, nature, family… It would be lovely to have a romantic love as well.” But, importantly, she emphasized her current contentment with life filled with love.
