Paul McCartney Reflects on His Life and Marriage to Linda
In a recent documentary titled Paul McCartney: Man on the Run, the legendary musician shared insights on how his late wife, Linda McCartney, played a crucial role in helping him navigate the difficult period following the Beatles’ breakup.
Now at 83, McCartney talked with director Morgan Neville about the supportive mantra Linda offered, emphasizing the idea that it’s okay to feel uncertain. “It’s easy to get nervous when you lose your job,” he recalls. He mentioned one of Linda’s favorite phrases: “Oh, I don’t know. I want to do this and that, but I can’t. I can’t. And she says, ‘That’s allowed.’ It just lifts a whole weight. Yes, of course, it is allowed.” He admits that this notion made him feel empowered to explore things he perhaps wouldn’t have considered otherwise.
Paul and Linda first crossed paths in 1967. At the time, she was working as a photographer, and the couple tied the knot two years later in 1969. Together, they raised three children: Mary, Stella, and James.
In the documentary, Paul described Linda as a “free influence.” He recalled her upbringing in a well-to-do area of New York, where she initially seemed destined for a conventional life. But she had a love for rock and roll, often sneaking out to attend concerts. “She had a lot of freedom in her thinking, which I think was really good for me,” he said.
After the Beatles disbanded, Paul created Wings, with Linda by his side, serving as the band’s keyboardist and vocalist. The group achieved considerable success in the 1970s, producing hit songs like “Band on the Run” and “Live and Let Die.”
Reflecting on their time in Wings, Paul still feels a sense of awe regarding Linda’s vocal talent. He noted, “When I listen to music and hear the beautiful harmonies coming out of Linda… Wait a minute, I don’t think there was any autotune. She loved to sing without formal training. Her style wasn’t operatic or bluesy, but I loved her voice.”
Tragically, Linda passed away in 1998 after battling breast cancer, having spent nearly 30 years together. Paul remembered the profound grief he experienced, saying, “I think I cried off and on for about a year.” He felt a deep sense of loss, realizing how accustomed he had grown to her presence in his daily life.
The couple’s eldest daughter, Mary, followed her mother’s path in photography, while Stella became a recognized fashion designer. Interestingly, Stella labeled herself as “one of the first Nepobabies” in a recent interview, which stirred some conversation.
Their son, James, is now pursuing music and collaborated with Sean Lennon on a song titled “Primrose Hill.” Additionally, Paul has a daughter named Beatrice with his second wife, Heather Mills, and he is stepfather to Linda’s daughter, Heather, from her previous relationship.
