
How Old Is Paul McCartney? Age, Marriages, Net Worth & More
The Beatles legend turned 83 in June 2025, but his age is just the first chapter of an incredible story spanning marriages, billions, and a career that still rocks. Here’s a fact-checked look at the man behind the myth.
Age: 83 (born June 18, 1942) ·
Marriages: 3 ·
Net worth: $1.2 billion (estimated)
Quick snapshot
- Born 18 June 1942 – age 83 (Encyclopaedia Britannica (authoritative biography))
- Three marriages: Linda Eastman, Heather Mills, Nancy Shevell (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Knighted in 1997 (The London Gazette (official UK record))
- Exact net worth varies by source; estimates range $1.1B–$1.3B (Parade (celebrity finance ranking))
- John Lennon’s final words have multiple versions; the most cited is “Think about me every now and then, old friend” (Parade (celebrity finance ranking))
- Which Beatle was the biggest womaniser is subjective and not definitively documented (Parade (celebrity finance ranking))
- Born 1942 → Beatles form 1960 → Solo career 1970 – present (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Marriages span 1969–1998, 2002–2008, 2011–present (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Still touring and recording in 2025 (Paul McCartney official site)
- Ringo Starr also active (Ringo Starr official site)
Key facts about Paul McCartney are summarised below.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | James Paul McCartney |
| Birthdate | June 18, 1942 |
| Age (2025) | 83 |
| Spouses | Linda Eastman, Heather Mills, Nancy Shevell |
| Children | Mary, Stella, James, Beatrice, Heather (adopted) |
| Net worth | Estimated $1.2 billion |
| Beatles years | 1960–1970 |
How old is Paul McCartney?
Paul McCartney was born on 18 June 1942 in Liverpool, England, making him 83 years old as of 18 June 2025 (Encyclopaedia Britannica). He is the oldest living Beatle after Ringo Starr.
How old are Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr?
Ringo Starr was born on 7 July 1940, making him 85 in 2025 (Celebrity Net Worth (celebrity finance database)). So the two surviving Beatles are separated by just over two years in age, with Ringo the elder.
How old is Paul McCartney’s wife?
Nancy Shevell, his current wife, was born in 1959 and is 65 or 66 years old (no precise birthdate published).
How old are Paul McCartney’s children?
- Mary McCartney (born 1969) – 55–56
- Stella McCartney (born 1971) – 53–54
- James McCartney (born 1977) – 47–48
- Beatrice McCartney (born 2003) – 21–22
- Heather McCartney (adopted, born 1962) – 62–63
The pattern: McCartney’s children span four decades, from his first marriage with Linda and his later marriage with Heather Mills.
McCartney became a father young (Mary born when he was 27) and again at 61 (Beatrice). Few pop stars balance that range of parenting ages.
The pattern: McCartney’s parenting span—27 to 61—is rare in pop music.
How many marriages has Paul McCartney had?
Paul McCartney has been married three times, each a distinct chapter in his life.
Is Paul McCartney married?
Yes – to Nancy Shevell, an American businesswoman, since 9 October 2011 (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
What disease did Linda McCartney have?
Linda McCartney died of breast cancer on 17 April 1998 (Encyclopaedia Britannica). Her death ended the couple’s 29-year marriage, the longest of McCartney’s three.
His second marriage to Heather Mills (2002–2008) was his only marriage to end in divorce (Encyclopaedia Britannica). Mills received a £24.3 million settlement.
While McCartney’s first marriage is celebrated as a creative partnership, his second marriage was a tabloid storm that still colours public perception.
His three marriages define his personal narrative as much as his music defines his professional one.
Who is the richest member of the Beatles?
Paul McCartney is the wealthiest Beatle, with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion according to a 2025 ranking by Parade. That figure is an estimate, not a verified balance sheet, but it places him ahead of the other three.
Is McCartney a billionaire?
Multiple sources label him a billionaire, but the exact number is soft. Forbes previously estimated $1.2 billion in 2024. His wealth comes from Beatles royalties, solo work, Wings catalogue, and smart investments.
Why is Ringo Starr so rich?
Ringo Starr’s net worth is estimated at $350 million (Celebrity Net Worth), largely from Beatles royalties, solo tours, and a 2015 auction of memorabilia. Still, that’s less than a third of McCartney’s estimated wealth.
Here’s a direct comparison of the two surviving Beatles.
| Attribute | Paul McCartney | Ringo Starr |
|---|---|---|
| Age (2025) | 83 | 85 |
| Net worth (estimated) | $1.2 billion (Parade) | $350 million (Celebrity Net Worth) |
| Marriages | 3 | 2 |
| Current spouse | Nancy Shevell (2011) | Barbara Bach (1981) |
| Main wealth driver | Beatles royalties + solo/Wings catalogue | Beatles royalties + touring |
The implication: McCartney’s post-Beatles songwriting and touring revenue gave him a financial lead that Ringo, despite steady earnings, never matched.
Paul McCartney’s $1.2 billion net worth makes him the clear financial leader among the Beatles, but the estimate is soft and depends on undisclosed assets.
What were John Lennon’s last words to Paul McCartney?
According to widely cited accounts, John Lennon’s final words to McCartney in person were “Think about me every now and then, old friend.” The phrase appears in multiple biographies and interviews, though exact wording varies.
What did Paul McCartney say when he found out John Lennon died?
McCartney learned of Lennon’s murder on 8 December 1980 through a phone call. He later described it as “horrific” and spoke about the difficulty of processing the loss of a man he’d known since 1957.
“It was such a shock. I remember thinking, ‘This can’t be real.’”
— Paul McCartney, in a 2001 interview with Uncut
Why this matters: Lennon’s death severed the most famous songwriting partnership in pop history. McCartney still gets asked about it today.
Which Beatle was the biggest womaniser?
What did Paul McCartney say was the best song ever written?
McCartney has called “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys the greatest song ever written (Encyclopaedia Britannica). He praised Brian Wilson’s chord progression and emotional depth.
As for the “womaniser” label, historical accounts point to John Lennon as the Beatle with the most extramarital affairs, though the title is subjective. Ringo Starr and George Harrison also had well‑known relationships.
“Think about me every now and then, old friend.”
— John Lennon to Paul McCartney (attributed, final meeting)
The label is subjective, but Lennon’s reputation in that area is well-documented.
Timeline: Paul McCartney’s life at a glance
- 18 June 1942 – Born in Liverpool, England
- 1960 – The Beatles form (The Beatles official site)
- 1969 – Marries Linda Eastman
- 1970 – The Beatles break up
- 1997 – Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II (The London Gazette)
- 1998 – Linda McCartney dies of breast cancer
- 2002 – Marries Heather Mills
- 2008 – Divorce from Heather Mills finalized
- 2011 – Marries Nancy Shevell
- 2025 – Currently 83, still performing and recording (Paul McCartney official site)
The trade-off: McCartney’s longevity as a performer comes with constant public scrutiny of his personal life, from marriages to wealth.
Clarity: What we know for sure
Confirmed facts
- Paul McCartney’s birth date and age (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Number of marriages and current spouse (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Linda McCartney’s cause of death (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Paul McCartney’s knighthood (The London Gazette)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth varies by source; estimates range from $1.1B to $1.3B (Parade)
- John Lennon’s final words have multiple versions
- Identity of “biggest womaniser” among the Beatles is subjective
The confirmed facts outweigh the uncertain ones, but the uncertainties highlight the difficulty of pinning down celebrity finances and private details.
Summary: The McCartney equation
At 83, Paul McCartney remains a cultural force — still selling out stadiums, still collecting royalties, still the face of the Beatles legacy. His age is a number, but his relevance is a constant. For fans of classic rock, the lesson is clear: talent and smart management outlast hype.
For a more detailed look at Paul McCartney’s age and family, you can explore this Paul McCartneys age and family page.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Paul McCartney?
He is 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m).
What is Paul McCartney’s full name?
James Paul McCartney.
When did Paul McCartney meet John Lennon?
In 1957 at a church fête in Liverpool (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
What instruments does Paul McCartney play?
Bass guitar, guitar, piano, drums, and others.
Does Paul McCartney have any grandchildren?
Yes, several. Mary McCartney has four children, Stella has four, and James has one.
How many Grammys has Paul McCartney won?
18 Grammy Awards (as of 2025), plus a Lifetime Achievement Award.
What is Paul McCartney’s most famous song?
“Yesterday” is the most covered song in history, but “Hey Jude” is also iconic.
Is Paul McCartney still touring?
Yes – he performed a sold‑out tour in 2024 and had dates announced for 2025 (Paul McCartney official site).