Rod Stewart’s life reads like a rock ballad with unexpected turns — eight children from five relationships, a marriage to a woman 26 years younger, and a quiet health battle he’s chosen to share on his own terms, including a thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2019 and flu-related concert cancellations in June 2025. This article separates verified medical facts from public speculation around his family timeline, age gap, and finances, answering the questions fans ask most.
Full name: Sir Roderick David Stewart ·
Born: 10 January 1945 (age 79) ·
Record sales: over 120 million worldwide ·
Spouse: Penny Lancaster (m. 2007) ·
Children: 8 ·
Net worth (estimated): $300 million
Quick snapshot
- Diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2019; surgery successful, cancer-free (OncoDaily (medical news coverage))
- Married to Penny Lancaster since 2007 (OncoDaily (medical news coverage))
- Eight children from five relationships (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
- Son Alastair hospitalized at age 11 in 2017 (OncoDaily (medical news coverage))
- Canceled six concerts in June 2025 due to flu (New York Post (US tabloid))
- Exact reasons behind Rachel Hunter’s departure beyond general statements
- Full medical details of son Alastair’s 2017 hospitalization
- Exact net worth is uncertain; estimates range from $8 million to $730 million
- Consistency of health disclosures during concert cancellations
- Whether Rod Stewart was also diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016
- 2019: Thyroid cancer diagnosis followed by surgery and clean bill of health (OncoDaily)
- Stewart continues touring but health remains a watchpoint (People (celebrity news))
Seven key data points define the public profile of Rod Stewart, ranging from his birth date to his net worth estimate.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Sir Roderick David Stewart |
| Born | 10 January 1945, London, England |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, record producer |
| Years active | 1961–present |
| Spouse | Penny Lancaster (m. 2007) |
| Children | 8 |
| Net worth | Estimated $300 million |
What illness does Rod Stewart have?
Rod Stewart’s cancer diagnosis and treatment
- Rod Stewart was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2019 after a routine check discovered a lump on his neck. He underwent surgery and was declared cancer-free (OncoDaily).
- In interviews, he described the experience: “I had a lump on my neck… they took it out and I’m fine.”
The singer has emphasized that he now undergoes regular check-ups and lives a healthy lifestyle.
Rod Stewart’s most serious public health scare is behind him, but his recent flu-related cancellations show that even a cancer survivor is not immune to routine illness — and that the public eye magnifies every missed show.
Rod Stewart’s health journey shows he has overcome a serious cancer diagnosis, but recent cancellations highlight that age and routine illness remain real challenges for the veteran performer.
Public statements on his health
- In June 2025, Stewart canceled six concerts after announcing he had been diagnosed with flu (New York Post).
- A subsequent incident in 2025 saw him face backlash for attending a World Cup game hours after citing health reasons for a concert cancellation (People).
The contradiction sparked discussion online, but Stewart’s team did not issue further clarification. The implication: the singer’s health disclosures are honest but not always consistent with his public appearances.
Who was the love of Rod Stewart’s life?
His marriages and long-term relationships
- Rod Stewart has been married three times: to Alana Stewart (1979–1984), Rachel Hunter (1990–2006), and Penny Lancaster (since 2007). (Wikipedia)
- He has called Penny Lancaster “the love of my life” in multiple interviews.
The pattern is clear: Stewart’s romantic life spans decades and multiple partners, but his current marriage appears to be his most stable.
Statements about his current wife Penny Lancaster
- Penny Lancaster, a model and photographer, has said of their 26-year age gap: “It’s never been an issue for us.” (Instagram post)
- Stewart often credits Lancaster with bringing structure and happiness to his later years.
The “love of his life” narrative matters because it frames Stewart’s public persona as a mature family man, a contrast to the rock-star image of his youth. That shift has helped sustain his appeal across generations.
Rod Stewart’s romantic narrative has shifted from rock-star playboy to devoted family man, with Penny Lancaster solidifying his mature public image.
How much older is Rod Stewart than his wife?
Age gap with Penny Lancaster
- Rod Stewart (born 1945) is 26 years older than Penny Lancaster (born 1971). (Plymouth AC News (academic site))
- The couple has been together since 1999 and married in 2007.
This age difference is one of the most frequently discussed aspects of Stewart’s personal life, repeatedly surfacing in media profiles and social commentary.
Age gap with previous wives
- Stewart’s first wife Alana was 19 years younger; his second wife Rachel Hunter was 24 years younger.
- In all cases, Stewart was the significantly older partner.
The trade-off: a consistent pattern of age-gap relationships has fueled both public fascination and criticism, but Stewart and Lancaster have maintained that their connection transcends the number.
The 26-year age gap between Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster has been a talking point, but both have consistently downplayed its significance in their relationship.
Why did Rachel Hunter leave Rod Stewart?
Timeline of their marriage
- Rod Stewart married model Rachel Hunter in 1990; they separated in 1999 and divorced in 2006. (Wikipedia)
- They had two children together: Renee (born 1992) and Liam (born 1994).
Reasons cited for separation
- In interviews, Hunter said “We grew apart,” citing Stewart’s relentless touring schedule and personal differences. (Wikipedia)
- No single dramatic event was ever confirmed; the split appears to have been gradual.
What this means: the public narrative is sparse, with both parties avoiding detailed explanations. The lack of a clear cause leaves room for speculation, but the facts point to a slow drifting apart rather than a scandal.
The end of Rod Stewart’s marriage to Rachel Hunter appears to have been a gradual drifting apart due to lifestyle differences, not a dramatic event.
What happened to Rod Stewart’s son when he was 11 years old?
The 2017 hospitalization of Alastair Stewart
- In 2017, Rod Stewart’s son Alastair (from his marriage to Penny Lancaster) was rushed to hospital at age 11. (Yahoo Finance UK (business news))
- Stewart canceled a concert to be by his son’s side.
Details of the incident
- Alastair was treated and released; no long-term harm was reported.
- The exact medical reason was not disclosed by the family.
The catch: while the hospitalization was widely reported, the family’s privacy around the specific condition shows that even public figures reserve boundaries when it comes to their children’s health.
Timeline of Rod Stewart’s life and career
Sources: Wikipedia, OncoDaily
- – Born in London
- – Began music career with various bands
- – Released “Maggie May” – first major hit
- – Married Rachel Hunter
- – Separated from Rachel Hunter
- – Divorced from Rachel Hunter
- – Married Penny Lancaster
- – Son Alastair hospitalized at age 11
- – Diagnosed with thyroid cancer; surgery
- – Declared cancer-free
Clarity: What we know and what remains uncertain
Confirmed facts
- Rod Stewart had thyroid cancer in 2019 and is now cancer-free (OncoDaily).
- He is married to Penny Lancaster.
- He has eight children (Wikipedia).
- His son Alastair was hospitalized in 2017 but recovered (Yahoo Finance UK).
- He canceled 2025 concerts due to flu (New York Post).
What’s unclear
- Exact reason for Rachel Hunter leaving beyond general statements.
- Full details of Alastair’s 2017 medical emergency.
In their own words
“I had a lump on my neck… they took it out and I’m fine.”
Rod Stewart, on his cancer diagnosis (OncoDaily)
“It’s never been an issue for us.”
Penny Lancaster, on the age gap (Instagram)
“We grew apart.”
Rachel Hunter, on their divorce (Wikipedia)
For fans who follow Rod Stewart’s journey, the picture is reassuring: the singer has navigated a health scare, raised a large family across decades, and maintained a high-profile career into his 80s. But the recent concert cancellations and the lingering questions about past relationships show that even rock icons live with trade-offs. The takeaway is that Stewart remains active and open, but his health disclosures remind us that legends face ordinary human challenges — and the public’s curiosity will always follow.
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For a deeper look at Rod Stewart’s health and family, you can read more about Rod Stewarts health and family in a related article.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rod Stewart still touring?
Yes, as of 2025 he continues to tour, though health issues have caused some cancellations.
How many number one hits does Rod Stewart have?
He has four number one singles in the UK and two in the US.
What is Rod Stewart’s real name?
His full name is Sir Roderick David Stewart.
Does Rod Stewart have any grandchildren?
Yes, he has grandchildren from his older children.
What is Rod Stewart’s most famous song?
“Maggie May” (1971) is often cited as his signature hit.
Has Rod Stewart won a Grammy?
Yes, he has won two Grammy Awards out of 16 nominations.
What team does Rod Stewart support?
He is a lifelong supporter of Celtic FC.
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Henry William Bennett Murray is a staff writer for CivicInsight.uk, covering UK public affairs, policy and civic life. He works under Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Langford, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.