Linda Ronstadt, the famous singer, had her life turned upside down when she became unable to sing because of a disease.
Even though Parkinson’s disease ended her singing career, her family stays close to her, and she treasures the legacy she built.
Choosing not to marry, she focused on her passions, her adopted children, and a career that made her one of the most influential voices in rock and roll.
Here’s everything about her.
Linda Ronstadt Quick Facts
| Wiki and Bio | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Linda Maria Ronstadt |
| Nick Name | Linda Ronstadt |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Musician |
| Famous as | One of the highest-paid rock and roll singers of the ’70s and ’80s |
| Age | 78 years old. |
| Date of Birth | July 15, 1946 |
| Birthplace/Hometown | Tucson, Arizona, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Gender | Female |
| Ethnicity | Mexican-American (German, English, Mexican roots) |
| Religion | Update soon |
| Sun Sign (Zodiac Sign) | Cancer |
| Height (in feet) | 5 feet 3 inches |
| Height (in centimeters) | 160 cm |
| Weight (in pounds) | 148 lbs |
| Weight (in kilograms) | 67 kg |
| Body Measurements (in inches) | 37-29-38 (estimated based on weight and height) |
| Body Measurements (in centimeters) | 94-74-97 cm |
| Shoe Size in US | 7 (estimated based on height and weight) |
| Tattoo Details | No known tattoos |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Parents | Gilbert Ronstadt (Father), Ruth Mary (Mother) |
| Siblings | Three (Two older, one younger) |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Dating History | Jerry Brown, Jim Carrey, George Lucas |
| Partner | None |
| Children | Two (Adopted: Mary Clementine, Carlos Ronstadt) |
| Highest Qualification | Update soon |
| School | Update soon |
| Alma Mater | Update soon |
| Hobbies & Favorites | Music, Writing, Family Traditions |
| Favorite Celebrities | Update soon |
| Dream Holiday | Update soon |
| Favorite Color | Update soon |
| Interests | Music, Writing, Cooking, Family History |
| Net Worth | $130 million |
| Salary & Earnings | Update soon |
| Update soon | |
| Update soon |
Is Linda Ronstadt Still Alive?
Yes, Linda Ronstadt is alive, but her health has worsened.
In 2012, doctors diagnosed Linda with Parkinson’s disease, which made her lose control over her muscles and her vocal muscles. It got to the point where she could not even sing in the shower.
By the time she retired, Linda used poles to walk on uneven ground and traveled in a wheelchair.
At that time, she said she had likely suffered from Parkinson’s disease for years because she felt tremors in her hand and had trouble controlling her throat muscles while singing.
She then shared the sad news:
“No one can sing with Parkinson’s disease. No matter how hard you try.”
In 2019, doctors examined her condition further and revealed that she also has a type of parkinsonism called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
This condition removed her normal fine motor skills, so she cannot type on a computer or play the piano.
She also said that no specific medication exists for her condition, which forces her to stay at home most of the time.
Moving around or getting up from a chair troubles her, so she meets with her friends at home.
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Linda Ronstadt Married, Husband
It turns out that Linda has never married.
Some celebrities rest after their marriages end, but that is not the case with Ronstadt.
The 78-year-old singer has never married, and according to her, that is not a big deal.
In an interview, Linda said that she never felt the need to get married.
She admitted that others might need a spouse, but she never felt that desire.
The main reason Ronstadt never married shows her choice to live life on her own terms.
She said, “I didn’t need to get married. I’m not sure that anybody needs to get married. If they do, I’m on their side. But I never needed to get married. I had my own life.”
Ronstadt makes it clear that she never doubted her decision not to have a husband, and she does not regret it now.
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Linda Ronstadt and Jerry Brown’s Romance
Even though she never married, Linda had some romantic affairs in the past.
As a late ’70s diva, Linda attracted a lot of attention.
One admirer was Jerry Brown, the former Governor of California.
Ronstadt and Jerry met at an event and quickly became close.
However, complications delayed the public announcement of their relationship.
After they met for the first time in the mid-’70s, their relationship later became public.
By the late ’70s, everyone knew about the affair.
They loved each other, but Ronstadt and Brown ended their relationship in the early ’80s.
Jerry later married his girlfriend of over ten years, Anne Gust, in 2005, and the couple now lives together.
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Linda Ronstadt and Jim Carrey Romance
After ending her relationship with Jerry Brown, Linda dated someone from her field.
Early in 1983, Linda began dating the famous comedian and actor Jim Carrey.
However, the relationship lasted less than a year, and by late 1983, Linda and Jim went their separate ways.
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Engaged to George Lucas
Soon after ending her relationship with Jim Carrey, Linda began dating another man, George Walton Lucas Jr.
George Lucas is a well-known American director, producer, and businessman.
After dating for just a couple of months, she and Lucas became engaged.
Their engagement happened quickly, but that did not matter.
However, Linda and George never married.
For unknown reasons, Ronstadt and Lucas ended their engagement.
After parting ways with Lucas, Linda started a new chapter in her life.
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Linda Ronstadt Children
Even though Ronstadt never felt the need to marry, she did want a family.
So, Linda chose to adopt children.
In 1990, Linda adopted a baby girl named Mary Clementine and began raising her. As of today, Mary is 35 years old.
That marked the first time Linda became a parent, though in an unusual way.
Four years later, Linda wanted to give her daughter a sibling and adopted a baby boy named Carlos Ronstadt.
As of today, Carlos is 29 years old.
Carlos lives with Linda in her San Francisco home, while Mary, now married, lives elsewhere.
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Ronstadt’s Age, Bio, Career
Linda Ronstadt’s parents, Gilbert Ronstadt and Ruth Mary, had her on July 15, 1946, in Tucson, Arizona.
Ronstadt is currently 78 years old.
She has three siblings—two older and one younger.
Her father’s diverse background, including German, English, and mostly Mexican roots, contributed to her mixed ethnic heritage.
Growing up in a Mexican-American family, Ronstadt absorbed Mexican music from a very young age.
Because her childhood was full of music, she clearly drew inspiration from it.
At 14, Ronstadt began singing with her siblings at coffee houses, fraternity houses, and other venues.
She later formed a trio called The Stone Poneys.
This continued until 1969 when Linda started a solo career and released her first album, Hand Sown Home Grown.
At the peak of her career, she became the highest-paid woman in rock and roll.
Unfortunately, her career ended unexpectedly.
In 2000, Linda began having trouble singing, but she kept it hidden until things became severe.
By 2009, Linda could not sing, which forced her to retire.
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Linda’s Family Legacy
Linda grew up in a family that valued singing and music.
Her great-grandfather, Fred, who moved from Hanover, Germany to Mexico in the 1840s, loved music and played the flute and clarinet.
After moving from Mexico to Tucson, Fred helped start the city’s first civic orchestra.
Similarly, all the women in her family learned to play the piano.
Fred also owned a Martin guitar that he gave to Linda’s father, Gilbert.
Although Gilbert never worked in music professionally, he sang constantly.
Linda recalls that her father sang memorable lullabies to her and her siblings.
When Linda moved to L.A., Gilbert gave her the family guitar.
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Linda Ronstadt Net Worth
Linda, one of the highest-paid rock and roll singers of the ’70s and ’80s, built a large fortune.
She currently has a net worth of $130 million.
Her career allowed her to earn such a large sum.
Ronstadt has won 11 Grammy Awards, one Emmy Award, and two Academy of Country Music Awards.
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Linda’s Book “Feels Like Home”
Linda recently finished and published her memoir, titled “Feels Like Home: A Song for the Sonoran Borderlands,” on October 4, 2022.
In her previous memoir, “Simple Dreams,” Linda told the story of her rise to fame and her career.
In this memoir, Linda writes about her childhood, her great-grandparents, her ancestry, family traditions, and even shares some recipes.
“Feels Like Home” draws readers into Linda’s life, making them feel part of it.
She discusses how music has been part of her family for generations, her reason for pursuing music, and her personal challenges—from career highs and lows to facing racism.
You can buy the book from Heyday Books’ website.
How can I send Linda a letter?
I have watched and listened to MS Ronstadt since the Stone Ponies. I saw he performance in “Pirates” on Broadway in NYC. In my opinion she is the finest female singer this country ever produced, extraordinary in so many venues.
I wish her well.
Hi Linda! Just wanted to let you know that we still listen to your music . your music found it’s way all the way to Nova Scotia Canada I still enjoy it so much. your beautiful voice will go on through your recordings. and I must tell you that I think you are a beautiful lady in every way. my sister an d I were talking about you no long ago, all good things. I was watching some of your videos just last night. a beautiful lady with a beautiful voice. Love you and wish you very best of everything .never forgotten. may God be with you, always.
I wish to meet Ms. Ronstadt please let me know if this is possible. I have been a great fan for years. It’s very important!
I was blown away by her voice and life story tonight. She did it all. My wife and I watched the entire story and loved all of it. I want to hear more of her music.
I know; Linda could sing ANYTHING! xoxo I grew up with you, Linda, and I miss you!
Gee, an I erase my comment. I really didn’t need to say that and have my email out there. ;0
i was a musician pro for a long time worked with many famous groups in th 60 70 80 90s every chance i get i watch the beautiful talented Linda Ronstadt on dvds i wish i had the joy to work with her never did came close once in 1976. i still love her always will be my girl singer
In 1969 I went to a big concert near Los Angeles in a stadium setting. I wnt to see a group called Vanilla Fudge The other grouops were Skaka Khan, the Bee Gees and the Sone Ponys. I left there with one thought on my mind ” who the heck was that singer with the Ponys?’ she sang ” Buddy can you spare me a dime” from the depression era. It stayed with me the rest of my life. I have most of her albums. So did my dad.
William
I once saw a special on HBO where she sang a lullaby in Spanish and it was absolutely beautiful. I would love to hear it again but have no idea of the name. Help!!!!
Also a Cancer, I’ll be 60 in July. I miss Linda. She was so present in my youth and how I wish I could get ger advice for how to navigate the years (hopefully) to come. I was always that lone wolf suffering from the delusion it was living on my own terms. I have to take full responsibility for the lack of community I now experience, it’s indescribably desolating but I take full responsibility. I was always a good, supportive and dedicated friend, to a fault. I thought the withdrawl at the end of the day was for space. Now I know we are not meant to be alone but some part of a community. I wasn’t prepared for the deafening lonliness and solitude. When it started? I thought it would get easier. Wrong. I was also always helping friends with children and I couldn’t bare the kids going without so I just kept helping, Now, at 60, after working like a dog since I was a young teenager, I have no financial freedom or choices, It went to beautiful little brown babies who I wanted to keep out of the horrific channeling these kids get caught in and then just channeled into a medieval system that dictates a vortex into the penal system. I’ve seen it, over and over again. so now I just want affordable safe housing where maybe I can have a little dog and a flower bed. I just want advice from more resourceful people.
Linda was one of the best she was a brilliant singer and a serious thoughtful person. As someone growing up in Ireland it was great listening to her music , I just hope her life is blessed with beautiful people and creative ideas and all that comes from a life well lived. Raymond Fulton
If Linda ever needs a “Care Giver” I’ll be first in line to volunteer. I was always in awe of her singing.
LINDA YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY MIND YOUR TALAENT NO ONE CAN REPLACE YES I WAS WITH ALOT OF BIG ROCK GROUPS IN THE 60 70 80 90S I WISH YOU THE BEST ALWAYS I WATCH YOU ON UTUBE EVERY NIGHT THISE WERE THE DAYS AS THEY SAY
I grew up in Tucson and I remember Linda Ronstadt at a catholic girl’s school that I went to in grade school. She stood out to me because she was sweet to everyone and always smiling. Later on, when I was at the University of Arizona, my cousin told me about her performing with with the Stone Pony group. We went and I knew she was going to be a hit. She was great! What a voice.
Happy birthday Linda! I have many of your songs on iPhone. Enjoy them everyday. Thank you! Hope all is well with you and family. George Rollins. Apache Junction, Az
I’m watching Linda’s Whistle Test concert on BBC 4 from 1976 … an inspiration then and now!
My husband saw her when she was Neil Diamonds opening in Anaheim CA in 70s. Her vocal range is amazing and I have all her albums. My husband also had Parkinson’s. He loved listening your music
I had 3 posters in my room growing up. Albert Einstein, Farrah Faucet, and Linda Ronstadt roller skating (the last two actually put up by my Mom!)
I have about 20 albums/cds of Linda. Fantastic artist. I wonder if she has real friends these days. I hope so. I think celebrities sometimes lack real friends. Anyway I have a few concerts where her energy and charisma shine through. Good luck to her.
And I think I’m gonna love her for a long, long time
I never got to see her in person, but wanted to, so bad! She’s my all time favorite and I sing her songs. I’m also 76, and don’t get to “karaoke “, anymore, but my warmup song was and will forever be; When Will I Be Loved”. I would go to her, if allowed and sing it for her. I love her❤️
From ‘Different Drum” to Mariachi. From traditional music to Big Bands and ballads. Linda you were a bright spot in my world of music I listened to. I’ve lived in Tucson for the past 50 years and I feel a essence in the desert and the solitude of Mission San Xavier.
God bless you.
A beautiful soul that had a beautiful voice. I adore her.
Hi Linda, I hope you are still in good health, and your hearing is still O.K. I have some very important information for you. This information is about a new opera in which you sing the songs for female voice, and a male singer (name withheld at present) sings the songs for male voice. Because the information about this opera is secret, I need you to write a letter to me and send that letter to my postal address. Thanks in anticipation. Colin Smith. My postal address is: Colin Smith, 100 Wilton Road, Wilton, Wellington, New Zealand.
Hi Linda, I live in Wellington, New Zealand. I’m definitely a fan of yours. Now here is some information for you that you should be interested in: I have created a new opera. This opera contains YOU singing some of your songs, and another (male) singer singing some of his songs. When your songs and his songs are put together in a certain way, they tell a story, as in an opera. My new opera has been named Linda Ronstadt and ?? ?? ?? sing “The Praises Of Love . . . A Modern Opera”. I want to get a copy of this new opera to you urgently.
I blew out the right channel on my 500watt power amp listening to ~you’re no good~ last week…yeaaa we have ALOT of Ronstadt stuff out there to listen and watch…she was verrry public but also verrry private…miss here making new music…God Bless our little Songbird may you find peace…xoxoxo
Hi Linda,
I have created a new music CD. This CD contains many of your songs and many songs sung by a famous male singer—name withheld at the moment (while I work on the copyright).
I want to give you a copy of this CD when it is on the market.
I need your address so that I can send you a copy of this new music CD. I am certain this music CD will delight you.
Dear Linda,
You have given me so much sublime pleasure, listening to your records. I think I have them all. “Winter Light” is my personal favorite. In it, you cover the spectrum of emotions with joy and tenderness. The quality of your voice is unparalleled. You are the best singer I’ve ever heard. My sister, also named Linda, suffered from an illness (PSP) similar to yours, and like you accepted her situation and continued to live with dignity and grace. She loved you, as I do. I also admire your independence. Thank you for your music and your presence in the world. You’ve made the world a better, freer, more beautiful place. May the Great Spirit bless you. Sincerely, Greg
Linda Ronstadt is the greatest singer I’ve ever heard. May she find joy in all the beauty and grace she’s given the world.