When you think of Barbara Eden, your brain probably goes straight to that pink chiffon harem outfit and a puff of pink smoke. It’s hard not to. But while the world was busy watching her blink a NASA astronaut’s problems away, her real-life romantic history was a lot more complicated—and eventually, a lot more stable—than any sitcom script. Honestly, the most surprising thing about Barbara Eden and husband Jon Eicholtz isn't just that they’ve been together for over three decades; it’s how they managed to build something so normal in the middle of a town that thrives on the opposite.
The Architect of Her Happiest Chapter
People often assume she’s still married to Michael Ansara, her first husband who actually appeared on I Dream of Jeannie a few times (he played the Blue Djinn, among others). But that marriage ended way back in the 70s. After a shorter, second marriage to a Chicago exec named Charles Fegert, Eden finally met Jon Eicholtz.
They got married in January 1991.
Think about that for a second. 1991. That’s before the internet was a thing for most of us. They tied the knot at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, and unlike her previous marriages to men in the high-stress bubbles of acting or advertising, Jon was an architect and real estate developer.
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There’s something about that career choice that seems to have grounded her. While Barbara was traveling for theater tours or making appearances, Jon was the steady presence. He wasn't competing for the spotlight. You’ll often see them together at events—like the Make-A-Wish Galas or the PRISM Awards—and he’s usually the one smiling in the background while she glows in red.
Why the Marriage to Jon Eicholtz Actually Stuck
It wasn't always easy. Living with a legend is a lot of pressure. But Eden has been pretty open about why this one worked when the others didn't.
- Mutual Independence: Jon has his own career. He wasn't "Mr. Barbara Eden." He was a successful architect.
- The "Shoes" Philosophy: Barbara once told Closer Weekly that her secret is simple: you have to walk in the other person’s shoes. Basically, empathy over ego.
- The Shared Grief: This is the heavy part. In 2001, Barbara lost her only son, Matthew Ansara, to a drug overdose. It’s the kind of tragedy that tears most marriages apart. Jon was the one standing by her side at the funeral, literally holding her up.
A lot of Hollywood couples split when things get that dark. Instead, they leaned into their life together at their home in Beverly Hills.
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Life at Home in 2026
You might think a 94-year-old icon would be slowing down, but Barbara is still incredibly active. She and Jon share their life with a Labradoodle named Bentley. If you follow her on social media, you’ve probably seen the dog. They live a life that’s surprisingly low-key for a TV immortal. They go to dinner at local steakhouses in Beverly Hills, they host family, and they just... exist.
The Men Who Came Before Jon
To understand why her current marriage is such a big deal, you have to look at the "Before" picture.
Michael Ansara (1958–1974)
This was the big one. He was a major star in his own right, known for Broken Arrow. They were a Hollywood power couple. But the industry is brutal. The pressures of fame, combined with the heartbreak of a late-term pregnancy loss before Matthew was born, put a massive strain on them. They stayed friends until he passed away in 2013, which says a lot about Barbara’s character.
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Charles Fegert (1977–1982)
This was a bit of a whirlwind. Fegert was a high-powered advertising executive for the Chicago Sun-Times. It was a different world for her—Chicago, big business, a different pace. It lasted about five years, but it never seemed to have the "roots" that her relationship with Jon has.
Addressing the Rumors
Did she ever date Larry Hagman?
Nope.
People always want to believe that Jeannie and Major Nelson were a thing in real life. Honestly, they were just best friends. She’s gone on record dozens of times saying they had a "neat" chemistry but it was purely professional and platonic. Larry was married to his wife Maj for decades. When Larry was struggling with his demons on set, Barbara was his protector, not his girlfriend.
How to Apply the "Eden Method" to Your Own Life
If we're looking for actionable takeaways from a woman who has navigated three marriages and 70 years in show business, it comes down to these three things:
- Marry the person who supports your "bottle." Jon never tried to make Barbara stop being Barbara Eden. He supported her independence.
- Don't marry your twin. Her most successful marriage was with someone outside the acting bubble. Sometimes you need a different perspective to stay sane.
- Empathy is a skill. That "walking in their shoes" comment wasn't just a Hallmark card sentiment. It’s a deliberate choice to stop an argument before it starts.
Barbara Eden and her husband Jon Eicholtz are a rarity. In an industry where marriages are often measured in months, they’ve managed to turn decades into a masterclass on how to survive fame with your heart intact.
To keep your own long-term relationships healthy, focus on building a life that exists outside of your "work" persona. Whether you're a TV star or a teacher, having a partner who sees the human—not the job—is the only way to make it last 34 years and counting.