If you’ve ever seen him belt out "Delilah" or watched him command a spinning red chair on television, you’ve probably caught yourself wondering exactly how old is Tom Jones now. It’s a fair question. The man moves with a certain gravity that suggests he’s seen it all, yet he possesses a vocal power that puts singers half his age to shame.
Honestly, the numbers are a bit staggering. As of January 2026, Sir Tom Jones is 85 years old. He was born on June 7, 1940. Think about that for a second. When he was a toddler in Pontypridd, Wales, the world was in the thick of World War II. By the time most people are settling into a quiet retirement of gardening and morning talk shows, Sir Tom is headlining world tours and filming international reality hits.
The Math Behind the Legend: Tom Jones in 2026
Age is a funny thing in the entertainment industry. Some stars fade, others reinvent themselves, but Tom Jones sort of... petrifies in a good way. Like a fine oak.
- Current Age: 85 years old (turning 86 in June 2026).
- Decades in Showbiz: Seven. Yes, seven.
- Birth Name: Thomas John Woodward.
He’s lived through the birth of rock and roll, the British Invasion, the disco era, the rise of MTV, and the digital streaming revolution. And he didn't just "live" through them—he charted in almost all of them.
Why People Keep Asking About His Age
It’s not just idle curiosity. People search for his age because they can't quite believe their ears. Most vocalists lose their "top end" or their breath control as they enter their 80s. But if you listen to his 2021 album Surrounded by Time—which, ironically, hit Number 1 in the UK when he was 80, making him the oldest male to ever do so—his baritone is as thick and resonant as ever.
He isn't just a nostalgia act. He’s still a contemporary force.
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How Does an 85-Year-Old Tour the World?
You’d think a man of 85 would want to put his feet up. Not Tom. He’s currently navigating his "Ages and Stages" world tour, which has seen him performing across the UK, Europe, and North America. But he’s been open about the fact that it isn't always easy.
The Bionic Crooner
Sir Tom has basically become part-cyborg to keep the show on the road. He’s had double hip replacement surgery—the left one in 2017 and the right one in 2022. Before the second surgery, he was famously performing while sitting on a stool because the pain was just too much to stand.
"I can do about four songs without sitting," he told the Daily Mail back when his hips were "bone on bone."
Now? He’s back on his feet.
The Bat Cave Therapy
Here is a detail that sounds like a celebrity myth but is actually true: Tom Jones uses inversion therapy. Basically, he hangs upside down like a bat. He’s been doing this for years to decompress his spine and keep his circulation moving. He told The Sun that he plans to keep doing it well into his 90s.
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It's a bit mental, sure. But look at the results.
The Voice UK and Staying Relevant
While the older generation knows him for the tight trousers and the flying knickers of the 1970s, a whole new demographic knows him as "Sir Tom" from The Voice UK. He’s been a staple on that panel since 2012, with only a brief, somewhat controversial hiatus in 2016.
The 2026 series has seen some scheduling shifts, but his presence remains the show's soul. He doesn't just coach; he shares stories about Elvis Presley and Otis Redding like he’s talking about guys he met at the pub last week. Because, well, he was.
Dealing with Loss
It hasn't all been standing ovations. The biggest blow to his "age" wasn't physical; it was the passing of his wife, Linda, in 2016. They were married for 59 years. They were childhood sweethearts who wed when they were just 16.
After she died, many thought Tom would quit. He’s admitted he didn't know if he could sing anymore. But his son, Mark (who also serves as his manager), pushed him back toward the stage. Music became his therapy.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Tom Jones
The biggest misconception is that he’s a "retro" artist.
If you actually look at his recent setlists, he isn't just playing "Sex Bomb" on loop. He’s covering Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Terry Callier. He’s working with producers like Ethan Johns to create moody, atmospheric blues that sound more like Johnny Cash’s "American Recordings" than a Vegas lounge act.
He’s leaning into his age rather than hiding it.
- The Hair: He stopped dyeing it years ago. The silver mane is real.
- The Diet: He’s famously followed the Paleo diet to drop weight and keep his joints healthy.
- The Alcohol: He’s cut back significantly, though he still enjoys a glass of wine.
Practical Lessons from Sir Tom's Longevity
If you're looking at Sir Tom Jones and wondering how to carry that much energy into your 80s, his "secret" is actually pretty transparent.
- Don't stop moving. Whether it's the hips or the "bat-hanging," he refuses to stay stationary.
- Evolve the craft. He doesn't try to sing like a 20-year-old anymore. He sings like a man who has lived 85 years, and that depth is what makes people listen.
- Listen to the doctors. He didn't "tough out" his hip pain; he got the surgery and did the physio.
The answer to how old is Tom Jones now is 85, but the reality is that he’s arguably in one of the most creatively fertile periods of his entire life.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to experience the current "version" of Tom Jones, check out his latest live recordings or the Surrounded by Time album. It’s a masterclass in how to age with dignity while still being the loudest person in the room. You can also track his 2026 tour dates through official channels like Live Nation, as he continues to add shows despite being halfway through his ninth decade.