If you’ve spent any time on the internet or in a pub over the last forty years, you’ve probably heard some version of the wild stories about Sir Rod Stewart’s personal life. The rumors about his sexuality have been around so long they’re basically vintage at this point.
But here is the reality: Rod Stewart is not gay. He’s actually one of the most prolific "ladies' men" in rock history, with a dating record that looks more like a catalog of 20th-century supermodels. Honestly, the confusion usually stems from two very specific things: a nasty urban legend from the 1980s and the fact that he was way ahead of his time when it came to supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
The "Sailors" Rumor That Just Won't Die
You probably know the one. The story goes that Rod had to be rushed to a hospital in San Diego to have his stomach pumped after a supposed encounter with a dozen sailors.
It’s a classic piece of schoolyard folklore. But it is 100% fake.
Rod finally addressed this head-on in his 2012 book, Rod: The Autobiography. He traced the whole thing back to a publicist he had to fire in the late 70s. This guy, Tony Toon, reportedly wanted revenge and planted the story in the press to embarrass Rod.
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"I have never orally pleasured even a solitary sailor, let alone a ship’s worth in one evening," Rod wrote. He was pretty annoyed by it because the rumor was so persistent it actually started affecting his kids at school.
Why People Get Confused: The Killing of Georgie
Part of the reason the "is Rod Stewart gay" question keeps popping up on Google is because of his 1976 hit song, The Killing of Georgie (Part I and II).
At a time when almost nobody in mainstream rock was talking about gay rights, Rod wrote a deeply sympathetic, heartbreaking song about a gay friend who was murdered in New York City. It wasn't just a "liberal" gesture; it was a Top 10 hit that humanized the LGBTQ+ experience for a massive audience.
Rod has often said he was "surrounded by gay men" in the 70s—his manager, his PR guy, and even Long John Baldry, the man who discovered him, were all gay. Because he was so comfortable in those circles and wore flamboyant, androgynous clothes (lots of makeup and spandex), people made assumptions.
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But as he told Katie Couric in a famous interview: "I’m as heterosexual as they come."
A Very Long List of Wives and Partners
If you look at the actual data of Rod’s life, it’s pretty hard to argue with his track record. He’s been married three times and has eight children with five different women.
- Susannah Boffey: His first serious girlfriend in the 60s. They had a daughter, Sarah.
- Alana Stewart: His first wife (1979–1984). They have two kids, Kimberly and Sean.
- Kelly Emberg: A long-term partner in the 80s. They have a daughter, Ruby.
- Rachel Hunter: His second wife (1990–2006). They have two children, Renee and Liam.
- Penny Lancaster: His current wife. They’ve been together since 1999 and married since 2007. They have two sons, Alastair and Aiden.
He’s currently 81 years old (as of early 2026) and by all accounts, he and Penny are still going strong. He even joked in recent years that he doesn't have the "stamina" for the wild lifestyle he used to lead, but he’s never wavered on his identity.
Advocacy in the Modern Era
Rod hasn't just talked the talk; he’s walked it. Recently, he made headlines for turning down a massive payday—reportedly over $1 million—to perform in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
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Why? Because of their human rights records, specifically regarding women and the LGBTQ+ community.
He told The Sunday Times that he couldn't in good conscience go there when so many people have "limited choices." It’s a rare move for a legacy act to turn down that kind of cash, but it shows that his connection to the community (starting with Georgie back in '76) is genuine.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often mistake style for identity. In the 1970s "Glam Rock" era, every guy was wearing eyeliner and sequins. Rod just happened to be better at it than most.
If you're looking for "proof" one way or the other, the evidence is pretty overwhelming. Between the three marriages, the eight kids, and his own repeated denials of the rumors, Rod Stewart is a straight man who just happened to be a very vocal ally during a time when it wasn't cool to be one.
Actionable Insights:
- Check the Source: Most rumors about Rod Stewart’s sexuality trace back to a single disgruntled employee from the 1970s.
- Listen to the Lyrics: If you want to understand his actual relationship with the gay community, listen to The Killing of Georgie. It’s a masterclass in empathy.
- Respect the History: Rod’s androgynous style was a hallmark of the 70s rock scene, not a statement on his private life.