Rod Stewart just turned 81. Let that sink in for a second. While most people his age are content with a quiet garden or a crossword puzzle, the "Maggie May" singer is currently zig-zagging across the globe on his "One Last Time" tour. Honestly, it’s kind of exhausting just looking at his itinerary.
But it’s not just the music or the leopard print that keeps people talking. It’s the personal stuff. Specifically, the fascination with rod stewart age wife Penny Lancaster and how a rock star notorious for his "blonde preference" finally settled down. Their relationship has become a bit of a benchmark for celebrity marriages, even as rumors of rifts and the reality of aging start to creep into the tabloids.
The Numbers: Rod Stewart’s Age and the Penny Lancaster Connection
Sir Rod was born on January 10, 1945. As of early 2026, he’s officially 81 years old. His wife, Penny Lancaster, is 54. That 27-year age gap used to be the main talking point back when they first started dating in 1999, but 27 years later, they’re still standing.
They met because of a dare, basically. Penny was a photography student, and she was encouraged to go and take a picture of him. They’ve been married since 2007, tying the knot in a gorgeous ceremony in Portofino, Italy. It’s his longest marriage by a long shot.
What’s interesting is how Penny has carved out her own identity. She’s not just "the wife." She’s a Special Constable with the City of London Police. You might have seen her on duty during Queen Elizabeth’s funeral or King Charles’ coronation. Imagine getting pulled over by Rod Stewart’s wife. Sorta surreal, right?
The "Rift" Rumors and the Reality of 81
Lately, the headlines haven't been all sunshine and roses. In late 2025 and into early 2026, reports surfaced suggesting some tension. The core of the issue? Rod’s refusal to slow down. Penny has been vocal about wanting him to spend more time at their home in Essex, especially now that he’s hit 80.
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Rod, being Rod, isn’t having it. He recently told The Times that he’ll never retire. He feels he was "put on this earth to be a singer."
This creates a relatable, if high-profile, domestic struggle. On one hand, you have a wife concerned about her husband's health and wanting to enjoy their "golden years." On the other, you have a man whose entire identity is wrapped up in the stage.
- Age: 81 (Born Jan 10, 1945)
- Wife: Penny Lancaster (Married 2007)
- Children with Penny: Alastair (20) and Aiden (14)
- Current Activity: "One Last Time" World Tour (Extended through August 2026)
A Blended Family Like No Other
You can't talk about Rod Stewart's life without mentioning the sheer scale of his family. He has eight children with five different women. It sounds like a recipe for a reality TV disaster, but somehow, they make it work.
Penny has been the glue for a long time. She’s admitted in recent interviews, like her 2025 appearance on the BBC, that being a stepmother to grown adults was incredibly daunting at first. She had to learn when to step back and when to be present.
The lineup is legendary:
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- Sarah Streeter (62): Given up for adoption as a teen, now reconnected.
- Kimberly (46) and Sean (45): From his first marriage to Alana Stewart.
- Ruby (38): From his relationship with Kelly Emberg.
- Renee (33) and Liam (31): From his marriage to Rachel Hunter.
- Alastair (20) and Aiden (14): With Penny.
In May 2024, the whole clan showed up in Croatia for Liam’s wedding. Seeing all eight kids in one photo is rare, but it happens. Rod’s even a grandfather now—several times over—with grandchildren like Delilah, Otis, Louie, and little Elsie, who arrived in 2025.
Health and 100-Meter Sprints
People worry about Rod. He’s had thyroid cancer in the past and a bout with prostate cancer that he kept secret for years. More recently, he’s had to cancel shows due to the flu and COVID-19.
But he’s obsessed with fitness. He has a private track at his home where he’s been trying to break the 100-meter sprint record for an 80-year-old. He’s currently clocking in around 19 seconds but wants to hit 17.
He also does this weird "brick training" in his pool. His trainer throws a brick in, and Rod has to dive down, push it to the other end, and come up. He says Frank Sinatra told him that lung power is the secret to a long career. If it worked for Ol' Blue Eyes, who are we to argue?
Is the "One Last Time" Tour Actually the End?
The tour name suggests a farewell, but Rod has been "retiring" from rock and roll for years. He’s moving toward more "swing" music—his collaboration with Jools Holland, Swing Fever, hit Number 1 in the UK recently.
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The 2026 tour dates take him everywhere from Las Vegas to Cleveland. He’s playing the "Legend" slot at festivals and selling out arenas. It seems the "rod stewart age wife" dynamic is currently defined by a balance: he stays on the road to stay young, and she stays in London (or on the road with him) to keep him grounded.
What This Means for Fans
If you’re looking to catch Sir Rod in 2026, here’s the deal:
- Check the schedule: He has dates confirmed through August 2026, including stops in Phoenix, Hollywood, and New York.
- Expect a "Hits" show: He’s focusing on the big ones—"Stay With Me," "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy," and "Forever Young."
- Health is the wild card: While he’s fit, an 81-year-old on tour is always a risk for last-minute rescheduling. Always get the ticket insurance.
Ultimately, the story of Rod Stewart’s age and his marriage to Penny isn't just celebrity gossip. It’s a pretty fascinating look at how to grow old without actually "becoming" old. He’s still got the hair, still got the voice (mostly), and definitely still has the energy to cause a bit of a stir.
To stay updated on tour changes or new music releases, following Sir Rod's official Instagram is your best bet, as that’s where he (or his team) posts those "Sorry, I've got the flu" or "Look at my new whiskey" updates.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Verify Tour Dates: Only buy tickets through official venues like Live Nation or RodStewart.com to avoid the rampant resale scams appearing in 2026.
- Health Watch: If you have tickets for a multi-night residency (like Vegas), try to book the first night; vocal fatigue often leads to cancellations of the later shows in a run.
- Follow Penny Lancaster: For a more "behind-the-scenes" look at their life in Essex and Rod's recovery between tour legs, Penny's social media is often more revealing than the official "Sir Rod" accounts.