At 80 years old, Rod Stewart — the legendary voice behind classics like “Maggie May” and “Sailing” — remains as candid as ever. With a career spanning decades and a personal life as storied as his music, Stewart is now opening up about the loves he let slip away and the challenges of being a father to eight children across multiple generations.

“I can’t look back without a bit of regret,” he shared in a heartfelt interview. “I’ve loved deeply, sometimes foolishly, but always sincerely.”

The Three Loves He Says He Let Go Too Soon

Despite finding happiness with his wife Penny Lancaster, Stewart admits that three past relationships still weigh on his heart:

• Dee Harrington — “Dee was pure warmth,” he said of the model he dated in the early 1970s. At the height of rising fame, Stewart admits he didn’t yet understand the value of stability.
• Alana Hamilton — His first wife and mother of two of his children, Kimberly and Sean. “We were fire and gasoline,” he reflected. “I wasn’t ready to be a proper husband.”
• Kelly Emberg — The model and mother of his daughter Ruby. Stewart confessed this breakup still lingers in his mind. “I thought I needed something different. What I really needed was maturity.”

  

A Music Legend, But a Father First

Beyond romance, Stewart lights up when speaking of his eight children, whose ages range from early childhood to their fifties. While he expresses pride in all of them, he shared one candid concern.

“Probably Sean,” he said of his 43-year-old son. “He’s got my wild streak — that restless energy, that need to prove himself. I see myself in him, and I know how easily that fire can burn you.”

Today, Stewart says family brings him more fulfillment than any standing ovation ever could.

“I used to think success was chart positions and applause. Now it’s watching my kids grow up happy and decent. That’s the real hit.”

A Life of Lessons and Love Songs Yet to Come

Looking back, Stewart acknowledges the mistakes, the unforgettable highs, and the lessons learned.

“You can’t rewrite history. But you can be honest about it — and try to be better next time.”

With a smile and his trademark charm, he added one final thought:

“I can’t look back too long — it’s all part of the ride. I’ve loved, I’ve lost, and I’ve learned. And I’ve still got a few good love songs left in me.”

A lifetime of music, memories, and heart — Rod Stewart continues to live, love, and sing with the honesty that made him an icon.