Many accomplished women have chosen to remain unmarried despite having successful careers and fulfilling lives. Whether due to personal choice, past experiences, or a strong sense of independence, these women have proven that marriage is not the only path to happiness. Let’s take a look at some of the most well-known women who never tied the knot.
Susan Boyle: A Global Sensation With a Private Life
Susan Boyle became an overnight sensation after her breathtaking 2009 performance on Britain’s Got Talent. With her unique and powerful voice, she won over audiences worldwide.
However, her rise to fame also brought personal revelations. During her time on the show, Susan openly admitted that she had never been in a relationship or even kissed a man. Despite rumors in 2014 suggesting she had found love, Boyle remains unmarried and continues to focus on her music career.
Dana Delany: Choosing the Right Partner
Dana Delany, best known for her unforgettable role as Katherine Mayfair on Desperate Housewives, has had a remarkable acting career. Her beauty and talent have made her a household name, yet marriage has never been on her priority list.
In a 2006 interview, Dana admitted that she wasn’t sure if marriage was right for her. While she has had relationships over the years, she remains unmarried, choosing to wait for the right person instead of rushing into a commitment.
Kimberly Stewart: A Celebrity Daughter Who Values Independence
Kimberly Stewart, the daughter of legendary rock star Rod Stewart and model Alana Stewart, has lived a glamorous life in the public eye. Despite being engaged in 2005, she never made it down the aisle.
While Kimberly has remained single, she did have a brief relationship with actor Benicio del Toro, which resulted in the birth of her daughter. She continues to focus on raising her child and building her own career.
Naomi Watts: Love Without Marriage
English actress Naomi Watts made a name for herself in Hollywood and was romantically linked to two major actors: Heath Ledger and Liev Schreiber.
Naomi and Schreiber were together for 11 years and had two sons. Though they were engaged, they never officially married. Naomi later reflected on their relationship, noting that they had lived like a married couple, even without the legal title.
Mindy Kaling: A Private Life and a Thriving Career
Mindy Kaling is one of Hollywood’s funniest and most talented women. She gained widespread fame from The Office and later created her own hit show, The Mindy Project.
Despite being frequently linked to her close friend and former co-star B.J. Novak, Mindy has never publicly confirmed a relationship. In 2017, she welcomed a daughter, though she has never revealed the identity of the child’s father. She continues to embrace her independent life while excelling in her career.
Anita Hill: A Strong and Independent Icon
Anita Hill, a lawyer, professor, and feminist icon, is widely recognized for her role in shaping history. Despite her incredible achievements, discussions about her personal life have always been met with curiosity.
At 62, Anita remains unmarried, but she is not necessarily single. She has been in a long-term relationship while maintaining her independence. Although she isn’t against the idea of marriage, she remains undecided on whether she will ever take that step.
Greta Garbo: A Mysterious Love Life
Swedish-American actress Greta Garbo became a global star in the 1920s and 1930s. As one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses, many expected her to marry a fellow movie star.
However, Greta never found the right person. A popular rumor suggests she left actor John Gilbert at the altar on their wedding day. Reports also claim that she had romantic relationships with women before her passing.
Diane Keaton: A Life Full of Love—Without Marriage
Diane Keaton is a Hollywood legend known for her timeless beauty and remarkable acting career. She has been linked to several high-profile men, including Woody Allen, Warren Beatty, and Al Pacino, but she never married.
Keaton once stated that being single hasn’t diminished her life in any way. She enjoys her career, real estate ventures, and raising her two adopted children, proving that love comes in many forms.
Coco Chanel: The Power of Independence
Coco Chanel, one of the most influential figures in fashion history, built an empire that still thrives today. Raised as an orphan, she learned at an early age that self-reliance was the key to achieving her dreams.
Chanel never married, preferring to live life on her own terms. Though she was rumored to have had affairs with wealthy businessmen and celebrities, she remained fiercely independent until her passing.
Oprah Winfrey: A Love That Doesn’t Need a Marriage License
Oprah Winfrey is one of the most recognizable and influential women in the world. As a talk show host, actress, philanthropist, and TV personality, she has always been in the public eye.
Despite her long-term relationship with Stedman Graham since 1986, Oprah never married. The couple was engaged in 1992 but ultimately chose to stay together without making it official. Oprah has stated that their relationship works best without marriage, and they remain deeply committed to one another.
The Takeaway
These remarkable women prove that marriage is not the ultimate measure of happiness or success. Whether they chose to remain single, found love without marriage, or preferred their independence, their stories inspire countless others to live life on their own terms. Marriage may be a milestone for some, but for these women, their accomplishments and personal fulfillment speak louder than a wedding ring.