Melia McEnery is a socialite and philanthropistmore than just a celebrity wife of Eric Clapton, one of the world’s greatest guitarists and rock legends. For nearly two decades, McEnery has been the English rock and blues guitarist, singer-songwriter’s better half and the only three-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It is undeniably considered the rock star’s secret to success in his later years. While many rock fans would be familiar with details about Clapton, the same cannot be said of his significant other. Join us as we discover lesser-known facts about the woman who brought domestic bliss into the life of the veteran singer formerly thought to be a sex and drug addict.
Who is Melia McEnery – Eric Clapton’s wife?
Melia McEnery is an only child and was born on 1 February 1976 to a Scottish-English father and Korean-Irish mother. She was born and raised in Ohio by her father, a construction worker, and her mother, a homemaker. Melia attended Bishop Watterson High School and later earned an arts degree. After college, she moved to California and worked odd jobs to earn a living. She initially worked in the design industry before taking up a position as an assistant at Giorgio Armani.
Here are facts you need to know
- Marital journey
Melia McEnery is Eric Clapton’s better half. The lovebirds first crossed paths in 1999 when they attended a Giorgio Armani party in Los Angeles. As part of the event planner and presenter, it was pretty “unprofessional” for Melia to interact with guests at the party, but she couldn’t help but get Clapton to sign her uncle’s autograph. At the time, both parties were unaware that the act would be the start of their long-term love journey, especially since the veteran rock guitarist was known for being female. After that, the two went on their first date and quickly formed a romantic connection. They courted for a year before the stress of Clapton’s career took a toll on their relationship, leading to their breakup.
Fate soon brought them together again, andMelia was accepted into the family in the winter of 2000. A few days after the birth of his second daughter, Julie Rose, Clapton proposed to McEnery on June 17, 2001 at their family home in Columbus, Ohio.
Melia and Eric tied the knot on New Year’s 2002 in a private ceremony at St Mary Magdalene Church in Ripley, Surrey. The couple have since expanded their family and are parents to three daughters – Julie Rose born 2001, Ella May born 2003 and Sophie Belle born 2005.
- age difference
Melia is 31 years younger than her husband EricClapton, born on March 30, 1945. At the time the couple first met in 1999, Eric was 53 and Melia was only 22. Still, the huge age disparity wasn’t an obstacle as love was conquered for the couple.
- Second wife and stepmother
Melia McEnery is Eric Clapton’s second wife as the legendary guitarist was married before he met Melia. Clapton was married to Pattie Boyd, an English model and photographer, from March 1979 to June 1989. Interestingly, Clapton’s first wife was also previously married to friend George Harrison from 1966 to 1977. Clapton and Boyd tried unsuccessfully to have children and suffered multiple miscarriages before their separation.
During his marriage to Boyd, Clapton had an affair with Yvonne Kelly, the manager of AIR Studios Montserrat, and the relationship produced Eric’s first daughter, Ruth Kelly, who was born in 1985. Ruth’s mother kept her out of the public eye until 1991, when the rock star finally met his daughter for the first time.
Again Eric had another affair with Italian model Lory Del Santo and they gave birth to a son named Conor in August 1986. Unfortunately, in March 1991, when he was just four years old, Conor accidentally fell out of his Manhattan apartment from an open 53rd floor window and died. The tragedy inspired Clapton’s hit song Tears in Heaven .
- double celebration
Eric Clapton and Melia McEnery’s wedding anniversary in 2002 also saw the christening/christening ceremony of Ruth Kelly and Julie Rose, two daughters of Clapton. Friends and family of the couple believed they were invited to the girls’ christening at the Chapel of St Mary Magdalene in Ridley, but after the christening, Clapton and McEnery shocked their guests by exchanging wedding vows that same day.
- dating history
Prior to her never-ending journey with the legendary guitarist Eric Clapton, Melia was romantically linked to Chris Losinske, a former coffee shop worker. She and Losinske had a long-term relationship before Clapton came onto the scene. Apparently, Melia eventually brought Chris to his knees for the rock star and today the rest is history.
- philanthropy
Melia McEnery is a dedicated philanthropist who has been involved in various charitable causes. In particular, she works as a Senior Clinical Advisor for the Crossroads Center Antigua. The West Indies rehab facility was set up by her husband in 1998 to help people recover effectively from alcohol and drug addiction. She is also closely associated and sits on the boards of several other children’s charities.
- Private citizen
Melia McEnery took center stage with her relationship and marriage to rock legend Eric Clapton. Despite the fame that comes with a statue figure’s wife, McEnery prefers to keep a low profile and shun the limelight.
