Neil Young Files For Divorce From Pegi Young: Legendary Musician Ends 36-Year Marriage, Concert Drops Soon-To-Be Ex-Wife From Line-Up
Sad news. Neil Young has reportedly filed for divorce from his wife of more than 36 years, Pegi Young.
And it looks like the frequent collaborators are parting ways in more than just their marriage.
According to Rolling Stone, legendary rock musician Young filed a petition for dissolution of marriage on July 29 in San Mateo, California. A hearing is said to be scheduled for Dec. 12.
The story of Neil and Pegi is one familiar to many music fans. Pegi, a musician herself, often sang with her husband and served as the inspiration for many of his love ballads over time.
The couple has two children together, son Ben and daughter Amber Jean. Mr. Young also has a son named Zeke from a prior relationship.
Ben and Zeke both have cerebral palsy. Mr. and Mrs. Young co-founded the Bridge School in 1986 for children with physical impairments.
In terms of music, soon-to-be divorced pair's relationship was immortalized in Young's song "Unknown Legend," in which the singer recalls meeting his wife as she worked in a California diner.
The track's lyrics include:
"You know it ain't easy/You got to hold on/She was an unknown legend in her time/Now she's dressin' two kids/Lookin' for a magic kiss/She gets the faraway look in her eyes"
Could early seeds of trouble for the couple have been buried in the song?
Pegi, who sang back-up during her husband's song "Philadelphia" at the 1994 Academy Awards, talked about her spouse and their seemingly lasting marriage to London's Daily Mail in 2007.
"He's creative, funny, smart, and I still find him fascinating," said Pegi. "Yes, he has his moments when things can be tricky, but I do too. I think the secret of a good relationship is to stay alert and never to stop making it special and meaningful."
Neil and Pegi were both scheduled to perform at Farm Aid, a benefit concert, on September 13.
However, Pegi has been dropped from the line-up, although the event is still listed on Mrs. Young's official website.
Neither husband nor wife has commented publicly on news of the divorce, or on the fact that Pegi was removed from the upcoming show, for which Mr. Young also serves as a board member.
In 2006, Young spoke about his wife, telling The Guardian, "She's a great woman and my life [as a musician] has worked largely because she's so understanding of that. She's intelligent and a hell of a lot of fun. You've got to have that stimulation in a relationship. I've got a lot of work to do just to keep up with her."