Neil Young’s Wives And Partners: The Untold Story Of His Three Marriages And New Film With Daryl Hannah (2025 Update)

The romantic life of legendary musician Neil Young is as complex and enduring as his discography, marked by three official marriages and several profound, life-altering partnerships. As of late 2025, the Canadian rock icon remains happily married to his third wife, actress and director Daryl Hannah, a relationship that has blossomed into a powerful creative and activist partnership. This deep dive explores the full timeline of his relationships, from his brief first marriage to the decades-long union that birthed a lasting legacy, culminating in his current, intensely private life with the *Splash* star. The most recent update, underscoring the couple's creative synergy, is the release of Hannah’s new documentary about Young, *Coastal*, which premiered at the 2024 Woodstock Film Festival, showcasing the depth of their artistic and personal connection. This project, along with their continued environmental activism, proves that their bond is far more than a typical celebrity romance—it's a shared commitment to art and the planet.

Neil Young: A Complete Biography and Relationship Timeline

Neil Percival Young, a two-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has had a life defined by musical genius and deeply influential personal connections. His relationships have often served as muses, partners, and co-creators, shaping not only his personal world but also his philanthropic efforts.

• Full Name: Neil Percival Young
• Born: November 12, 1945, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Occupations: Singer-songwriter, musician, film director, record producer, environmental activist
• Key Bands: Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY), Crazy Horse
• Children: Zeke Young (with Carrie Snodgress), Ben Young (with Pegi Young), Amber Jean Young (with Pegi Young)
• First Wife: Susan Acevedo (m. 1968, div. 1970)
• Significant Partner: Carrie Snodgress (Relationship 1971–1975)
• Second Wife: Pegi Young (m. 1978, div. 2014)
• Current Wife: Daryl Hannah (m. 2018)

1. The Brief First Marriage: Susan Acevedo (1968–1970)

Young's first trip down the aisle was with Susan Acevedo, a restaurant owner he married in December 1968. Their marriage was short-lived, legally ending in 1970. While the union was brief, Acevedo left a small but indelible mark on Young's early career. She is best remembered for sewing the distinctive patches onto his denim jacket, which was famously featured on the back cover of his seminal 1970 album, *After the Gold Rush*. Young himself referred to her as "a real ball of fire" and a friend.

2. The Significant Partnership: Carrie Snodgress (1971–1975)

Following his divorce, Young entered into a relationship with actress Carrie Snodgress, known for her Oscar-nominated role in *Diary of a Mad Housewife*. Their partnership, which lasted from 1971 to 1975, was incredibly significant as it produced Young's first child, a son named Zeke Young. Zeke, like his younger brother Ben, was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Snodgress's relationship with Young, despite being unmarried, was a pivotal period in the musician's life, directly influencing his early 1970s work.

3. The Decades-Long Union: Pegi Young (1978–2014)

Pegi Young (née Morton) was Young's longest-standing partner and second wife. They met when Pegi was working as a waitress near his ranch. They married in August 1978 and remained together for 36 years, divorcing in 2014. This marriage was the foundation of a major philanthropic effort. The couple had two children together: Ben Young and Amber Jean Young. Ben was also born with cerebral palsy. The challenges and lack of suitable educational options for their sons led Pegi and Neil to co-found the Bridge School in 1986, an internationally renowned educational program for children with severe speech and physical impairments. Pegi was a singer-songwriter in her own right, often performing as a backup vocalist with Neil and releasing several solo albums. She passed away in 2019 at the age of 66 after a battle with cancer, a few years after their divorce. Her legacy as an activist and educator remains a cornerstone of the Young family’s history.

The Current Chapter: Daryl Hannah and a Shared Vision

Neil Young’s third and current marriage is to the iconic actress and director Daryl Hannah. The couple began dating in 2014, shortly after Young filed for divorce from Pegi. Their relationship quickly became a topic of public fascination, partly due to its timing and partly because of the couple’s intensely private nature. They officially tied the knot in a secret wedding ceremony in 2018, with reports suggesting a small ceremony in Atascadero, California, followed by a second celebration in the San Juan Islands of Washington. Their union is deeply rooted in a shared commitment to environmental activism and social justice.

A Partnership of Art and Activism

Daryl Hannah, known for her roles in films like *Splash* and *Blade Runner*, is also a long-time environmentalist and vegan. This shared passion for the planet is a driving force in their life together. They have both been vocal and active participants in protests against fossil fuel projects, bonding over their mutual dedication to a sustainable future. Their creative collaboration is just as significant as their activism. Hannah directed the 2018 film *Paradox*, a bizarre, musical western starring Young and his band, Promise of the Real. Their artistic partnership has continued to evolve.

Daryl Hannah’s New Documentary, *Coastal* (2024/2025)

The most recent and compelling evidence of their bond is Daryl Hannah’s newest directorial effort: the documentary *Coastal*. Premiering at the 2024 Woodstock Film Festival, the film offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at Neil Young’s life and music. The documentary is described as capturing Young's "vulnerability" and showcasing footage from his concerts and private moments inside his Silver Eagle tour bus. This project, which has been featured in 2025 press, highlights how Hannah is not just his wife, but his primary creative partner and chronicler. She has expressed that she is "happy" directing her husband, suggesting a comfortable and symbiotic working relationship.

The Enduring Topical Authority: Neil Young’s Children and The Bridge School Legacy

Any discussion of Neil Young's wives and partners is incomplete without acknowledging the profound impact his children and their health challenges have had on his life and legacy. Young is a father to three children: Zeke, Ben, and Amber Jean. Both Zeke and Ben were diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a condition that significantly shaped the lives of Young and his second wife, Pegi. This personal challenge directly fueled the creation of The Bridge School, an organization that has become a global benchmark for serving children with complex communication needs. While Daryl Hannah is Young's current life partner, the legacy of Pegi Young lives on through this institution. The annual Bridge School Benefit Concerts, which ran for nearly three decades, brought together some of the biggest names in music and raised millions of dollars, establishing Neil Young as a major philanthropic force in the world of special education. The enduring influence of The Bridge School and the ongoing care for his children provide a crucial layer of topical authority to the narrative of Neil Young's personal life. In the tapestry of his life, from the brief, art-inspiring first marriage to the decades of activism and family with Pegi, Neil Young’s journey has always been one of deep connection. His current marriage to Daryl Hannah continues this tradition, blending love, art, and a shared commitment to a better world, making their partnership one of the most intriguing and relevant stories in rock history as it continues into 2025.

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