American socialite and philanthropist Melia McEnery is famed for her more than two decades of marriage to English guitarist Eric Clapton. She is the second wife of the three-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame making their love story a compelling one. The pair met back in the 90s and decades later, they are the parents of three children, Julie Rose, Ella Mae, and Sophie Belle.
Though Clapton is known for swaying rock and roll lovers with his massive talent, Melia is the woman who gives him support off the cameras. While she is always in the shadows of her famous husband, here are all the juicy details about Melia and her marriage to the musician.
Melia McEnery’s Life Before She Met Her Husband
Eric Clapton’s wife, Melia McEnery was born on February 1, 1976, in Columbus, Ohio. She traces her ancestry to Europe, Asia, and America on both sides of her family.
Before fame, she completed her education in local schools within the area before she moved to California. Following her move, she did odd jobs to make a living.
She Met Eric Clapton at a Party Organized by Giorgio Armani
One night in 1991, Melia’s life changed forever when she met with Clapton at a party organized in his honor by legendary designer Giorgio Armani. Melia is said to have been told not to talk to anyone at the party but she couldn’t help but approach Clapton for an autograph for her uncle.
The experience was profound for the Columbus-born and Clapton(80) because they felt intense chemistry and spark despite a huge age difference of 31 years between them. However, meeting Clapton changed everything.
Soon enough, they started dating for a year before cracks started appearing. Clapton’s tedious career had a toll on their relationship forcing them to go their separate ways.
Thankfully, they were meant to be together as they soon came back. Moreover, they were expecting their first child together.
McEnery and Clapton Got Married in a Private Ceremony in 2002
Shortly after coming together, the lovebirds made their union official when Clapton proposed to Melia at her family home.
They walked down the aisle at St. Mary Magdelan in Surrey on January 1, 2002. Guests at the event thought they were attending the Christening of Melia and Eric’s then-six-month-old daughter, Julie Rose who was born in June 2001.
The Rock Musician and Melia are Parents to Three Children
A few years into their marriage, Melia welcomed two more children bringing the total number of children she shares with Clapton to 3. Their three children, Julie Rose Clapton(24), Ella Mae Clapton(22), and Sophie Belle(20).
Aside from the three children, Melia would have been the stepmother to two children if Eric’s only son, Connor Loren had survived to adulthood. Connor was born in 1991 during Clapton’s love affair with Lory Del Santo.
As it is, she is also the stepmother to Eric’s oldest child, a daughter, Ruth Clapton who was born in 1985 during Clapton’s relationship with Yvonne Kelly.
Melia had previously been in a relationship with Chris Losinski, a coffee shop owner.
See Also: Who Is Clive Davis And What Is His Relationship With Whitney Houston
The Truth About Their Lasting Marriage
One would wonder how such a high-profile celebrity couple has managed to remain together after so many years.
First things first, this is Eric’s second marriage. His first marriage with Pattie Boyd ended in 1989 after a decade of marriage. According to Boyd’s Memoir, Clapton’s drinking killed their marriage. On his own, Clapton also admitted his alcoholism and physical abuse led to the failure of his first marriage.
However, since Clapton met Melia, he has been sober and we may not be wrong to assume it’s because they have found a balance.
As mentioned earlier, the tediousness of Clapton almost came between them in the earlier years of their relationship. Yet in recent years, they managed to work closely in things that they are both passionate about.
Melia serves as the senior clinical advisor at the Crossroads Center, Antigua. The rehab facility was founded by Clapton in 1998 to help people battling with substance abuse. Aside from this common interest, Melia also sits on several children’s charities.
Considering that Eric and Melia are still together after two decades, their marriage is one of the longest celebrity marriages. Others include;
- Meryl Streep and Don Gummer
- Paula and Denzel Washington
- Alice Cooper and Sheryl Doddard
