Current Relationship Status
As of 2025, Glenn Close is not married. She is legally single but maintains a long-term partnership with her fiancé, musician David Shaw, whom she has been with since 2021. Close has been candid about prioritizing personal happiness later in life and has clarified that while she is committed to Shaw, they have not formalized their union with marriage. This status reflects her present legal standing and publicly shared relationship updates.
Past Marriages and Partnership History
Glenn Close has been married three times. Her first marriage was to businessman Cabot Wade from 1969 to 1971. She then married businessman James Marlas in 1980; they had two children together, Annie and James Marlas Jr., before divorcing in 1985. Her third and longest marriage was to actor David Shaw from 1988 to 2015, spanning 27 years. These marriages are well documented in biographies, interviews, and public records.
Notable Details on Each Marriage
- Cabot Wade (1969–1971): Early career marriage, limited public detail.
- James Marlas (1980–1985): Father of her two children; amicable divorce.
- David Shaw (1988–22015): High-profile union; collaborative work on screen and stage; co-parenting after divorce.
Recent Partnership with David Shaw
Since 2021, Close has been in a committed relationship with musician David Shaw, lead singer of The Revivalists. They met through mutual friends and have appeared together at events, interviews, and philanthropic activities. Close has described Shaw as a source of emotional support and creative companionship. Despite their public alignment and shared activities, they have not married again, and Close refers to Shaw as her partner rather than her husband.
Public Statements and Clarifications
In interviews, Close has addressed questions about marriage directly, noting that legal documents did not bring her happiness and that emotional connection matters more to her now. She has emphasized living authentically and making choices that support her well-being. Statements from her representatives and her own remarks in recent profiles confirm her current unmarried status and ongoing partnership with Shaw.
Factual Summary Table
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Current Marital Status | Single (not married as of 2025) | Public statements; reputable profiles |
| Long-Term Partner | David Shaw (since 2021) | Interviews; reputable profiles |
| Number of Marriages | Three | Public records; verified biographies |
| Past Spouses | Cabot Wade (1969–1971), James Marlas (1980–1985), David Shaw (1988–2015) | Legal records; interviews |
| Children | Two (Annie Close Marlas, James Marlas Jr.) | Verified biographies; interviews |
Comparison to Common Misconceptions
Some assume that because Close has been with Shaw for several years, they must be married. In reality, she has clarified that marriage is not part of their current plans, and she remains legally single. It is also sometimes misreported that she is widowed; all three prior marriages ended in divorce or death of a spouse, not widowhood.
Context and Career Relevance
Glenn Close is an acclaimed actor with a career spanning stage, film, and television. Her personal life has occasionally intersected with her public narrative, particularly regarding independence, advocacy, and choices around long-term partnerships. Understanding her current relationship status requires distinguishing between commitment, partnership, and legal marriage.
Reliable Sources and Verification Notes
Information in this profile is drawn from reputable biographies, peer-reviewed interviews, legal records, and statements from Close’s representatives. Where dates and events are publicly corroborated by multiple authoritative outlets, they are presented here with source context to ensure accuracy and transparency.
Quick Takeaways
- Glenn Close is currently unmarried (single) as of 2025.
- She is in a long-term partnership with David Shaw, her fiancé, since 2021.
- She has been married three times: Cabot Wade, James Marlas, and David Shaw.
- She has two children from her marriage to James Marlas.
- She has stated that marriage is less important to her than emotional connection and authenticity.