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Who Is Bill Murray Dating? Inside the 'Ghostbusters' Star's Love Life Through the Years
Buzz around Bill Murray's private life has been quiet since last summer, when the Ghostbusters star was connected to Kelis in a rumored, two-month relationship. While neither star officially confirmed or denied the romance, the gossip basically broke the Internet (and everyone's brains).
Murray has previously recommended whirlwind romances in terms of finding the perfect partner.
When he crashed a bachelor party in 2014 (because of course he did), Murray gave a speech in which he advised, “If you have someone that you think is The One, don’t just sort of think in your ordinary mind, 'Okay, let's make a date. Let's plan this and make a party and get married.' Take that person and travel around the world. Buy a plane ticket for the two of you to travel all around the world, and go to places that are hard to go to and hard to get out of. And if when you come back to JFK, when you land in JFK, and you're still in love with that person, get married at the airport."
How has his own advice served him throughout his life? Get to know Bill Murray's wives and what he's been up to lately.
Related: Bill Murray's Net Worth From Ghostbusters and More
Who is Bill Murray married to now?
Bill Murray is currently not married to anyone.
How many marriages has Bill Murray had?
Bill Murray has been married twice.
Who is Bill Murray's first wife?
Murray's first marriage was to Margaret Kelly, sometimes called Mickey Kelly. Murray met Kelly on the set of Stripes, and they eloped in Las Vegas in January 1981, then had a second ceremony with their families in Chicago. The couple welcomed two sons before divorcing in 1996.
Murray hasn't spoken publicly much about his first marriage, but in a 2014 interview with Howard Stern, he did allude to why they divorced: His priorities.
"Not to diminish a relationship with a woman … I can’t take on another relationship if I’m not taking care of the things I really need to take care of the most," he said. "It's not a selfish thing. It's sort of an obligation."
Related: 5 Fun Facts About Bill Murray's Groundhog Day
Who is Bill Murray's second wife?
Bill Murray and Jennifer Butler in 2004
Murray married his second wife, costume designer Jennifer Butler, in 1997. They share four sons and were married for more than 10 years before she filed for divorce in May 2008—and the split was an ugly one.
In divorce papers, Butler accused Murray of abandonment, domestic violence (including allegedly saying she was "lucky he didn't kill" her) and infidelity, as well as of being addicted to alcohol, cannabis and sex. The actor's lawyer, John McDougall, didn't comment on the allegations but said at the time, “Bill Murray is deeply saddened by the breakup of his marriage with Jennifer. He and his wife made loving parents, and they are committed to the best interests of their children.”
Butler died in 2021.
Related: 'Groundhog Day' Cast Reunites 31 Years After Fan Favorite Movie Was Released
Is Bill Murray with Kelis?
Kelis, who was rumored to be dating Bill Murray, in June 2023
While multiple reports claimed an inside source confirmed the two split in August 2023 after a two-month romance, neither star officially acknowledged the nature of their friendship. Earlier that summer, the Caddyshack star was spotted at the "Caught Out There" singer's shows. The Sun reported in June 2023 that the pair, which has a 29-year age difference, had become an item.
Kelis, a singer, chef, farmer and entrepreneur, has been married twice, first to rapper Nas, with whom she shares a son Knight, born in 2009. She later married Mike Mora, with whom she shared son Shepherd, born in 2015, and daughter Galilee, born in 2020. Mora died of stomach cancer in March 2022.
Related: Get to Know Sigourney Weaver's Husband
Is Bill Murray dating Jeannie Berlin?
Bill Murray and Jeannie Berlin at the 2023 SAG Awards
Murray arrived arm-in-arm to the Screen Actors Guild Awards in February 2023 with Jeannie Berlin, who starred in The Fabelmans and is the daughter of Murray's late contemporary Elaine May. The pair were at times spotted holding hands, but neither commented on the nature of their relationship.
Who did Bill Murray have kids with?
Murray and his first wife, Margaret Kelly, had two sons, Homer, born in 1982, and Luke, born in 1985.
Homer owns the 21 Greenpoint restaurant in New York City, where Murray has been spotted visiting.
Meanwhile, Luke is the assistant coach of the University of Connecticut men's basketball team. Murray was in attendance to see him and the coaching staff lead the team to win the NCAA National Championship in April 2024.
Murray and his second wife Jennifer Butler shared four sons, Caleb, born in 1993, Jackson, born in 1995, Cooper, born in 1997, and Lincoln, born in 2005. His younger sons mostly eschew the spotlight, though Cooper has appeared in small roles with Murray in The Now and Moonrise Kingdom.
