Yoko Ono, a multifaceted artist, musician, and peace activist, has led a life marked by profound artistic expression and significant romantic partnerships. Her relationships, often under intense public scrutiny, have played a pivotal role in her personal narrative and public perception, particularly her iconic marriage to John Lennon. Yet, before and after her time with the Beatle, Ono experienced other significant unions that shaped her journey.
Ono's first marriage was to Japanese avant-garde composer Toshi Ichiyanagi. They met in New York City, where both were immersed in the experimental art scene, and married in 1956. Their union was rooted in a shared passion for experimental music and art, with Ono often performing in Ichiyanagi's concerts. However, the marriage was strained by Ichiyanagi's decision to return to Japan, while Ono remained in New York, pursuing her artistic endeavors. The couple divorced in 1962.
Shortly after her divorce from Ichiyanagi, Yoko Ono married American film producer and art promoter Anthony Cox. Their initial marriage on November 28, 1962, was annulled on March 1, 1963, because Ono had not yet finalized her divorce from Ichiyanagi. They remarried on June 11, 1963, and welcomed their daughter, Kyoko Ono Cox, on August 8, 1963. Their relationship was characterized by a blend of personal and artistic collaboration, but as Ono's artistic career gained momentum, the marriage began to unravel.
The pivotal moment in Ono's romantic history arrived in November 1966, when she met John Lennon at her art exhibition at the Indica Gallery in London. Despite both being married at the time, an intense connection formed between them. Their affair began in 1968, leading to Lennon's separation from his first wife, Cynthia Lennon. Ono's marriage to Anthony Cox dissolved, with their divorce finalized on February 2, 1969.
The relationship between Yoko Ono and John Lennon quickly became one of the most famous and scrutinized partnerships in pop culture history. They married on March 20, 1969, in Gibraltar, a whirlwind event chronicled in their song "The Ballad of John and Yoko." Their union was a powerful artistic and activist collaboration, marked by "bed-ins" for peace and numerous joint projects, including the Plastic Ono Band. They welcomed their son, Sean Taro Ono Lennon, on October 9, 1975.
During their marriage, the couple faced significant challenges, including intense public and media backlash, particularly the widespread, though often unfounded, accusation that Ono was responsible for the Beatles' breakup. Despite these pressures, their bond remained strong, with Lennon famously stating, "When I fell in love with Yoko, I knew, my God, this is different from anything I've ever known." Their love story, however, was tragically cut short when John Lennon was assassinated on December 8, 1980.
Following Lennon's death, Ono entered a long-term relationship with Hungarian-American interior designer and artist Sam Havadtoy. Their partnership reportedly began around 1981 and lasted for approximately 20 years, making it her longest relationship. Havadtoy had been a friend and decorator for Lennon and Ono, and his presence provided comfort and support to Ono in the wake of her profound loss. Their relationship was largely private, though Havadtoy was often seen by her side at public events. They separated around 2001.
Since her relationship with Sam Havadtoy concluded, Yoko Ono has maintained a more private personal life, focusing on her artistic legacy, peace activism, and managing John Lennon's estate. While she has not publicly entered into another romantic relationship, her life continues to be defined by her creative output and her enduring commitment to the causes she and John Lennon championed. Her romantic journey, from avant-garde collaborations to a globally recognized partnership and beyond, reflects a life lived with passion, resilience, and an unwavering artistic spirit.