Travis Barker, the iconic drummer for Blink-182, has lived much of his life in the public eye, and his romantic journey has been no exception. From early, short-lived marriages to high-profile relationships and eventually finding enduring love, Barker's love life has seen its share of rockstar drama, reality television, and heartwarming family moments. His relationships have often been intertwined with his career, reflecting different phases of his life and fame.
Barker's first public marriage was to Melissa Kennedy. The couple tied the knot in September 2001, during the height of Blink-182's popularity. However, their union was brief, lasting only nine months before they decided to part ways. Their divorce was finalized in August 2002. Little is publicly known about Melissa Kennedy, as she largely remained out of the spotlight after their separation, marking a quiet beginning to Barker's more publicized romantic history.
Soon after his first marriage ended, Barker began a relationship with Shanna Moakler, a former Miss USA. They met in the summer of 2002, and their romance quickly blossomed. Their son, Landon Asher Barker, was born in October 2003. The couple exchanged vows in a gothic-themed wedding on October 30, 2004, inspired by Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. Their family expanded with the birth of their daughter, Alabama Luella Barker, in December 2005. Their life together, including Moakler's daughter Atiana De La Hoya from a previous relationship, became the subject of the MTV reality series Meet the Barkers, which aired from 2005 to 2006. The show offered a glimpse into their rockstar family life, but also highlighted the complexities of their relationship.
The marriage to Moakler was tumultuous, characterized by public arguments and multiple filings for divorce. They initially filed for divorce in August 2006, but reconciled briefly. Their divorce was finalized in February 2008, though their on-again, off-again dynamic continued for some time, reportedly until April 2009. Their split was often acrimonious, with both parties airing grievances publicly, including on social media platforms like MySpace. Despite the drama, they maintained a commitment to amicably co-parenting their children, a focus that became increasingly important in the years following their final separation.
Following his initial split from Shanna Moakler in September 2006, Travis Barker was briefly linked to socialite Paris Hilton. They were spotted making out at various clubs, and sources indicated a casual romantic involvement. Barker later admitted they were "hooking up" in his 2015 memoir, Can I Say: Living Large, Cheating Death, and Drums, Drums, Drums. Interestingly, during this period, Barker also reportedly had an eye for Hilton's then-assistant, Kim Kardashian, a detail that would become more significant years later. This brief fling with Hilton was not a serious relationship and quickly faded.
In the spring of 2015, Barker reportedly dated UFC ring girl Arianny Celeste. Sources at the time suggested they were "crazy about each other" and had met at one of his shows. This relationship was also short-lived and did not escalate into a long-term commitment. Later that year, in late 2015, Barker had a brief romance with singer and actress Rita Ora. Their relationship garnered some media attention, but according to reports, Barker was not looking for anything serious at the time, and they soon went their separate ways, remaining friends.
Travis Barker's romantic narrative took a significant turn in late 2020 when rumors began circulating about a relationship with long-time friend and reality television star, Kourtney Kardashian. The two had been neighbors and friends for years, with their families often spending time together. Their relationship was officially confirmed in January 2021, much to the delight and surprise of fans. The couple quickly became known for their public displays of affection, frequently sharing intimate moments on social media and at public events. Barker even got tattoos dedicated to Kardashian, including her lips and her name.
Their whirlwind romance progressed rapidly. In October 2021, Barker proposed to Kardashian on a beach in Montecito, California, surrounded by hundreds of red roses and candles. The engagement was widely publicized and celebrated. The couple had their first wedding in Las Vegas in April 2022, followed by a legal civil ceremony in Santa Barbara in May 2022. A grander, more elaborate wedding took place in Portofino, Italy, later that same month, attended by their families and close friends. This marriage marked Barker's third and Kardashian's first.
Their relationship has been characterized by deep affection, shared interests, and a blending of their families. Barker, who had avoided air travel for 13 years after a traumatic plane crash, returned to flying specifically for Kourtney, demonstrating the depth of his commitment. In September 2023, Kourtney Kardashian announced her pregnancy with Barker's child during a Blink-182 concert, holding up a sign that read, "Travis I'm Pregnant!" Their son, Rocky Thirteen Barker, was born on November 1, 2023. The couple continues to share their journey with the public, often posting about their blended family life and their ongoing romantic developments, solidifying their status as one of Hollywood's most prominent and affectionate couples.