The Truth About Keith Richards' Kids
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The Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards is a rock and roll legend in his own right. While Mick Jagger's swagger and dance moves come to mind with classic hits like "Gimme Shelter" or "Wild Horses," it's Richards' unprecedented musical talent that is the not-so-silent backbone of the iconic band. Ever since founding the group in 1962, Richards and Jagger have been on a wild ride of fame that has spanned over half a century. From drug arrests to plenty of romantic partners, The Rolling Stones certainly epitomize the "drugs, sex and rock 'n roll" lifestyle.
However, Richards had two long-term relationships and one marriage that in total resulted in four children. Richards began dating Rolling Stones bandmate Brian Jones' ex-girlfriend, model-actor Anita Pallenberg, in 1967. Despite their "turbulent relationship" as described by the Associated Press, Richards and Pallenberg stayed together until 1980 after Richards suspected her of cheating with Jagger (via The Guardian). "She's a fantastic person. I will always love her. I just can't live with her, you know?" Richards told Rolling Stone magazine in 1981. The couple had three children together: daughter Angela, and sons Marlon and Tara.
Richards went on to have another two children, daughters Theodora and Alexandra, with model Patti Hansen, whom he first met in 1979 before breaking things off with Pallenberg. It was love at first sight, and the duo tied the knot in 1983. Per Vogue, they are still married to this day. So who are Richards' kids? Keeping scrolling!
Keith Richards is now a strict father of four after being haunted by the death of his fifth child
Keith Richards takes parenthood seriously. Eldest son Marlon Richards had a tumultuous childhood, even going on tour with The Rolling Stones while Pallenberg sought treatment for drug addiction, according to The Daily Mail UK. Marlon opted out of the spotlight for a more quiet life as an adult, and works as an artist and graphic designer per Heavy. His daughter Ella Rose Richards is also a rising model who has been featured in Teen Vogue.
Tara, Richards' second son with Pallenberg, tragically died at just a two months old due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Richards wrote in his 2011 memoir Life that he could "never forgive" himself for Tara's death and it "haunted" him for decades after. Richards and Pallenberg's middle child Angela (her birth name is Dandelion) was born as Richards was convinced Pallenberg was having an affair with bandmate Mick Jagger. While Richards was unsure of Angela's paternity per Daily Mail UK, Angela was raised by Richards' mother Doris, and today runs an equestrian school.
As for Richards' two gorgeous daughters with wife Patti Hansen, the blonde bombshells have been modeling since their teen years. The sisters told DuJour that they often raided their famous father's closet but that Richards was surprisingly a "strict stickler for rules" (via Express). Richards even wrote a children's book with Theodora illustrating! The close-knit family are as timeless as the Stones' stardom.