Aaron Neville wife history spans two remarkable women. Famous for his unique tenor voice, the 84-year-old singer has been married twice. These relationships helped shape both his music career and personal journey through life’s ups and downs.
Joel Roux: Aaron Neville Wife for Nearly Five Decades
Aaron Neville wife Joel Roux entered his life when they were both teenagers. They married on January 10, 1959, when Aaron was just 18 years old. This union lasted almost 50 years, creating the foundation for his early life and music career.
Aaron and Joel built a family together, having four children including Ernestine and Aaron “Fred” Jr. Their marriage survived many challenges, from Aaron’s time in prison for car theft at 19 to his long battle with heroin addiction that lasted decades.
Joel stood by Aaron through his tough early career years. She remained his rock during times when his personal struggles and legal troubles could have ended his music dreams before they truly began.
Hurricane Katrina hit the couple hard in 2005, destroying their New Orleans home. This loss was followed by something worse – Joel was diagnosed with cancer soon after the hurricane and passed away in 2007.
Aaron fell into depression after losing Joel. He started misusing her prescription medications like morphine and Dilaudid. As he later admitted, “When Joel died I was a nasty case. I was on the dark path.”
Sarah A. Friedman: Finding Love Again
Aaron Neville wife Sarah A. Friedman came into his life at a critical moment. They met during a magazine photoshoot in 2008 where Sarah worked as a photographer. This professional meeting quickly grew into something more personal.
The couple became engaged in October 2008, showing how quickly their connection had grown. They married on November 13, 2010, in a small New York ceremony when Aaron was 69 years old.
At their wedding reception, Aaron sang “Pledging My Love” to his new bride. The same song appeared on his 1985 album “Orchid in the Storm” and now held special meaning as he performed it for Sarah on their wedding day.
Sarah helped Aaron overcome his addiction to prescription drugs. He credits her with saving him from this downward spiral. In his 2023 memoir, he describes a moment when she found Vicodin pills falling from his pocket.
“I’ll never forget the look she gave me,” Aaron said about this turning point. “She gave me a straight choice, and it was a no-brainer. I chose Sarah. That was my last run with dope of any kind.”
Aaron openly acknowledges Sarah’s role in his recovery and career revival. “She’s been my angel,” he said. “If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have no five Grammys, I wouldn’t have had my last couple of albums.”
Life Together in Recent Years
As of 2025, Aaron Neville wife Sarah continues to share life with him at their 12-acre property called Freville Farm in upstate New York. They moved there in 2013 and maintain an active lifestyle despite Aaron’s retirement from touring.
Sarah continues her photography career with her work appearing in major publications like ESPN Magazine as recently as January 2025. She balances her creative work while supporting Aaron’s health and wellbeing in their daily life.
The couple works out together regularly to stay fit. Aaron described their routine in a 2023 interview: “My wife Sarah, she’s behind me, pushing me. We work out together and keep in shape, you know? So faith and love.”
Aaron officially retired from touring in 2021 at age 80. In his announcement, he mentioned how travel had become too difficult. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role since his age and asthma put him at higher risk.
Despite no longer touring, Aaron still creates music and performs livestream shows from home. His spiritual practice remains important, as he explains: “Faith keeps me going. I pray out in the yard, and just look at the trees and sky.”
How Aaron’s Wives Influenced His Music
Both women in Aaron Neville’s life shaped his musical output in different ways. His first wife Joel witnessed his early successes and struggles, standing by him as he built his career from the ground up.
Sarah’s entry into Aaron’s life coincided with a late-career revival. After they met, Aaron experienced continued success including additional Grammy wins and recognition. In 2023, he won his fourth Grammy Award for Best American Roots Performance.
His 2016 album “Apache” featured several songs about his love for Sarah. This album marked the first time Aaron used his own poems as the main source for lyrics, showing Sarah’s influence on his creative expression.
Aaron described Sarah’s impact clearly: “She’s been my angel. I just told Sarah the other day, if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have no five Grammys, I wouldn’t have had my last couple of albums.”
The Legacy of Love in Aaron’s Life
Aaron Neville’s personal relationships prove as remarkable as his singing voice. His five-decade marriage to Joel formed the base of his early life, while his 15-year marriage to Sarah represents renewal after loss.
Many fans of Jerry Trainor enjoy reading about other celebrities’ personal lives, including Aaron Neville’s meaningful relationships. His story shows how love can sustain someone through career highs and personal lows.
Like those interested in the stories of Mike Lindell’s wife, readers find Aaron’s journey with his two wives both touching and inspiring. His openness about these relationships adds depth to understanding his music.
Aaron’s life story demonstrates how personal relationships influence artistic expression. Similar to Luke Kuechly’s wife supporting his football career, Aaron’s wives played crucial roles in his musical journey and personal growth.
Aaron Neville continues creating music and enjoying life with Sarah in 2025. Their story represents enduring love, creative partnership, and spiritual growth – themes that match the emotional depth found throughout Aaron’s extraordinary musical legacy.