Bob Dylan’s dating history includes a rumored secret marriage and several other musicians

On December 27, 2024By Littum

To be a fan of music is to know Bob Dylanwidely considered one of the greatest songwriters of all time. And yet there is no doubt that the film A complete unknown has brought the legendary singer back into the conversation in 2024 in a way he hasn’t been in years. The film is based on the book from 2015 Dylan goes electric! by Elijah Wald and starring Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle FanningMonica Barbaro, Boyd Holbrook and Scoot McNairy.

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A complete unknown focuses on Dylan from the beginning of his career until the controversy over his use of electric instruments at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. It has already been a success and received three nominations on the 82 Golden Globe Awards: Best Film – Drama, Best Actor for Timothée Chalametand Best Supporting Actor for Edward Norton.

Undoubtedly, the film has left fans wanting to know more about Dylan, a famous figure whose career has spanned over 60 years. And one of the most common questions about Bob Dylan is about his dating life. Who Has Bob Dylan Dated? Has he been married? Here’s everything we know about the iconic singer’s love life.

Bob Dylan’s Dating History

Suzie Pullen (rumored 1998-present)

Dylan hasn’t had any public relationships in years, but it’s rumored that he’s not just in a relationship, but married to longtime assistant/assistant Suzie Pullen.

Carolyn Dennis (1978-1992)

Carolyn Dennis was Dylan’s second wife. They met in 1978 when she was chosen as a backup singer for Dylan’s album Street legal. The two had a child together, Desiree Gabrielle Dennis-Dylan, in 1986, and married the same year. They divorced in 1992.

Sally Kirkland (70s, 80s and 90s)

Bob Dylan dated actress and producer Sally Kirkland briefly during the 70s, then the late 80s and then the late 90s again. Talk about the relationship you can’t leave! “We kept coming back to each other,” Kirkland shared Closer weekly magazine in 2016. “I always send him birthday letters and saw his last concert in LA.”

Ruth Tyrangiel (1975-1994)

Another of Dylan’s on-and-off girlfriends was Ruth Tyrangiel. The two probably only started dating in the mid-1970s, with the relationship on and off for years. Tyrangiel is a former lawyer.

Chris O’Dell (1974)

Dylan reportedly dated O’Dell in 1974, shortly after divorcing his wife. O’Dell was employed by Dylan’s manager at the time. She has worked extensively in the music industry, including with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones on top of Bob Dylan. In 2009, she wrote a memoir titled Miss O’Dell.

Sarah Dylan (1964-1977)

Born Shirley Marlin Noznisky, Sara was Dylan’s first wife. The two met in late 1964 after Noznisky tragically lost her husband. The two had four children together, and their marriage is said to be the inspiration for Dylan’s famous Blood on the tracks album. They divorced in 1977.

Dana Gillespie (1965)

Gillespie, a British actress and singer, briefly dated Dylan during the 90s. The two famously met while Dylan was on tour.

Mavis Staples (1963)

Famed American gospel and R&B singer Staples had a relationship with Dylan in the early 1960s after the two met at a folk festival and bonded over their shared love of music. Staples told The Guardian: “I often think about what would have happened if I had married Bobby. If we’d had some little plum smashers, what would our lives be like. The kids would be singing now and Bobby and I would be holding each other up.”

Joan Baez (1963-1965)

Perhaps Dylan’s most famous relationship outside of his marriages, the two met at the Monterey Folk Festival in 1963 and sparks flew immediately. They often performed together and had a major influence on each other’s music careers. But their relationship ended in 1965.

Suze Rotolo (1961-1963)

Dylan’s first known love, Rotolo met the singer in the early 1960s and the two dated on and off for a few years. She is said to have inspired many of his protest songs. But his rising fame is said to have gotten in the way of their relationship.

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