Ringo Starr, the drummer who often came off as the most easygoing of the Beatles, also had a complex personal life—particularly when it came to his early relationships. One that stands out is with Maureen Cox, his first wife and the mother of his children. They married in 1965 when Beatlemania was peaking. Maureen, a Liverpool native, had known Ringo since their Cavern Club days. Despite the intense fame surrounding them, they tried to maintain a private family life. But fame takes its toll. Ringo admitted to excessive drinking, and their marriage began to strain. There were infidelities on both sides. The most painful moment came when Maureen reportedly had an affair with George Harrison—Ringo’s bandmate and friend. It was a moment that shook their inner circle, though Ringo never spoke publicly with bitterness. The couple divorced in 1975. Despite the heartbreak, Ringo remained supportive. He later said, “We just didn’t grow together anymore.” Maureen passed away in 1994. Ringo was by her side. He even sang “Photograph” at her memorial, a gesture that moved many to tears. Their relationship was imperfect, layered, and human. But it left behind love, three children, and a legacy that showed even rockstars face real heartbreak—and real healing.
Ringo Starr, renowned as the charismatic drummer of The Beatles, often projected an image of easygoing charm and humor. Yet beneath the jovial exterior […]
