Marianne Faithfull had a romance with Mick Jagger in the 1960s
The late Marianne Faithfull had a four year relationship with Mick Jagger.
It’s been announced this week that musician Marianne has died, aged 78. The news has prompted tributes and renewed interest into her life and career, which included a romance with Rolling Stones member Mick in the 1960s.
Marianne – who had already made a name for herself as a musician – is said to have began an on-off romance with Mick in 1966, prior to their separation in 1970. She had already released the song As Tears Go By, which was co-written by Mick and his bandmate Keith Richards, and released in 1964, by then.
She had previously been in a relationship with artist John Dunbar, with whom she welcomed a son. Marianne and John are said to have been married from 1965 to 1966, and she reportedly moved in with Mick after leaving the family home.
Later in her relationship with Mick, Marianne discovered that she was pregnant and reportedly planned to name their daughter Corinna, but experienced a miscarriage at seven months in 1968. According to an interview with the Telegraph, she had a “suicide attempt” soon after the miscarriage. The loss, combined with alleged infidelity, is said to have contributed to her descent into drug addiction.
During her time with Mick, she reportedly discovered he had allegedly slept with the late Anita Pallenberg – Keith Richards’ then-partner. In retaliation, Marianne reportedly took revenge on Mick by sleeping with Keith.
After ending her relationship with Mick in 1970, Marianne lost custody of her son from a previous relationship and ended up homeless, living on the streets of Soho battling her addictions. However, Marianne eventually bounced back and continued to release music – her latest, announced in January 2016, is a live album of her 50th anniversary tour.
Later reflecting on the relationship, she told Rolling Stone magazine in 2021: “Although it was wonderful, it was only four years. It was a wonderful time, and he was great, but I don’t think I fit into that life or what he wanted in a woman, that’s all.”
The former couple reconnected in 2007 after Marianne underwent treatment for breast cancer. As reported at the time, she said: “He hadn’t called me for 35 years and here he was, making sure I was OK. He loves me and I love him. The fact that our relationship ended in 1970 doesn’t matter.”
Faithfull’s hits included As Tears Go By, which was written by Mick and Keith. In addition to her music career, Faithfull also acted in films including The Girl on a Motorcycle, as well as theatre productions. A statement from a spokesperson said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull. Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family. She will be dearly missed.”
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at the Miscarriage Association. You can call them on 01924 200799 or email info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk
If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.
