George Harrison, the legendary Beatles guitarist, was married twice during his lifetime. His first wife was English model and photographer Pattie Boyd, whom he married in 1966, while his second wife was American author and film producer Olivia Harrison, whom he married in 1978. Both women played important roles in his personal life and musical journey. Olivia remained his wife until his death on November 29, 2001, and together they welcomed his only child, Dhani Harrison.
Who Was George Harrison’s Wife?
George Harrison’s two wives were Pattie Boyd and Olivia Harrison.
Pattie was married to the musician from 1966 until their divorce in 1977. Their relationship unfolded during the height of the Beatles’ international fame.
Olivia entered Harrison’s life during the 1970s, after his first marriage began to break down.
The couple married in September 1978 and remained together for 23 years.
Although both relationships attracted public attention, they represented different periods of Harrison’s life, from Beatlemania to his later years as a solo musician.
Who Is Pattie Boyd?
Pattie Boyd was George Harrison’s first wife and a successful British model and photographer.
Born on March 17, 1944, in Taunton, Somerset, England, Boyd became involved in the fashion industry during the 1960s.
Her modeling career brought her into contact with musicians, photographers, and other prominent figures in London’s cultural scene.
She became particularly recognizable through her association with the Beatles.
Beyond modeling, Boyd later developed a career in photography and published accounts of her experiences within the music industry.
Her relationship with Harrison remains one of the most discussed romances of the British rock era.
How They Met
George Harrison met Pattie Boyd in 1964 during filming for the Beatles movie A Hard Day’s Night.
Boyd appeared in the film, providing an opportunity for the young guitarist to meet her.
Harrison was immediately attracted to her, and the two eventually began dating.
At the time, the Beatles were experiencing extraordinary commercial success, making their personal relationships subjects of widespread media interest.
Despite the intense attention surrounding the band, Harrison and Boyd developed a serious relationship.
Their romance became an important part of Harrison’s life during the Beatles’ most influential years.
Their Wedding
George Harrison and Pattie Boyd married on January 21, 1966, at the Epsom register office in Surrey, England.
Harrison was 22 years old, while Boyd was 21.
The ceremony was relatively private compared with the enormous publicity surrounding the Beatles.
Paul McCartney attended the wedding, reflecting the close professional and personal connections within the band.
Following their marriage, the couple became closely associated with the changing cultural atmosphere of the late 1960s.
They also developed an interest in Indian spirituality, meditation, and Eastern philosophy.
These influences became increasingly important in Harrison’s music and personal beliefs.
Why They Divorced
Harrison and Boyd’s marriage experienced difficulties during the early 1970s.
Their relationship was affected by personal disagreements, infidelity, and the pressures associated with fame.
The couple separated in 1974 and officially divorced in 1977.
During this period, guitarist Eric Clapton developed strong romantic feelings for Boyd, who had become an important figure in his personal life.
Boyd eventually began a relationship with Clapton.
She married him in 1979, two years after her divorce from Harrison.
Despite the complicated history, Harrison and Clapton maintained a friendship over the years.
Songs Inspired by Pattie
Pattie Boyd inspired several famous songs associated with George Harrison and Eric Clapton.
Harrison’s Something is frequently connected with Boyd, although he later gave differing explanations about the song’s inspiration.
Other Harrison compositions associated with their relationship include I Need You and For You Blue.
Clapton’s feelings for Boyd helped inspire Layla, one of his most celebrated recordings.
She was also the inspiration behind his song Wonderful Tonight.
Boyd’s place in music history extends beyond her marriages because of her association with these influential recordings.
Who Is Olivia Harrison?
Olivia Harrison, born Olivia Trinidad Arias on May 18, 1948, is an American author, film producer, and philanthropist.
She became George Harrison’s second wife and remained with him until his death.
Olivia was born in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in a family with Mexican heritage.
Before meeting Harrison, she worked in the music industry, including a position at A&M Records.
Her professional experience eventually connected her with Harrison’s Dark Horse Records label.
Their relationship developed during a period when the former Beatle was establishing his independent musical career.
How They Met
George Harrison and Olivia Arias met in 1974 through their work in the music industry.
Olivia was working at A&M Records in Los Angeles, which had business connections with Harrison’s Dark Horse label.
Their early communication reportedly began through professional interactions before developing into a romantic relationship.
Unlike Harrison’s first marriage, which unfolded during the intense publicity of Beatlemania, his relationship with Olivia was comparatively private.
She became an important source of companionship and stability during his later years.
Their partnership eventually developed into marriage and parenthood.
Marriage and Son
George Harrison married Olivia Arias on September 2, 1978, in England.
The wedding took place shortly after the birth of their son.
Dhani Harrison was born on August 1, 1978, becoming George’s only child.
Dhani later followed his father’s musical interests and established his own career as a musician and composer.
He has participated in projects celebrating George Harrison’s recordings and artistic legacy.
The family lived at Friar Park, Harrison’s estate in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.
Olivia remained closely involved in George’s personal and professional life throughout their marriage.
The 1999 Attack
One of the most dramatic events in the couple’s marriage occurred on December 30, 1999.
An intruder entered the family’s Friar Park home and attacked George Harrison with a knife.
Olivia intervened during the attack, striking the intruder with a household object and helping protect her husband.
George suffered serious injuries but survived.
Olivia’s actions were widely credited with preventing the incident from becoming even more devastating.
The attack deeply affected the family and became a significant event in Harrison’s later life.
George Harrison’s Death
George Harrison died on November 29, 2001, at age 58, following a battle with cancer.
Olivia remained his wife until his death.
The loss prompted tributes from musicians, fans, and public figures around the world.
Harrison was remembered for his contributions to the Beatles, his solo recordings, and his humanitarian activities.
Olivia subsequently became an important figure in preserving his artistic and personal legacy.
Their son Dhani also became involved in projects honoring his father’s work.
Olivia’s Life Today
Following George Harrison’s death, Olivia Harrison continued working to preserve and promote his musical legacy.
She has been involved in archival projects, charitable initiatives, and documentary productions.
Olivia contributed to the acclaimed documentary George Harrison: Living in the Material World, directed by Martin Scorsese.
She also published Came the Lightening: Twenty Poems for George in 2022, reflecting on their relationship and her memories of him.
Her work has helped introduce Harrison’s life and music to younger generations.
As of November 2026, she remains publicly associated with projects celebrating his creative achievements.
Final Thoughts
George Harrison’s first wife was Pattie Boyd, while his second and final wife was Olivia Harrison.
Boyd shared his life during the Beatles’ most famous years and became associated with several celebrated love songs.
Olivia became his partner during his solo career, welcomed their son Dhani, and remained beside him until his death in 2001.
Both women hold distinct places in Harrison’s story, but Olivia continues to play the leading role in protecting and celebrating the musician’s legacy.
