Weddings used to be the ultimate badge of adulthood—a sign of stability, achievement, and even decency. But times have altered. Increasing numbers of people, even some of the world’s largest stars, are teaching us that joy, meaning, and even family need not come via a wedding journey. These celebrities have created meaningful lives on their own terms, and their tales remind us that happiness doesn’t always include a wedding band. Here’s a reverse countdown of well-known personalities that demonstrate singlehood can be strong, inspiring, and absolutely on par.
17. Ricky Gervais
For more than three decades, Ricky Gervais has lived with writer Jane Fallon—without ever setting foot in a chapel. The comedian frequently points out that their relationship is just fine without legal documents, demonstrating that long-term commitment isn’t quantified by a ring.
16. Shonda Rhimes
The brains behind Grey’s Anatomy and Bridgerton freely confesses marriage is not for her. She once announced that informing her family that she did not want it was among the most liberating experiences of her life. She devotes her time to her three daughters and her career instead.
15. Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron has been open about not requiring a relationship to complete her. The Oscar winner and devoted mother thinks women forge their own futures and doesn’t feel that marriage is part of who she is.
14. Amber Rose
Never one to sugarcoat her feelings, Amber Rose has declared she plans to stay single forever. On a podcast, she explained she values her peace too much to deal with dating, calling the dating pool “gross.” Her focus is firmly on her children and her own well-being.
13. Drew Barrymore
Once she broke up with Will Kopelman, Drew Barrymore celebrated being a single mother. She has been very candid about putting her two girls first and learning how to enjoy herself rather than pursue romance.
12. Jennifer Aniston
Few stars have endured as much public discussion about their romantic lives as Jennifer Aniston. She’s pushed back, reminding the world that women don’t require a husband or kids to feel “complete.” She’s emerged as a vocal champion of defining happiness on your own terms.
11. Sharon Stone
Sharon Stone made sure to let everyone know she likes her freedom. She explained to Drew Barrymore that she loves her children and friends much more than dating and that she’s just “done” with relationships.
10. Fran Drescher
The Nanny actress has mastered being just fine alone. She explains that she is in a relationship with herself—and it’s working wonderfully. Her tale is one of breaking free of codependency and finding harmony alone.
9. Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling, with three kids, owns single life without apology. People pity her or attempt to fix her up, she claims, but she’s a successful, fashionable, and happy single mom.
8. Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks has never done things the conventional way. The Fleetwood Mac icon reports that she never experiences loneliness because she’s always surrounded by friends and collaborators. She learned at an early age to always be independent from her mother, and she’s taken that ethos with her in her profession.
7. Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton confesses that she never really thought of marriage as an integral part of her plan. She’s been too busy pursuing her dreams, and while she laughs about no one ever having called to invite her out, she exudes happiness at being on her own.
6. Mary-Louise Parker
The Weeds star never wed but is a single, proud mom of two kids, one of whom she adopted solo. Happiness for Parker isn’t related to a typical family setup.
5. John Cusack
Famously protective of his personal life, John Cusack has had many girlfriends but never married. He once quipped, “Society doesn’t tell me what to do”—a catchphrase that reflects his attitude toward relationships.
4. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey’s decades-long affair with Stedman Graham has lasted without marriage. She’s claimed that if they’d gotten married, their relationship may not have endured. For Oprah, nontraditional love is perfectly good enough as any official union.
3. Lauren Graham
Lauren Graham, known for Gilmore Girls, has had long-term relationships but never felt the need to get married. She prizes authentic connection and respect more than ceremony.
2. Hugh Grant
While commonly linked with romantic comedy, Hugh Grant remains unmarried. He’s made light of marriage being a “failed experiment,” but he’s fully adopted fatherhood and non-traditional family life.
1. Kylie Minogue
Global pop star Kylie Minogue has had relationships and even been engaged, but never sought to get married. Post her health battle, she’s preferred living truthfully and valuing connection without formality.
Redefining Singlehood
These tales point to something larger than star decisions—they mark a cultural shift. More individuals now are embracing independence, valuing self-actualization, and defying old notions of marriage. According to a Pew study, one out of four 40-year-olds in the United States has never wed, a sweeping departure from previous generations. The word is out: you don’t require a spouse to be happy, successful, or whole. Whether by design or default, it seems that these stars are telling us that love, joy, and purpose are possible beyond the confines of convention.