Christie Brinkley Shares Her Perspective on Love & Marriage

Christie Brinkley is offering a fresh take on the institution of marriage — and why she believes it’s okay to redefine the rules.

Christie Brinkley Reflects on Modern Marriage & Staying Open to Love

In the Aug. 7 episode of the “Are You a Charlotte?” podcast with “Sex and the City” star Kristin Davis, the 71-year-old model discussed whether “until death do us part” is still a realistic expectation for couples today. Davis posed the question of whether lifelong partnerships might be “outmoded” in modern society.

Brinkley, a four-time bride, suggested a more flexible approach.

“You could get married, like, ‘We’ll see if you want to renew it in five years,’ ” she said. “Every five years, go, ‘Do you want to renew?’ That way, if you’re getting bored or whatever, you can get out of it without all the lawyers and all that stuff.”

While her idea may be unconventional, Brinkley emphasized that she hasn’t lost faith in love. “I still believe in love,” she told People in April. She added that there might be some “miracle guy out there” for her, but if there isn’t, “It’s okay.”

Lessons Learned From a Star-Studded Romance History

Brinkley’s romantic past is well known. According to People, the former “Dancing With the Stars” contestant was married to French artist Jean-François Allaux from 1975 to 1981, musician Billy Joel from 1985 to 1994, real estate developer Richard Taubman from 1994 to 1995, and architect Peter Cook from 1996 to 2006. She also dated singer John Mellencamp in 2015.

Her marriages have brought both joy and challenges. “I’m too trusting, I’m a fool for love,” Brinkley told The New York Times in July. She acknowledged that “love takes work” and that sometimes “you need to rely on experts.” Looking back, she said she wished she could have saved some relationships and avoided others.

Even through heartbreak, Brinkley has maintained optimism. “The relationships I was in made me feel unloved,” she told People, “but I now know that in the right arms, I’m lovable.”

In her recent memoir “Uptown Girl,” Brinkley reflects on her experiences, sharing personal stories from her marriages and dating life. “Love is something that you have to cherish while you have it and nurture it, but you can’t hang onto it and you can’t change it or mold it to your desires,” she said while promoting the book in August.

Currently single, Brinkley also revealed she is “very, very happy and content,” embracing life as it comes — whether that includes another marriage or not.