That her love life has so far consisted mainly of two long term relationships in an environment where happiness has eluded so many, can only be described as very lucky

By Nina Steele

Bo Derek, who is childless by choice, describes herself as a blessed woman. Aged 60, she lives with John Corbett, her partner of 15 years, on a ranch in California. Prior to meeting John Corbett, she was married to John Derek for 22 years until his death in May 1998. She was in her own words, “completely content and settled” after her husband died and was not looking to get involved with anyone else. As fate would have it, she fell head over heels for John Corbett in 2002. The two have been together ever since.

Bo said this of her decision not to have children: “For a long time I wanted children. When I was about 30 or 32, I really thought about it. But John [Derek] had two children from a previous marriage, and it wasn’t really natural for him. I had to consider that eventually I would be raising a child alone. So, when the time came, he said yes, we were all set and I said No”.

Of her life to date she said: “I’m intelligent enough to know that my life has been embarrassingly good”. That is more than most people can say, particularly in Hollywood where unhappiness is almost expected as the price to pay for fame. That her love life has so far consisted mainly of two long term relationships in an environment where happiness has eluded and continues to elude so many, can only be described as very lucky indeed. Also, she met her late husband when she was only 16 and he 46, which makes the fact that their marriage lasted until his death, all the more remarkable.

All the signs are that Bo’s relationship with John Corbett is going to go all the way too, although the couple is happy for things to remain as they are and are not planning on getting married. Of this, Bo said: “We talk about marriage sometimes, but we don’t have children and we’re not young, so there isn’t that pressure or need to get married”. John is more blunt on the subject. When asked about marriage, he replied: “Don’t get married. I have a lot of friends that get divorces. It becomes this whole thing.” He goes on to say: “I think the secret is just enjoy being together”. Whatever works for them. That they are happy together is what matters.