Supermodel and actress Christie Brinkley, 71, has set social media abuzz after sharing her unconventional view on marriage during a candid conversation on the Are You A Charlotte? podcast.
A New Take on an Old Institution
Speaking with actress Kristin Davis, Brinkley compared marriage to a legal agreement that could simply be “renewed” at intervals, much like a lease or service contract.
“You could get married, like, ‘We’ll see if you want to renew it in five years,’” she said, according to Fox News. “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.”
Her remarks struck a chord—and a nerve—online, sparking intense debate about whether the traditional “till death do us part” model still works in modern relationships.
Four Marriages, Many Lessons
Brinkley’s personal experience with marriage lends weight to her perspective.
- She first wed Jean-François Allaux in 1975, before divorcing after several years.
- Her second marriage was to music legend Billy Joel, a high-profile union that lasted nearly a decade.
- She later married Richard Taubman, followed by architect Peter Cook.
When asked by The New York Times what her marriages had taught her, Brinkley responded, “I’m a fool for love.” She acknowledged that love “takes work” and sometimes requires “relying on experts.”
Mixed Public Reaction
Her “marriage contract” analogy drew both praise and criticism. Some who support it see it as a novel, realistic strategy that could spare couples from tumultuous court cases and emotional distress. However, some contend that it compromises the stability and commitment that marriage is supposed to stand for.
Some fans applauded Brinkley’s honesty, noting that with divorce rates still hovering around 40–50% in the U.S., a structured renewal system might actually strengthen relationships by encouraging open communication. Others accused her of trivializing a sacred institution.
Also Read: Kash Doll and Za’Darius Smith Call It Quits: “I Just Need to Be Single”
Why the Idea Resonates in 2025
Relationship experts note that Brinkley’s suggestion aligns with evolving attitudes toward marriage.
A lot of younger couples are already viewing marriage as a dynamic, changing partnership rather than a strict, lifetime commitment.
Dr. Elaine Foster, a marriage therapist, commented, “While it may sound radical, periodic reassessment could prevent resentment and keep both partners actively invested in the relationship. The legal system, however, is far from ready to accommodate such a model.”
Brinkley, who has been named one of Men’s Health magazine’s most attractive women of all time, is no stranger to making headlines. But this time, it’s not about her timeless beauty — it’s about a bold challenge to a centuries-old social norm.
Whether her idea ever becomes reality remains to be seen. For now, it has people asking an unexpected question: If marriage contracts came with an expiration date, would more people stay—or walk away?
