Fans and entertainment watchers alike often wonder: is Bill Murray married today? The answer is simple — no, the celebrated actor and comedian is not married as of 2025. But the journey behind that answer is far from simple. Over the years, Murray’s personal life has included two marriages, six children, public rumors, and a uniquely private approach to relationships that has kept fans guessing for decades.
In this comprehensive look, we’ll walk through Bill Murray’s marital history, his current status, and why the question of his love life still fascinates audiences worldwide.
Table of Contents
Bill Murray’s Early Life and First Marriage
Before delving into his current status, it’s helpful to understand where Murray’s story began. Bill Murray rose to fame in the late 1970s as part of Saturday Night Live, quickly becoming one of America’s most beloved comedic voices. His career skyrocketed through the 1980s with hit films like Ghostbusters, Stripes, and Caddyshack.
Amid this rapid rise, Murray experienced a major personal milestone. On January 25, 1981, he married Margaret “Mickey” Kelly. Their wedding took place during the filming of Stripes, marking a period when Murray was transitioning from a television comedian to a full-fledged Hollywood star.
The couple welcomed two sons, Homer and Luke, during their marriage. For years, they lived a relatively private life, away from the intense glare of Hollywood tabloids. Murray’s early career success and his growing family seemed to go hand in hand, giving the impression of stability behind the scenes.
However, by the mid-1990s, the marriage began to unravel. Fame, career pressures, and personal struggles reportedly created distance between them. After 15 years together, Murray and Kelly divorced in 1996, ending his first marriage.
Second Marriage: A New Chapter with Jennifer Butler
Not long after his first divorce, Bill Murray entered his second marriage. In 1997, he married Jennifer Butler, a costume designer he met during work on film projects. Butler had a creative background and was part of Murray’s professional environment, which brought them close.
Together, they had four children: Caleb, Jackson, Cooper, and Lincoln. For a time, this second marriage seemed to mark a new era for Murray — one that blended his film career with family life in a more grounded way.
However, their relationship faced turbulence as well. After more than a decade together, Butler filed for divorce in 2008, citing serious marital issues, including alleged infidelity and substance use. Their divorce was finalized on June 13, 2008, officially ending Murray’s second and, to date, last marriage.
Butler later passed away in 2021, years after the divorce, leaving behind the four children she shared with Murray.
Bill Murray’s Current Marital Status
So, is Bill Murray married now? As of October 2025, Bill Murray is not married. He has not remarried since his divorce from Jennifer Butler in 2008.
Over the past 17 years, Murray has not announced any engagements, weddings, or legal unions. There have been no public records of marriages, and he has not confirmed any long-term romantic relationships.
This long stretch of single life is notable, especially for a celebrity of his stature. While many public figures enter multiple marriages or high-profile relationships, Murray has maintained a low profile, letting rumors come and go without much comment.
Public Rumors and Relationship Speculation
Despite his preference for privacy, Bill Murray has been the subject of several relationship rumors, which have fueled the ongoing interest in his marital status.
One of the most talked-about moments occurred in 2023, when speculation arose that Murray was dating singer Kelis. Their appearances at a few events and concerts led to a wave of headlines claiming a romantic connection.
In early 2025, Murray publicly addressed these rumors, clarifying that while he admired her talent and had met her, there was no romantic relationship between them. He joked that the story “raised his cool factor,” but it didn’t reflect reality.
Since then, there have been no credible reports of new romances or secret marriages. Murray’s relationship status remains unchanged: he is not married, and no engagement has been made public.
Why the Question ‘Is Bill Murray Married’ Keeps Trending
Bill Murray’s marital status continues to intrigue fans for several reasons, even decades after his last marriage.
- His enduring fame: Murray’s career spans more than four decades. From classic comedies to critically acclaimed roles in films like Lost in Translation, he remains a cultural figure of enormous influence.
- His unpredictable persona: Murray has built a reputation for showing up unexpectedly at weddings, karaoke bars, and random parties, creating viral moments. His spontaneous appearances have turned him into something of a legend, and that playful image fuels curiosity about his personal life.
- A rare mix of mystery and stardom: Unlike many celebrities, Murray avoids social media and doesn’t overshare in interviews. This silence leaves room for speculation, making simple questions like “is Bill Murray married” linger for years.
- High-profile but short-lived rumors: Every time Murray is seen with someone new, especially in public settings, rumors ignite quickly — but they often fade just as fast.
Timeline of Bill Murray’s Marital Life
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1981 | Married Margaret Kelly |
| 1983–1993 | Became a father of two sons with Kelly |
| 1996 | Divorced Margaret Kelly |
| 1997 | Married Jennifer Butler |
| 1997–2008 | Had four sons with Butler |
| 2008 | Divorced Jennifer Butler |
| 2021 | Jennifer Butler passed away |
| 2023 | Rumors surfaced about singer Kelis |
| 2025 | Confirmed he is not married |
This timeline illustrates that Murray’s romantic life has been shaped by two long marriages, six children, and a lengthy single period that continues today.
Bill Murray’s Approach to Privacy
Another major reason why fans keep asking “is Bill Murray married” is his deliberate distance from the typical celebrity lifestyle.
Unlike many of his peers, Murray does not maintain a personal publicist, rarely gives personal interviews, and avoids social media entirely. He often communicates through a famously unconventional method: a voicemail line that only a select few have access to. This old-fashioned approach makes it harder for the public to track his personal developments, adding to his mystique.
This choice has helped him maintain control over his narrative, even as public curiosity persists. His preference for a quiet personal life stands in contrast to his often larger-than-life presence on screen and at public events.
Family Life Beyond Marriage
Even though he is not married, Murray’s role as a father remains central to his personal story. He has six sons from his two marriages, and while he keeps details private, he has occasionally spoken about the joys and challenges of parenting.
Some of his children have pursued creative interests, while others have kept lower profiles. Murray is occasionally seen at events with them, but he rarely discusses family matters in interviews. At 75 years old, he seems to enjoy his independence and family life on his own terms.
Why This Status Matters to Fans
For many fans, the question “is Bill Murray married” goes beyond simple curiosity — it reflects how deeply Murray’s personality has woven into American pop culture. He represents a mix of humor, mystery, and authenticity that few other celebrities match.
In a world where most famous figures share every detail online, Murray’s quiet, private approach feels refreshing. His lack of a public marriage or romantic entanglement is almost an extension of his unique brand.
Conclusion
So, is Bill Murray married? As of October 2025, no — he is not married. After two marriages and a long period of single life, Bill Murray has chosen to keep his personal relationships private and has not remarried in over 17 years.
His life story is one of legendary Hollywood success paired with an intensely private personal world. Whether he ever decides to remarry or remain single, fans will continue to be fascinated by his unique journey.
What are your thoughts on Bill Murray’s approach to love and privacy? Share your opinions below and stay tuned for future updates.