When it comes to love and marriage, everyone has their reasons for walking down the aisle. For some, it’s about finding a partner to share laughs and life’s adventures. For others, financial security and a luxurious lifestyle are high on the priority list. In this listicle, we explore the stories of 13 famous women who have been accused of marrying for money. Whether their relationships began out of love or convenience, it’s undeniable that their marriages have afforded them some enviable lifestyles. Let’s dive into the lives of these women and see what their marriages brought them in terms of luxury and adventure.
1. Anna Nicole Smith: The Playmate Turned Heiress
Anna Nicole Smith’s marriage to oil magnate J. Howard Marshall was one that caught the media’s attention. Anna, a former Playboy Playmate, married Marshall when she was only 26 and he was 89, sparking widespread speculation that her motives were more financial than romantic. The couple met in 1991, and their whirlwind romance led to a wedding in 1994. According to People, Anna Nicole Smith’s marriage to the elderly billionaire was subject to criticism and legal battles over his fortune following his death in 1995. Despite the controversy, Anna Nicole lived a life of luxury, enjoying riches such as private jets and designer clothes.
Posthumously, Anna’s legal battle over Marshall’s estate continued for years in a high-profile court case. Nevertheless, during her marriage, Anna was often spotted at the most glamorous events, dripping in diamonds and designer dresses. Even today, her name remains synonymous with marrying for wealth. While it’s easy to criticize, there’s no denying that her marriage brought her financial security and a life she once only dreamed of while working as a waitress in Texas.
2. Melania Trump: From Model to First Lady
Before she became the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump was a successful model from Slovenia. She met Donald Trump in 1998, and they married in 2005. As a billionaire businessman, Donald Trump provided Melania with access to a lavish world of luxury and fame. Their marriage has often been scrutinized, with many questioning whether Melania married Trump for his wealth and status. According to The New Yorker, Melania caught the eye of many with her sophisticated style and grace, leading her to become a fashion icon during her tenure as First Lady.
Despite the skepticism, Melania has maintained a relatively private life compared to other First Ladies, focusing on her family and personal projects. Her life with Donald Trump has been filled with extravagant homes, high-end fashion, and the power that comes with being married to one of the most influential men in the world. Whether one views her marriage as a strategic move or a love story, Melania continues to lead a life of opulence that few can match.
3. Heather Mills: The Controversial Union with a Beatle
Heather Mills’ marriage to Sir Paul McCartney was one of the most talked-about unions of the early 2000s. Mills, a former model and activist, married the legendary musician in 2002 after meeting at a charity event. Their marriage raised eyebrows primarily because of the vast difference in their financial statuses. According to The Guardian, the couple’s relationship was under intense scrutiny, with rumors circulating that Mills was seeking financial gain from the union. Despite the contentious divorce that followed in 2008, Heather Mills reportedly received a sizable settlement, further fueling public perception that she married McCartney for his wealth.
During their marriage, Heather enjoyed a lavish lifestyle characterized by luxurious homes, global travel, and high-profile social circles. Her time with McCartney also put her in the public eye, allowing her to advocate for personal causes on a larger scale. While the marriage ended in a very public and bitter courtroom battle, Mills’ time as McCartney’s wife undeniably changed her life both financially and socially. Whether love or lifestyle motivated the marriage, Heather Mills’ story remains a testament to the complexities of marrying into wealth.
4. Kim Kardashian: The Reality of High-Profile Marriages
Kim Kardashian is no stranger to the spotlight, and her marriage to Kris Humphries thrust her even further into the public eye. The couple’s 72-day marriage in 2011 was highly publicized, leading many to speculate that it was more for television ratings and financial gain than true love. While it’s true that Kim’s wedding to the NBA player was a major event featured on her reality TV show, “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” her subsequent marriage to rapper Kanye West brought her even more luxury and influence.
With Kanye, Kim’s life took on a new level of opulence, marked by extravagant homes, exotic vacations, and an impressive collection of designer fashion. The couple’s union also led to collaborations in the fashion and music industries, further increasing Kim’s fame and fortune. Despite the eventual breakdown of their marriage, Kim’s time with Kanye solidified her status as a global icon. The partnership brought her not just financial gains but also a significant cultural impact, cementing her role as a key influencer in fashion and entertainment.
5. Jerry Hall: From Rock ‘n’ Roll to Media Mogul
Jerry Hall’s romantic history includes some of the most famous men in the world, but her marriage to media mogul Rupert Murdoch was particularly notable. The former supermodel married Murdoch in 2016, a union that took many by surprise given her past relationship with rock star Mick Jagger. Marrying Murdoch, a billionaire with vast media holdings, has given Hall access to a lifestyle that most can only dream of. From private jets to sprawling estates, her life with Murdoch is one of luxury and privilege.
While some critics have suggested that Hall married Murdoch for his wealth, others argue that she found companionship and stability in their relationship. Throughout their marriage, Hall has remained active in social and philanthropic circles, using her status to champion various causes. Her marriage to Murdoch has undeniably provided her with a platform to influence and engage with high society. Whether the marriage was for love or money, there’s no question that Jerry Hall continues to enjoy a life filled with glamour and opportunity.
6. Mariah Carey: The Pop Diva’s Millionaire Marriages
Mariah Carey’s love life has always been as headline-worthy as her chart-topping hits. Her marriage to Tommy Mottola, a powerful music executive, arguably played a significant role in her early career. Mottola was instrumental in launching Mariah’s career, and their marriage gave her a taste of the high life. However, it was her later engagement to billionaire James Packer that truly dazzled the public. The engagement was marked by lavish gifts and an extravagant lifestyle that included private yachts and luxurious vacations.
Though their engagement was eventually called off, Mariah’s relationship with Packer was a testament to her affinity for living large. The pop diva has always enjoyed the finer things in life, and her choice of partners reflects her desire for a luxurious lifestyle. Beyond the financial benefits, these relationships have also kept her firmly in the public eye, ensuring that Mariah remains a central figure in pop culture. Whether for love, money, or a combination of both, Mariah Carey’s romantic choices have certainly shaped the extravagant life she leads.
7. Salma Hayek: Finding Love and Luxury in the Fashion World
Salma Hayek’s marriage to François-Henri Pinault, CEO of the luxury fashion group Kering, has been a blend of love and opulence. The actress, known for her stunning performances and beauty, married Pinault in 2009, and the couple has since become a fixture in both Hollywood and high-fashion circles. Pinault’s business empire includes luxury brands like Gucci and Balenciaga, providing Hayek with a lifestyle filled with exclusive fashion events and high-end glamour. The couple’s shared interests in art and charity have also allowed them to bond over more than just wealth.
While some may speculate that Hayek married Pinault for his fortune, their relationship appears to be one of genuine partnership and mutual respect. Together, they have focused on philanthropy, supporting various charitable causes around the world. Salma’s life as part of the Pinault family offers her unique opportunities to influence and contribute to the arts and global causes. Whether motivated by love or luxury, Salma Hayek’s marriage has undoubtedly enriched her life in numerous ways.
8. Ivana Trump: A Legacy of Wealth and Glamour
Ivana Trump, the first wife of Donald Trump, enjoyed a marriage that epitomized the opulence of the 1980s. The Czech-born former model married the real estate mogul in 1977, and together they became a power couple known for their lavish lifestyle. Ivana played a crucial role in the Trump business empire, overseeing operations at their hotels and casinos. Her marriage to Donald afforded her a life of luxury, complete with glamorous parties, high-profile events, and extravagant homes.
Even after their divorce in 1992, Ivana maintained her status as a wealthy socialite and businesswoman. She leveraged her experience to build her own brand, writing books and launching successful fashion and beauty lines. Ivana’s story is one of resilience and reinvention, as she continues to enjoy the lifestyle that her marriage to Donald helped to establish. Whether marrying for love, wealth, or a bit of both, Ivana Trump’s life remains one of luxury and influence.
9. Rita Hayworth: Hollywood Royalty Meets Real Royalty
Rita Hayworth, a Hollywood icon of the 1940s, made headlines when she married Prince Aly Khan, son of the Aga Khan, in 1949. The marriage merged Hollywood glamour with royal opulence, capturing the imagination of fans worldwide. Her union with Aly Khan provided Hayworth access to a life of regal luxury, from palaces to private islands. Despite the fairytale beginning, their marriage was fraught with challenges, including cultural differences and media scrutiny.
The couple’s divorce in 1953 did not diminish Hayworth’s legacy as one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. Her marriage to a prince added a layer of mystique to her already glamorous persona. While their relationship may not have lasted, Rita Hayworth’s brief stint as royalty remains a fascinating chapter in her storied life. Whether motivated by love or the allure of a royal title, Hayworth’s marriage to Aly Khan remains a classic example of Hollywood meeting high society.
10. Grace Kelly: The Actress Who Became a Princess
Grace Kelly’s transition from Hollywood starlet to Princess of Monaco is one of the most legendary stories of marrying into royalty. Her marriage to Prince Rainier III in 1956 transformed her from an Oscar-winning actress into one of the world’s most famous princesses. The wedding was a global event, watched by millions, and the couple’s life in Monaco was filled with grandeur and luxury. As princess, Grace embraced her new role, engaging in charitable work and becoming a beloved figure in Monaco.
Grace’s fairy tale, however, was not without its challenges, as she had to give up her successful acting career to fulfill her royal duties. Despite this, she managed to bridge her two worlds, championing the arts and maintaining connections with Hollywood. Her story continues to captivate, illustrating the complexities of balancing love, duty, and personal ambition. Grace Kelly’s marriage to Prince Rainier remains a timeless example of the allure of royal life and the sacrifices it often entails.
11. Wallis Simpson: The Woman Who Changed a Kingdom
Wallis Simpson’s marriage to King Edward VIII was a union that rocked the British monarchy. Their controversial relationship led to Edward’s abdication in 1936, allowing them to marry and live in exile. Simpson, an American socialite, was often speculated to have married Edward for the prestige and lifestyle associated with royalty. Their life together was one of luxury and travel, albeit outside the traditional royal fold.
Their controversial love story remains a topic of fascination, symbolizing the tension between personal desire and public duty. Despite being ostracized by the royal family, Wallis and Edward lived a life filled with high society engagements and global adventures. Their marriage, often scrutinized, nevertheless endured the test of time, highlighting a deep bond between the couple. Whether motivated by love or ambition, Wallis Simpson’s marriage changed the course of British history.
12. Zsa Zsa Gabor: The Glamorous Bride of Many
Zsa Zsa Gabor, known for her wit and glamour, was married nine times throughout her life. Her marriages to wealthy men, including hotel magnate Conrad Hilton, ensured her a life of luxury and high society. Each union brought Gabor not only financial security but also a place among the elite, where she became a fixture at the most exclusive parties and events. Her reputation for marrying well was as much a part of her persona as her acting career.
Despite the brevity of many of her marriages, Zsa Zsa always managed to maintain her lavish lifestyle and public persona. Her charm and charisma kept her in the public eye, allowing her to navigate the worlds of Hollywood and high society with ease. Gabor’s life was a testament to the power of personality and perception, as she became an icon of wealth and glamour. Whether marrying for love, money, or both, Zsa Zsa Gabor’s life was a never-ending celebration of luxury.
13. Elizabeth Taylor: The Iconic Star with a Love for Diamonds
Elizabeth Taylor’s love life was as dazzling as her legendary film career. Married eight times, Taylor was often perceived as someone who pursued wealth and luxury, though she maintained that her marriages were out of love. Her union with Richard Burton is perhaps the most famous, marked by grand gestures and extravagant gifts, including the famed Taylor-Burton diamond. Despite their turbulent relationship, the couple’s lavish lifestyle set a standard for celebrity opulence.
Taylor’s marriages, particularly to wealthy men like Burton and hotel heir Nicky Hilton, ensured her place among Hollywood’s elite. Her love for jewels and high living became part of her enduring legacy, as she was often seen draped in diamonds and couture. Elizabeth’s marriages were a reflection of her passionate nature and desire for both love and luxury. Her life remains a symbol of Hollywood’s golden age, where the lines between love and wealth often blurred.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Consult a financial professional before making investment or other financial decisions. The author and publisher make no warranties of any kind.
