A quiet revolution is transforming how society views single women, particularly those in their mature years. Where previous generations faced labels like 'spinster' or 'old maid', today's women over fifty are proudly rewriting the narrative, choosing fulfilment on their own terms without the pressure of romantic partnerships.
The New Face of Singlehood
High-profile celebrities are leading this cultural shift, demonstrating that life without a partner can be rich, rewarding, and entirely by choice. Women like Trinny Woodall, Jane Fonda, Sharon Stone, and Linda Evangelista are embracing their single status with confidence, proving that happiness doesn't require a ring on your finger.
While society continues to question women about settling down or biological clocks, these successful women are too busy thriving to worry about outdated timelines. They represent a growing wave of confident women who see singlehood not as a failure, but as a lifestyle worth celebrating.
Celebrity Stories of Single Empowerment
Trinny Woodall, at 61, has been remarkably open about her priorities shifting away from finding a man. The Trinny London founder, previously married to Johnny Elichaoff and later in a relationship with Charles Saatchi, now champions what she calls 'the joy of not being in a relationship'.
'I don't need anyone to complete me,' Woodall told Hello! magazine. While she occasionally dates through friends rather than apps, her focus remains on her daughter and people who fascinate her. 'The most important thing in life is feeling good, waking up to people I want to see,' she explained to Women's Health UK.
Tracee Ellis Ross, 53, has never married or had children, a choice she's discussed extensively. In 2020, she revealed 'I've been raised by society to dream of my wedding, but I wish I had been dreaming of my life.' The actress has spoken about redefining womanhood as she navigates perimenopause, embracing this new phase without traditional milestones.
Drew Barrymore celebrated her fiftieth birthday by fully embracing her single era. After three marriages and numerous high-profile relationships, she realised 'the best relationship she'd ever have was with herself.' She now enjoys solo dates and cooking for herself, stating that while she's open to love, her happiness doesn't depend on it.
Closing the Relationship Chapter
Some celebrities have declared themselves completely done with romantic relationships. Jane Fonda, 87, after multiple high-profile marriages and relationships, announced in 2018 that she'd 'closed up shop.' Her current and next loves, she revealed, are her girlfriends.
Linda Evangelista was even more direct when asked about dating in 2023: 'Not interested. I don't want to sleep with anybody any more. I don't want to hear somebody breathing.' The supermodel, now 60, has clearly moved on from that chapter of her life.
Sharon Stone, 67, told Drew Barrymore in 2020 that she's done with dating, finding people 'insincere and not worth my time.' Instead, she prefers focusing on her three adopted sons and close friendships.
Meanwhile, Fran Drescher has taken a different approach, maintaining what she calls a 'rotation' of friends with benefits. The 67-year-old actress, divorced from Peter Marc Jacobson after he came out as gay, says she'll never marry again but maintains a close bond with her ex-husband.
Teri Hatcher, now 60, emphasised the distinction between being alone and being lonely. After two marriages, she told PEOPLE in 2019: 'I have been single for a very long time but there is nothing lonely about my life. I want to remove the stigma of that.'
Redefining Happiness and Fulfilment
These women represent a broader cultural shift where singlehood is increasingly recognised as a valid, fulfilling choice rather than a temporary state or failure. They demonstrate that:
- Happiness can be found outside traditional relationship structures
- Female friendships provide deep, meaningful connections
- Personal growth and self-discovery don't require a partner
- Sexuality and confidence flourish at any age
As more women follow their example, the narrative around single women continues to evolve from one of pity to one of admiration and respect for women living life on their own terms.
