Inside Gary Lineker's marriages and close relationship with kids as family struck with heartache

gary lineker
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images for Premier League)


Gary Lineker's family were recently faced with heartache following the tragic death of his nephew.

The former footballer's nephew Jonty Parkinson, 18, died after he was crushed by a falling tree in Eaton Hastings, Oxon, an inquest heard.

Jonty was Gary's nephew from his first wife Michelle Cockayne, and the mother of his four children. Ali - the former partner of rugby legend Will Carling - is Michelle's sister.

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It's assumed the 63-year-old will be supporting his family and ex-wife through the heartbreaking time, reports the Mirror.

Lineker is one of the most well-known faces on TV thanks to his successful football career and role as a pundit. However, when the star isn't hosting live coverage of football games, his life consists of chilling out at home with his four sons.

Jonty was killed by a falling tree that crushed his abdomen ( Image: Instagram) -Credit:Instagram
Jonty was killed by a falling tree that crushed his abdomen ( Image: Instagram) -Credit:Instagram

The ex-England goalscorer has been married twice and shares four kids with his ex-wife Michelle. The pair married back in 1986, subsequently divorcing 20 years later after she filed for a divorce, citing "unreasonable behaviour", claiming he caused her "stress and anxiety" during their relationship.

In 2007, Lineker began dating Danielle Bux, who was 20 years younger, they soon married in Italy. However, their marriage only lasted six years before the two announced their separation in early 2016, reportedly due to their differing opinions on starting a family.

In 2019, Gary explained: "Danielle and I are best mates, we still speak three times a day, we text all the time. When she comes to London she stays with me, and when I go to LA I see her."

Since his second failed marriage, the icon has been single and has opened up various times about his dating life.

In 2021, he admitted he was not bothered about intimacy anymore, revealing he was at an age where his testosterone levels had dropped. Recently, he insisted he is content as a single man and his working life and sons occupy most of his time.

In an interview with The Times, Gary said: "I like being on my own... I don't feel lonely. I have the odd date here and there, but nothing, not in terms of a long relationship. I've been married most of my adult life. Two really good marriages, I'm friends with both."

The star described his second wife, Danielle, as his 'best mate' and refused to comment on his sex life, explaining he got 'slaughtered by his friends' last time.

Gary also claimed he'd never used dating apps and refused to allow his sons to set up an online profile on his behalf.

After denying that he had a crush on any fellow celebs, the father-of-four added: "I'm not giving you any names, though, because that always ends up embarrassing."

Following Gary and Danielle's split, she went on to remarry American entertainment lawyer, Nate Greenwald.

The pair welcomed their now-four-year-old daughter, Romy. Although, the exes still come together with their families.

Last Christmas, Danielle posted a photo with Gary alongside her eldest daughter Ella, who she shares with a former partner Adam Willis.

Gary Lineker with his wife Michelle
Gary's first marriage to Michelle lasted from 1986 until 2006 -Credit:Getty

She captioned the photo "Our annual Christmas dinner", and Gary shared the picture with the comment, "Always a delight".

The pundit previously explained how he continues to keep in touch with his ex and Danielle's current husband never gets 'jealous' of their relationship.

"He's not got a jealous bone in his body," Gary said to the Radio Times.

"We get on really well. We go out for dinner when I'm in LA. It might be unusual and people might go, 'That's weird' but, frankly, I don't care. What is normal? Is it better to get divorced and end up fighting, screaming and shouting? Or is it better to get on if you can?"

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