Kenny G Wife: Inside His Marriage to Lyndie Benson and Their Family Life
When people search for Kenny G’s wife, they are usually looking to learn more about Lyndie Benson, the woman who spent two decades married to one of the most recognizable musicians in the world. Kenny G, whose real name is Kenneth Gorelick, is synonymous with smooth jazz and has enjoyed a global career spanning more than forty years. While his saxophone melodies became a constant presence on radio stations and concert stages, his personal life remained far more private. His marriage to Lyndie Benson was a significant chapter in that life, marked by longevity, family, and the unique pressures that come with international fame.
Who Is Kenny G?
Kenny G was born on June 5, 1956, in Seattle, Washington. He began playing the saxophone as a teenager and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent. After joining Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra in his late teens, Kenny G launched a solo career that would redefine instrumental pop music. Albums like Duotones, Breathless, and Miracles sold millions of copies worldwide, making him one of the best-selling instrumental artists of all time.
Despite critical debate around the smooth jazz genre, Kenny G’s commercial success is undeniable. His music reached audiences far beyond traditional jazz fans, and his name became a household staple. With that level of fame came public curiosity about his life offstage, especially his marriage and family.
Who Is Lyndie Benson?
Lyndie Benson is best known as Kenny G’s former wife, but she has always preferred a life away from the spotlight. Unlike many spouses of famous musicians, Lyndie did not pursue celebrity status or public attention. She maintained a private lifestyle, focusing on family and supporting Kenny during the busiest years of his touring and recording career.
Very little is publicly documented about Lyndie’s early life, which reflects her desire for privacy. What is clear is that she played an important role in Kenny G’s personal world during the height of his success, helping maintain stability as his career demanded constant travel and public appearances.
How Kenny G and Lyndie Benson Met
Kenny G and Lyndie Benson met in the early 1990s, during a period when his career was already well established. Their relationship developed away from media scrutiny, and they chose not to publicize their courtship. Friends and associates have described their connection as grounded and genuine, built on mutual respect rather than celebrity fascination.
At the time, Kenny G was frequently on tour, traveling internationally and performing hundreds of shows a year. Establishing a relationship under those circumstances required patience and understanding, qualities that would later define their marriage.
Their Marriage
Kenny G and Lyndie Benson married in 1992, beginning what would become a 20-year marriage. Their wedding was a private affair, consistent with how they handled most aspects of their personal lives. As Kenny’s fame continued to grow throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Lyndie remained largely behind the scenes.
Marriage to a globally touring musician came with unique challenges. Kenny G’s schedule often involved long periods away from home, international commitments, and intense professional demands. Despite this, the couple managed to build a family life that remained relatively insulated from public attention.
For many years, their marriage was viewed as stable and enduring, especially in an industry where long-term relationships are often rare.
Their Children and Family Life
Kenny G and Lyndie Benson have two sons: Max, born in 1999, and Noah, born in 2002. Fatherhood became an important part of Kenny G’s identity, and he has spoken in interviews about how having children changed his perspective on life and career.
The couple made a conscious effort to keep their children out of the spotlight. Unlike many celebrity families, they avoided frequent public appearances and limited media exposure. This approach allowed their sons to grow up with a sense of normalcy despite their father’s fame.
Balancing parenting with Kenny’s demanding schedule was not easy, but both parents prioritized family time whenever possible. Kenny G has often emphasized that his children were a grounding force during the busiest years of his career.
Challenges in Their Marriage
While their marriage lasted two decades, it was not without challenges. The pressures of fame, constant travel, and time spent apart inevitably took a toll. Maintaining emotional closeness while living on different schedules and continents can strain even the strongest relationships.
Over time, differences in lifestyle and priorities reportedly became more pronounced. Like many long-term marriages, especially those affected by demanding careers, the relationship evolved in ways that made it increasingly difficult to sustain.
Despite these challenges, both Kenny and Lyndie remained committed to handling their personal matters privately, avoiding public conflict or speculation.
Divorce and Separation
In 2012, it was publicly confirmed that Kenny G and Lyndie Benson had divorced, bringing their 20-year marriage to an end. The divorce was finalized without public controversy, statements, or disputes played out in the media.
Their separation marked the close of a significant chapter in Kenny G’s life, but both parties approached it with discretion and maturity. They focused on co-parenting their children and maintaining a respectful relationship moving forward.
The quiet nature of their divorce reinforced the couple’s long-standing commitment to privacy, even during a major life transition.
Life After Divorce
Following the divorce, Kenny G continued to focus on his music, touring, and various business ventures. He remained active in the recording studio and on the road, maintaining his connection with fans around the world. He has also been candid about the importance of family, remaining closely involved in his sons’ lives.
Lyndie Benson has continued to live a private life away from public attention. Very little is known about her activities post-divorce, which appears to be a deliberate choice. Both she and Kenny have prioritized their roles as parents, ensuring their children remain the central focus.