5 Secrets To Longevity: How Patti Hansen, The Original Supermodel And Keith Richards' Wife, Continues To Rock In 2025

Patti Hansen, the Staten Island native who transitioned from a hot dog stand vendor to one of the most iconic supermodels of the 1970s, remains a figure of enduring grace and rock 'n' roll resilience. As of late 2025, her life continues to fascinate, not just as the wife of Rolling Stones legend Keith Richards, but as a cancer survivor, mother to two successful models, and an active philanthropist.

Her story is a masterclass in navigating the high-octane world of fashion and rock music while maintaining a grounded, authentic self. The latest updates on Patti Hansen focus less on new runway appearances and more on the remarkable longevity of her marriage, her significant health journey, and the family she has built, cementing her status as a true rock 'n' roll matriarch.

Patti Hansen: The Complete Biography and Profile

Patti Hansen’s life is a fascinating timeline that spans from the gritty glamour of 1970s New York fashion to the quiet stability of a long-term rock star marriage. Her profile is defined by a unique blend of high-fashion elegance and down-to-earth practicality.

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• Full Name: Patricia Alvine Hansen
• Date of Birth: March 17, 1956
• Age (in 2025): 69
• Place of Birth: Staten Island, New York City, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: Norwegian ancestry
• Occupation: Model, Actress, Philanthropist
• Spouse: Keith Richards (m. 1983)
• Previous Marriage: James DePaiva (m. 1981; div. 1983)
• Children: Theodora Richards (b. 1985) and Alexandra Richards (b. 1986)
• Career Highlights: Discovered at age 16; first Vogue cover in 1975; appeared in films like The Last Tycoon (1976) and The End of the World in Our Usual Bed in a Night Full of Rain (1978).
• Notable Entities: Keith Richards, Theodora Richards, Alexandra Richards, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, The Rolling Stones, Bladder Cancer Survivor, 1970s Supermodel.

1. The Enduring Power of a 40-Year Rock 'n' Roll Marriage

One of the most compelling aspects of Patti Hansen's current narrative is her enduring marriage to Keith Richards. The couple celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in 2023, a monumental milestone in the notoriously volatile world of rock 'n' roll. Their relationship, which began in 1979 and culminated in a 1983 marriage, is often cited as one of the most stable in music history.

Hansen and Richards first met at Studio 54, a legendary New York nightclub, and their connection was immediate. Richards has frequently credited Hansen with grounding him and helping him overcome his struggles with addiction, calling her his "haven" and his "only lady."

In interviews, Hansen has shared that the secret to their longevity lies in mutual respect, a shared sense of humor, and giving each other space. Despite their different backgrounds—the Staten Island model and the legendary Rolling Stones guitarist—they built a life focused on family, primarily raising their two daughters, Theodora and Alexandra Richards, away from the constant chaos of the rock touring circuit. Their relationship is a testament to finding a deep, personal connection that transcends fame and fortune.

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The Richards Sisters: A Continuation of the Legacy

Patti Hansen's influence is clearly seen in her daughters, Theodora and Alexandra Richards, who have both followed in their mother's footsteps to become successful models and artists in their own right.

Theodora Richards, born in 1985, has modeled for major fashion houses and campaigns, while Alexandra Richards, born in 1986, is a well-known DJ, artist, and model. Their careers often see them referencing their mother’s iconic 1970s and 1980s style, ensuring the Hansen legacy remains a vibrant part of the contemporary fashion landscape. This generational continuation keeps Patti Hansen relevant in modern media conversations about fashion dynasties.

2. Her Courageous Battle as a Cancer Survivor and Advocate

Beyond the glamour, Patti Hansen has faced significant personal health challenges, which she has openly discussed to raise awareness, a key aspect of her current public profile. She has courageously fought two separate cancer diagnoses, demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience.

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In 2007, Hansen was diagnosed with bladder cancer, a battle she publicly revealed in an interview with Vogue. At the time of her diagnosis, she was given a 50% chance of survival, a daunting prognosis that she faced head-on with chemotherapy and a positive attitude.

This was not her first health scare; she had previously been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Her willingness to share these deeply personal struggles has transformed her into an advocate, particularly for women's health and cancer awareness. Her story provides a powerful message of hope and survival, resonating far beyond the fashion and music industries.

Philanthropic and Advocacy Work in 2025

Patti Hansen’s current activities often involve philanthropic endeavors, leveraging her platform for charitable causes. She and Keith Richards have been known to donate items from their personal collection to benefit various charities, such as those in Ridgefield, Connecticut.

Furthermore, her name has been associated with community and non-profit organizations, including serving on the board of the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB), indicating a commitment to local community service and helping those in need. This work showcases her dedication to giving back, a role she has embraced fully in her later years.

3. The Timeless Style of a 1970s Supermodel Icon

Patti Hansen is considered one of the original supermodels, a key figure who helped define the natural, effortless glamour of the 1970s fashion era. Discovered in Staten Island while working at her father's hot dog stand at the age of 16, her unique look—blond hair, blue eyes, and an easygoing charm—quickly captivated the industry.

She graced the covers of major magazines, including her first Vogue cover in 1975, and became a muse for photographers like Helmut Newton and Richard Avedon. Her career was a bridge between the polished look of the 1960s and the more rebellious, expressive style that would characterize the 1980s.

Even in 2025, her style remains influential. Fashion commentators frequently reference her iconic looks—from casual denim and leather jackets to sophisticated designer gowns—as a blueprint for "effortless cool." She is a constant source of inspiration for designers and fashion enthusiasts who appreciate her blend of high-fashion sensibility with a distinctly American, tomboy edge. This enduring fashion legacy ensures her status as a cultural entity remains strong.

4. Life Away from the Limelight: A Focus on Family and Privacy

Despite being married to one of the most famous musicians in the world, Patti Hansen has successfully cultivated a relatively private life. The couple primarily resides in their homes in the United States, preferring a quieter existence away from the constant glare of the paparazzi and the rock 'n' roll circuit when Richards is not touring with The Rolling Stones.

This conscious decision to prioritize family life over constant public exposure is a crucial element of their success as a couple and a family unit. Hansen has often spoken about the importance of routine and stability, providing a necessary counterpoint to Richards's famously chaotic early life. This stability has allowed both her and Richards to focus on their personal health and their roles as parents and grandparents.

5. Her Continued Influence on Pop Culture and Media

Patti Hansen’s influence is continually refreshed through her family and the ongoing documentation of The Rolling Stones' history. Every major Rolling Stones tour, documentary, or biography brings her story back into the spotlight, particularly as the source of stability in Richards's life. Entities like "Keith Richards' wife" and "Theodora Richards' mother" are powerful search terms that drive continued interest in her life.

Her story is a powerful example of a woman who successfully navigated multiple demanding careers—model, actress, wife, mother, and cancer survivor—with integrity. Her enduring image as a beautiful, strong, and grounded woman ensures that, even as she approaches 70, Patti Hansen remains a relevant and admired figure in pop culture today.