The enduring fascination with power couples in Hollywood rarely fades, even long after a marriage concludes, and the story of songwriter Linda Thompson and music mogul David Foster is no exception. As of late 2025, nearly two decades after their 2005 divorce, the surprising details of their post-marital life continue to emerge, painting a picture far more complex and cordial than typical celebrity splits. Thompson has been remarkably open about her life with the 16-time Grammy winner, touching on everything from his 'controlling' tendencies to his unwavering commitment to her sons from her previous marriage to Caitlyn Jenner, a relationship dynamic that remains remarkably "present" in their lives today. The revelations from her memoir, coupled with recent public comments, offer a fresh, unique look into the private world of two of music's most influential figures.
Their union, which spanned from 1991 to 2005, was a creative powerhouse, producing hits like Whitney Houston's iconic "I Have Nothing." However, the personal toll of being married to a man whose ambition was as vast as his musical talent has been a central theme of Thompson's reflections. This deep dive explores the current status of their relationship, the lasting legacy of their creative partnership, and the surprising facts about their respective lives and careers since the end of their 14-year marriage, including the deep connection David Foster still shares with her children, Brandon Jenner and Brody Jenner.
Complete Biographical Profiles: Linda Thompson and David Foster
To fully appreciate the scope of their relationship, it is essential to understand the individual careers and lives of both Linda Thompson and David Foster, two forces who shaped the entertainment industry.
Linda Thompson (Songwriter, Actress, Former Beauty Queen)
- Full Name: Linda Diane Thompson
- Born: May 23, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
- Career Highlights:
- Beauty Pageant Winner: Won titles including Miss Tennessee and Miss Liberty Bowl.
- Actress: Appeared in the TV series *Hee Haw* (1977–1982).
- Songwriter: Co-wrote the Oscar-nominated song "I Have Nothing" for the film *The Bodyguard* with David Foster.
- Memoirist: Authored *A Little Thing Called Life: On Loving Elvis Presley, Bruce Jenner, and Songs in Between* (2016).
- Notable Relationships: Long-term girlfriend of Elvis Presley (1972–1976); Married to Caitlyn Jenner (formerly Bruce Jenner) (1981–1986); Married to David Foster (1991–2005).
David Foster (Record Producer, Composer, Musician)
- Full Name: David Walter Foster OC OBC
- Born: November 1, 1949, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
- Career Highlights:
- Grammy Awards: Winner of 16 Grammy Awards from 45 nominations.
- Producer/Composer: Known for working with global superstars like Whitney Houston, Céline Dion, Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, and Andrea Bocelli.
- Key Songs: Co-wrote "I Have Nothing," "The Prayer," "Because You Loved Me," and "After the Love Has Gone."
- Executive: Served as a key executive at Warner Music Group.
- Wives: Married five times: B.J. Cook (1972–1981), Rebecca Dyer (1982–1986), Linda Thompson (1991–2005), Yolanda Hadid (2011–2015), and Katharine McPhee (2019–present).
7 Surprising Facts About Their Relationship Today
Despite the end of their marriage in 2005, the connections between Linda Thompson and David Foster remain strong, especially concerning family. Their story offers a rare look at a successful co-parenting and co-existing dynamic in the celebrity world.
1. David Foster Is Still a 'Present' Figure for the Jenner Sons
One of the most surprising and heartwarming revelations is the continued bond between David Foster and Linda Thompson's sons from her previous marriage to Caitlyn Jenner, Brandon Jenner and Brody Jenner. Thompson has publicly praised Foster, stating that he has "stayed present" in their lives even 20 years after the divorce. She clarified that he didn't "flake out" on his role as a stepfather, a testament to the family's enduring connection.
2. The 'Controlling and Jealous' Husband Claims
While Thompson generally speaks positively about their current relationship, older reports and claims have surfaced suggesting that their marriage was not always harmonious. One source claimed that Foster was a "controlling & jealous" husband during their time together. Thompson's memoir, *A Little Thing Called Life*, delves into the complexities of being married to a creative powerhouse, acknowledging the intense focus and ambition that often came with his genius.
3. They Co-Wrote an Oscar-Nominated Mega-Hit
Their professional collaboration during the marriage resulted in a massive, timeless hit: "I Have Nothing," performed by Whitney Houston for *The Bodyguard* soundtrack. Thompson co-wrote the lyrics to Foster's music, a partnership that secured her financial independence and a lasting legacy in the music industry. This song was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
4. Linda Thompson is Cordial with David's Current Wife, Katharine McPhee
In a rare display of maturity in Hollywood's ex-spousal circles, Linda Thompson has publicly expressed support for David Foster's current wife, singer Katharine McPhee. Thompson has been seen reacting to family news involving McPhee and has nothing but well wishes for the couple, demonstrating a commitment to peaceful co-existence with the Foster family's newest generation, including their son Rennie Foster.
5. Their Marriage Was Documented on Reality TV
Before Foster’s marriage to Yolanda Hadid was featured on *The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills*, his life with Linda Thompson was also documented. Thompson appeared on the short-lived reality series *The Princes of Malibu* alongside her sons, Brandon and Brody Jenner, which offered a glimpse into their luxurious Malibu lifestyle, often featuring David Foster as the patriarch.
6. Linda Thompson is Currently Single and Focused on Her Career
Since her divorce from Foster in 2005, Linda Thompson has not remarried and is reportedly "single and fabulous," focusing on her life and career. Her memoir, which details her high-profile romances with Elvis Presley, Bruce Jenner, and David Foster, has provided her with a new creative outlet and a platform to share her life lessons. She is considered a successful songwriter and continues to enjoy the residual success of her work, including "I Have Nothing."
7. The Foster Daughters Were Close to Linda
David Foster has five daughters from his previous marriages: Allison Foster, Amy Foster, Sara Foster, Erin Foster, and Jordan Foster. During their marriage, Linda Thompson acted as a stepmother figure to the girls, particularly Sara, Erin, and Jordan, who were young when Foster divorced their mother, Rebecca Dyer, and moved in with Linda. This blended family dynamic, though complex, laid the groundwork for the co-parenting approach that continues today, involving not just Brandon and Brody, but the entire extended Foster-Jenner clan.
The Creative Legacy: Music and Media
Beyond the personal drama, the most significant legacy of the Linda Thompson and David Foster partnership is the music. Their creative synergy was undeniable, blending Thompson's lyrical storytelling with Foster's masterful composition and production skills. This period of collaboration solidified Thompson as a powerhouse lyricist and added another layer of gold to Foster's already legendary status as a music producer.
Thompson's songwriting credits extend to other major artists as well, often in collaboration with Foster, including songs for Josh Groban and Barbra Streisand. Her ability to craft emotionally resonant lyrics was the perfect complement to Foster's signature soaring melodies and lush arrangements. This professional bond is a key entity in their shared history, often overshadowing the later, more publicized marriages of the music producer to Yolanda Hadid and Katharine McPhee.
Topical Entities and LSI Keywords
The lives of Linda Thompson and David Foster are interconnected with a vast network of high-profile entities and topical keywords that enhance the authority of their story:
- Family Connections: Brandon Jenner, Brody Jenner, Caitlyn Jenner (formerly Bruce Jenner), Sara Foster, Erin Foster, Jordan Foster, Allison Foster, Rennie Foster, Katharine McPhee.
- Musical Works: "I Have Nothing," *The Bodyguard*, "The Prayer," "Because You Loved Me," Grammy Awards, Oscar Nomination, Céline Dion, Whitney Houston, Josh Groban.
- Past Relationships: Elvis Presley, Yolanda Hadid, Rebecca Dyer, B.J. Cook.
- Media/Memoir: *A Little Thing Called Life*, *The Princes of Malibu*, *The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills*.
- Locations: Memphis, Tennessee, Victoria, British Columbia, Malibu.
In conclusion, the modern relationship between Linda Thompson and David Foster is a fascinating study in Hollywood cordiality. It debunks the myth that all celebrity divorces must end in acrimony. While the marriage itself had its challenges, as Thompson has hinted, their shared history—both professional and personal—has evolved into a respectful, co-existing family unit. The continued presence of David Foster in the lives of Brandon and Brody Jenner, coupled with Linda's public support for his current marriage, highlights a mature and enduring bond that transcends their divorce papers from 2005. They remain two of the most influential figures in music and media, forever linked by a powerful creative legacy and a complicated, yet ultimately successful, blended family.
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