Happy Birthday, Maureen Starkey: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Mary Cox (1946–1994)
On this day, August 4, 2025, we remember and celebrate what would have been the 79th birthday of Maureen Starkey, born Mary Cox in Liverpool, England, in 1946. Known to millions as the first wife of Ringo Starr and the mother of three of his children, Maureen was a quiet yet deeply influential figure during the Beatles’ meteoric rise — a woman whose strength, love, and resilience left a lasting impact far beyond the headlines.
Maureen was just a teenager working as a hairdresser when she first met Ringo at the legendary Cavern Club, where the Beatles regularly performed in their early years. What began as a fan’s admiration quickly grew into a romantic bond. By 1965, the pair married in a modest civil ceremony, just as Beatlemania was sweeping across the world. Their first child, Zak Starkey, was born shortly after — a future drummer himself who would go on to play with The Who and Oasis, carrying on his father’s rhythmic legacy.
Despite the global chaos surrounding the Beatles, Maureen preferred to stay away from the spotlight. She focused on building a home, raising her children, and supporting Ringo through the tumultuous years of fame, tours, and personal transformation. Her ability to provide stability and emotional grounding during this whirlwind era was vital to Ringo’s life and career. Fellow Beatles and insiders often remarked on her kindness, strength, and fierce loyalty.
Maureen and Ringo’s marriage, though deeply affectionate in its early years, faced strain due to the pressures of fame and Ringo’s escalating struggles with addiction. The couple divorced in 1975, but their connection never truly broke. Ringo later admitted his deep regret over the marriage’s end and continued to show care and respect toward Maureen throughout her life. Their shared love never faded — a bond forever reflected in their children and in Ringo’s quiet tributes over the years.
In her final years, Maureen moved to the United States and remarried. Sadly, in 1994, she was diagnosed with leukemia. Her passing on December 30 of that year, at just 48 years old, marked a profound loss to all who knew her. In her final moments, Ringo flew to her bedside in Seattle, and George Harrison, in a final act of love and friendship, donated bone marrow in hopes of saving her life — a poignant reminder of the deep ties that bound the Beatles’ extended family.
Today, on what would have been her 79th birthday, we honor Maureen Starkey not just as Ringo Starr’s wife or the mother of Zak, Jason, and Lee, but as a courageous woman who helped anchor a cultural revolution with grace and dignity. She may never have sought the limelight, but her contributions to one of music’s greatest eras remain indelible. Happy Birthday, Maureen — your memory lives on in love, rhythm, and quiet strength.