Elon Musk isn’t just the enigmatic force behind Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink—his love life is as captivating as his technological ambitions. With relationships ranging from college sweethearts to Hollywood actresses and musical innovators, Musk’s personal life tells a story of high-profile romance, heartbreak, and unexpected twists. Let’s dive into the intricate web of Musk’s romantic escapades, framed by moments of both tender connection and media frenzy.
Elon Musk’s Complete Romantic History—How Many Women Has the Billionaire Dated?
Elon Musk has had notable relationships with seven women, resulting in 12 children. He dated Jennifer Gwynne in college (1994-1995) and married Justine Musk (2000-2008), with whom he shares five children. Musk was married twice to actress Talulah Riley (2010-2012, 2013-2016), dated Amber Heard briefly (2016-2018), and had three children with musician Grimes (2018-2022). He also fathered twins in 2021 and a third child in 2024 with Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis.
Jennifer Gwynne (1994-1995)
Elon Musk’s first known relationship began in the mid-1990s when he met Jennifer Gwynne at the University of Pennsylvania. The two dated for about a year, with Gwynne recalling Musk’s “quiet intensity” and occasional playful demeanor. Their connection was strong enough that they introduced each other to their families, and Musk even gifted her a gold-and-emerald necklace for her birthday. However, their romance fizzled out after Gwynne returned from studying abroad. She later said Musk struggled with long-distance relationships, finding phone calls “a waste of time.”
Decades later, Gwynne auctioned mementos of their relationship—photos and a handwritten birthday card—to pay for her stepson’s college tuition. She reflected fondly on their time together, highlighting Musk’s early visions of electric cars and his family’s warm hospitality during a Christmas visit in Toronto.
Justine Wilson (2000-2008)
Elon Musk’s next significant relationship began during his college years at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada, where he met Justine Wilson. Their courtship had a rocky start—she initially turned down his invitation for ice cream, only to find him later at her study spot, melting cones in hand. After transferring schools, Musk continued to pursue Justine, eventually winning her over.
The couple married in January 2000 and started a family. Tragically, their first child, Nevada Alexander, died at 10 weeks old of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Determined to expand their family, the couple had twins Griffin and Vivian in 2004, followed by triplets Kai, Saxon, and Damian in 2006. However, their marriage faced strains, with Justine later describing a dynamic where Musk’s alpha personality often overshadowed her own voice. She characterized herself as a “trophy wife” and shared that their relationship lacked intimacy and empathy.
After a car accident served as a wake-up call for Justine, the couple pursued counseling, but Musk ultimately filed for divorce in 2008. The split was contentious, but they reached an agreement for shared custody of their children. Despite the challenges, Justine received spousal and child support and retained their Los Angeles home.
Talulah Riley (2010-2016)
Just weeks after divorcing Justine Wilson, Elon Musk met English actress Talulah Riley in a London bar. The two quickly hit it off, with Riley later recalling that she initially thought Musk was a nervous tech guy unfamiliar with Hollywood circles. Six weeks after meeting, they were engaged, and by 2010, they tied the knot at Dornoch Cathedral in Scotland.
The couple’s relationship was a rollercoaster. Musk filed for divorce in 2012, tweeting, “It was an amazing four years. I will love you forever.” However, they reconciled and remarried in 2013. The second union lasted longer, but by 2016, Riley filed for divorce, marking the end of their on-again, off-again romance. Despite their split, Riley has spoken kindly of Musk, noting that they remained friends. She later married actor Thomas Brodie-Sangster in 2024.
Amber Heard (2016-2018)
During his separation from Talulah Riley, Elon Musk developed an interest in actress Amber Heard. Although he initially reached out to director Robert Rodriguez to arrange a meeting in 2012, Heard didn’t connect with Musk until the 2016 Met Gala, where she claimed Depp had “stood her up.” Musk and Heard began dating shortly after Heard filed for divorce from Johnny Depp.
Their relationship went public in 2017, with Instagram posts and trips to Australia sparking headlines. However, the romance was short-lived, with the couple splitting in August 2017 due to their demanding schedules. Musk later confessed that the breakup “hurt bad” and that he had been deeply in love with Heard. Although they briefly rekindled their romance in late 2017, they ultimately parted ways in February 2018. Heard has since described their relationship as intellectually stimulating and based on shared curiosity and values.
Grimes (2018-2021, 2021-2023)
Elon Musk’s most unconventional relationship began in 2018 when he connected with Canadian musician Grimes (Claire Boucher) over a shared joke about artificial intelligence. The two debuted their romance at the Met Gala that year, captivating the public with their contrasting personas.
In May 2020, they welcomed their first child, X Æ A-12, later simplified to X. Though they “semi-separated” in 2021, the pair continued to co-parent and welcomed a second child, Exa Dark Sideræl, via surrogate in December of that year. Despite their off-and-on dynamic, Grimes has described Musk as her best friend and a lifelong partner in their shared mission. Their third child, Techno Mechanicus (“Tau”), was revealed in Walter Isaacson’s 2023 biography of Musk.
Shivon Zilis (2021-Present)
In November 2021, Elon Musk welcomed twins, Strider and Azure, with Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis. The twins were conceived via IVF, and Zilis has clarified that their relationship was professional. In 2024, Musk confirmed they had a third child together, further expanding his already sizable brood.
