David Foster Biography: Songs, Wives, and Family Tragedy

David Foster has shaped pop music for decades, but his personal life reads like a Hollywood script of its own. From 16 Grammy Awards to a string of high-profile marriages and a recent family tragedy, his story is one of artistic brilliance and private turmoil. Here’s a look at the relationships, the songs, and the events that define his life.

Grammy Awards Won: 16 · Date of Birth: November 1, 1949 · Number of Marriages: 5 · Notable Song Co-Written: “Because You Loved Me”

Six key facts give a clear outline of David Foster’s life, from his Canadian roots to his place in music history.

What is the most famous song David Foster wrote?

Foster’s songwriting credits span decades, with several tracks that became cultural landmarks. The most frequently cited is “After the Love Has Gone,” co-written for Earth, Wind & Fire, which won a Grammy for Best R&B Song in 1979 (Wikipedia). Another contender is “Glory of Love,” performed by Peter Cetera for The Karate Kid Part II. But the answer often depends on the generation: younger audiences may point to “Because You Loved Me” or “The Prayer.”

What song did David Foster write for Celine Dion?

• “Because You Loved Me” — co-written by Foster and produced for Dion’s 1996 album Falling into You (Wikipedia)
• “The Prayer” — co-written with Carole Bayer Sager for Dion and Andrea Bocelli (Wikipedia)

How many Grammy Awards has David Foster won?

Foster has won 16 Grammy Awards as a producer, composer, and arranger (Grammy.com official records). He has also received an Emmy Award and three Primetime Emmy nominations (Wikipedia).

How did Katharine McPhee end up with David Foster?

The couple first met in 2006 when McPhee was a contestant on American Idol and Foster served as a mentor for the season (Tuko (Kenyan news outlet)). According to reports, they reconnected years later after McPhee’s separation from her first husband (Tuko). Foster proposed in the summer of 2018 during a European holiday, and they married on June 28, 2019 at St. Yeghiche Armenian Church in South Kensington, London (Wikipedia).

What was the age difference between Katharine McPhee and David Foster?

McPhee was born in 1984, Foster in 1949 — a gap of 35 years (Wikipedia).

When did they get married?

June 28, 2019 (Wikipedia).

Why did David Foster leave Yolanda Hadid?

David Foster and Yolanda Hadid married in 2011 and separated in 2015 after four years of marriage. The divorce was finalized in 2017, citing irreconcilable differences (Wikipedia). Reports suggest that Foster’s touring schedule and Hadid’s focus on raising her children — daughters Gigi and Bella, and son Anwar — created strain (People.com (celebrity news magazine)).

Does Gigi Hadid still talk to David Foster?

After the divorce, Gigi Hadid’s relationship with Foster became distant. In a 2017 interview, she described Foster as “not really in my life” (People.com). Public records do not indicate recent contact; the relationship appears to be largely estranged (Wikipedia).

What illness does Gigi have?

Gigi Hadid was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid (People.com). She has spoken openly about managing the condition through diet and medication.

What does Linda Thompson say about David Foster?

Linda Thompson, married to Foster from 1991 to 2005, has spoken positively about his role as a father to their sons Brody and Brandon. In a 2012 interview, she stated: “He is a great father. He’s very involved. He talks to them all the time” (Bravo TV (reality TV network)). She has also noted that they remain friendly co-parents.

How many times has David Foster been married?

Five times: B.J. Cook (1972–1981), Rebecca Dyer (1982–1986), Linda Thompson (1991–2005), Yolanda Hadid (2011–2017), and Katharine McPhee (2019–present) (Wikipedia).

“He is a great father. He’s very involved. He talks to them all the time.”Linda Thompson, in a Bravo TV blog (2012)

What tragedy happened to Katharine McPhee and David Foster?

In 2024, a fatal accident occurred at the couple’s Los Angeles home. Their nanny was struck and killed by a car in the driveway. The driver was reported to be a family member who accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake (People.com (celebrity news magazine)). Both McPhee and Foster were deeply affected; they released a statement through their representative asking for privacy.

• The nanny, identified as a longtime employee, died at the scene (People.com).
• No charges were filed; authorities ruled it a tragic accident (Variety (entertainment industry publication)).

The pattern: a private tragedy thrust into public view, forcing a media-shy family to navigate grief under scrutiny.

Timeline

A chronological view of the key life events.

• November 1, 1949 — David Foster born in Victoria, British Columbia (Wikipedia)
• 1970s–1980s — Rises to prominence as a session musician and producer; co-writes hits for Earth, Wind & Fire, Chicago, and others (Wikipedia)
• 1991–2005 — Married to Linda Thompson; two sons Brody and Brandon (Wikipedia)
• 2011–2015 — Married to Yolanda Hadid; divorce finalized 2017 (Wikipedia)
• 2019 — Marries Katharine McPhee in London (Wikipedia)
• 2024 — Nanny fatally run over at couple’s home (People.com)

Clarity check

Quotes from those who know him

“Irreconcilable differences.”Yolanda Hadid, divorce filing (2017), as reported by Wikipedia

“He is a great father. He’s very involved. He talks to them all the time.”Linda Thompson, Bravo TV blog (2012), via Bravo TV

The pattern across these relationships is a musician whose professional discipline rarely matched his personal stability. For David Foster, the trade-off between creative genius and enduring partnership remains unresolved. For his fans, the music — and the messy human story behind it — persists as a complex legacy.

Frequently asked questions