Was Linda McCartney Married Before Paul McCartney?
It is a common misconception that Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney were lifelong partners, with many believing they were the first and only couple. However, it turns out that Paul and Linda were entwined in a complex web of relationships. Linda McCartney, born Heather Louise See, was indeed married to Joseph Melville See Jr. before she married Paul McCartney. This article explores the intriguing details of Linda's early relationships and how they shaped her future.
Previous Marriage to Joseph Melville See Jr.
In 1962, Linda McCartney, then known as Heather See, married Joseph Melville See Jr., a Princeton graduate who had also done graduate work at the University of Arizona. They had a daughter together named Heather Louise See. Their marriage was not a happy one, and they divorced in 1965. During this period, Joseph Melville See Jr. was not only the "JoJo" of the Beatles' song "Get Back" but also the title character of Paul McCartney's beloved song "Dear Boy." John Lennon, a close friend, mistakenly thought "Dear Boy" was about him, but Paul McCartney clarified that it was not the only song about a boy.
Happy Divorce and New Beginnings
Following the divorce, Linda and Joseph's shared daughter Heather was brought up by Paul after they had her adopted with Joseph's consent. Despite the legal parting, the love Linda had for Joseph lingered. This is evident in Paul's statement made years after Linda's death: "She was my sweetheart." It's a poignant reminder of the love that extended beyond the divorce.
Engagements and Misunderstandings
Paul McCartney had a few significant relationships prior to his marriage to Linda. He was once engaged to Jane Asher, an actress, for a period, though eventually, they did not tie the knot. Similarly, there was a brief engagement to a girl named Dot, but again, this did not lead to marriage. The relationship between Paul and Jane Asher was notable, as it was genuine and serious, but it was not to be.
Paul's love for Linda was evident, but his statements about his engagements hint at the complexity of his personal life. When asked if he would go down on one knee again, he joked by saying, "I would like you to call her Heather." This humorous remark underscores the enduring bond between him and Heather, not just Linda, further deepening the intrigue surrounding his life.
The Tragic End of Joseph Melville See Jr.
In 2000, Joseph Melville See Jr. took his own life in Tucson, Arizona. This event occurred nearly 35 years after the end of his marriage to Linda, leaving behind a shockwave of grief and speculation. Joseph left behind a suicide note, but questions still linger about the circumstances surrounding his death. Some suspect foul play, adding a layer of mystery to the story.
Linda McCartney's first marriage to Joseph Melville See Jr. signifies a significant chapter in her life. This history is not just a footnote in biography; it reflects the complex web of relationships and emotions that shaped her as a person and her subsequent marriage to Paul McCartney. Understanding these early relationships provides deeper insights into the personal and professional life of Paul McCartney and the family he built.