Sammy Hagar recently opened up about the secrets behind his long-lasting marriage. He shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview published on People.
The rock legend has been married to his wife Kari Karte Hagar for 31 years. He reflected on what keeps a relationship strong — touching on equality, passion, and the importance of staying physically and emotionally connected.
“I’ll be serious about this because, you know, the first thing you say is, ‘happy wife, happy life,’ but one thing is that we’re equals,” Hagar said. “We’ll get into it like all couples, but we’re always equal — there’s no her under my thumb, or me under her thumb.”
Hagar then turned to what he considers one of the most telling signs of a healthy relationship — sharing a bedroom.
“I really think that you need passion in the relationship,” he continued. “We don’t sleep in separate bedrooms, man. And when that’s over, when you’re not really still physically and emotionally attracted to your partner, I think that’s a dangerous thing.”
He wrapped up his thoughts with a clear piece of advice for couples looking to maintain that spark over the long haul.
“You have to figure out how to keep that going,” Hagar said. “That’s my opinion. Having a great physical and emotional relationship is so important.”
The comments came as Hagar reflected on over three decades of marriage. They offered a candid look at what he believes makes a partnership last.
Hagar’s words carry the weight of lived experience. The Van Halen frontman and rock icon has built one of the most enduring marriages in the music industry. His openness about the effort it requires sets him apart from the typical celebrity narrative.
As reported by People, Hagar has been married to Kari Karte since 1995. Their union is now over three decades strong. The couple’s relationship has remained largely out of the spotlight, with Hagar occasionally offering glimpses into their private life through interviews and public appearances.
Before marrying Kari, Hagar was previously married to Betsy Berardi from 1968 to 1994. That union lasted over two decades and produced two sons. His second marriage to Kari began just a year after his divorce. It has since proven to be his most enduring partnership — one he speaks about with clear affection and conviction.
Hagar rose to global fame as the lead vocalist of Van Halen and later as a solo artist. He has long been known for his energetic stage presence and entrepreneurial ventures, including his Cabo Wabo tequila brand. In recent years, he has increasingly used his platform to speak candidly about life beyond music, including the values he believes sustain a meaningful relationship.
Hagar’s emphasis on equality and physical closeness reflects a broader philosophy he has carried throughout his personal life. For Hagar, a happy marriage is not a passive achievement — it is something that requires daily intention, mutual respect, and a refusal to let the emotional and physical connection fade over time.
