On August 21, 1982, U2 front man Bono married his high-school sweetheart, Ali Hewson, in a ceremony at All Saints Church in Raheny, Dublin. Their relationship, which began during their teenage years, has lasted over four decades, marked by mutual support and shared values.
Bono (born Paul Hewson) and Ali Hewson met at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin when they were 12 and 13 years old. They began dating in 1976, the same year U2 was formed. Their relationship developed alongside Bono's rise to fame, and they married in 1982 when Bono was 22 and Ali was 21.
The wedding was attended by close friends and family, with U2 bassist Adam Clayton serving as best man. Bono has humorously recalled that he was nearly late for his own wedding due to the crowd of well-wishers outside the church.
In his memoir "Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story", Bono reflected on their early years together, describing Ali as "not just a mystery to me... she's endlessly fascinating."
He acknowledges the challenges of their early marriage, stating, "I was married at 22 going on 18."
Ali Hewson has been a significant influence in Bono's life and work. She has co-founded ethical fashion brands such as EDUN and Nude, advocating for social and environmental causes. Bono has credited Ali with helping him navigate the complexities of fame and activism.
He has said, "She's not just a mystery to me... she's endlessly fascinating."
The couple has four children: Jordan, Eve, Elijah, and John. Bono has spoken about the challenges of balancing his music career with fatherhood, noting that Ali's support has been crucial.
He has said, "Any time either of us got lost, the other would be there to get the other one home."
Despite their public lives, Bono and Ali have maintained a relatively private relationship. They have been known to spend time together away from the spotlight, valuing their time as a family. Bono has described their relationship as a "work of love," emphasizing the importance of friendship in their marriage.
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