Don McLean's Girlfriend Is 48 Years Younger, They've Been A Couple For Five Years

Oct 03, 2021

The 1971 hit song “American Pie” made Don McLean a legend in the music world. Not only did it top the charts for four weeks, but it has also been named an RIAA “Song of the Century” along with other classics like Judy Garland’s “Over the Rainbow” and Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.”

Since then, McLean has released an additional 20 studio albums — from his self-titled 1972 album to his 2020 release “Still Playin’ Favorites.”

But lately, the 76-year-old folk star has been in the news for his love life.

McLean’s first wife was Carol Sauvion, a scholar and director of the PBS documentary series “Craft in America.” But that relationship, which lasted seven years, is ancient history by now, as the couple got a divorce in 1976.

McLean’s second marriage to Patrisha Shnier McLean lasted longer, but the relationship was tumultuous. Although the couple was married for nearly 30 years, the couple separated after Shnier McLean called the police on McLean to report domestic violence. After McLean’s trial, which saw him plead guilty to four misdemeanors as part of a plea deal, the 76-year-old singer has a new love interest — 27-year-old model Paris Dylan.

Dylan, who is perhaps most well-known for her role on the MTV reality show “Catfish,” has been dating McLean for five years. And given the sheer age difference — McLean is 48 years Dylan’s senior — their relationship has attracted its fair share of media attention and scrutiny. However, McLean insists the two are in love in a March 2021 interview with People.

"Love is the most important thing you can have," McLean told People. "You have to love somebody. Hate is such a burden. It's a complete waste of time. I love my children and I love my girlfriend. I'm crazy for her."

Dylan appeared on a 2017 episode of “Catfish” and has a massive social media following, with over 500,000 followers on Instagram.

According to People, Dylan first posted a photo of herself and McLean back in 2016 when the model was 22 years old.

“I'm thankful for him. Happy Thanksgiving from Don & I,” the post reads. 

"She is the most wonderful person that I have ever known," McLean said of Dylan in his 2021 interview with People. "I think of her when I sing a lot of my songs. But I especially think of her when I sing (‘And I Loved You So’)."

“American Pie” has certainly overshadowed “And I Loved You So,” which came out on his 1970 album “Tapestry” — and yet it was a favorite of many prominent artists, such as Harry Connick Jr., Perry Como and Glen Campbell, according to People.

Elvis Presley famously performed a rendition of the track, which appeared on his triple-platinum “Elvis in Concert.” 

"I still remember the day Elvis' people called me to tell me that he wanted to do the song," McLean told People. "He did the song just beautifully, even when he was going through his share of difficulties. For a time, it was like watching a guy on a ledge 10 stories up. He was certainly struggling, but he delivered. No matter what, he would deliver that song to his audience."

McLean’s most recent album is “Still Playin’ Favorites,” which he released in October 2020. According to a press release on his website, the album spans “more than 100 years of songwriting” and a wide variety of genres from gospel and folk to jazz and soul.

This year, McLean told people that he’s trying to make the best of his time left on earth, especially since he realizes how fleeting life is.

"Watching my dad die right in front of me at the age of 15 definitely shook my world up," McLean told People. "It was that moment that I realized we are all very momentary. No matter how you want to cling onto tomorrow, we are all just standing on a trap door. It's a miracle, I didn't go crazy."

And beyond his music career, which McLean seems to be pursuing well into his 70s, the singer says that he is focused on his love life.

"You have to be in love with something," McLean explained to People. "When I have had bad times in my life, I always loved my guitar. And now, I have Paris."

"I'm honored to have her as a girlfriend and a partner and we have no plans to ever break up," he added. "We are going to stay together and ride this pony as long as we can."

The relationship isn’t without its critics, however. In 2019, for example, McLean responded to claims that Dylan was just dating him for the money and that she was “squandering” his fortune.

What do you think about McLean’s relationship with 27-year-old Dylan? Let us know — and be sure to pass this article on to others to get their take.