Harry Connick Jr.'s Wife Jill Goodacre: Five Surprising Facts About Their 30-Year Marriage And Secret Health Battle

Harry Connick Jr.'s wife, Jill Goodacre, is far more than just the spouse of a famous musician and actor; she is a former supermodel, a dedicated mother, and a survivor whose private health battle has defined the couple's enduring love story. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the couple continues to share glimpses of their remarkably stable family life, recently celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary and making rare public appearances with their three talented daughters, proving their bond is one of the strongest in Hollywood. This deep dive reveals the surprising details of their three-decade journey, from their unconventional meet-cute to how they navigated a terrifying five-year secret. The enduring partnership between the New Orleans crooner and the former Victoria's Secret icon is a testament to shared faith, commitment, and a fierce dedication to privacy, even while raising their three children—Georgia, Kate, and Charlotte—out of the intense Hollywood spotlight. Their story is a powerful blend of glamour, deep personal struggle, and unwavering support, offering a rare look into the private world of one of entertainment's most beloved couples.

Jill Goodacre Connick: A Complete Biography and Career Profile

Jill Goodacre Connick established her own fame long before marrying Harry Connick Jr. She was one of the most recognizable faces in the modeling world, particularly known for her groundbreaking work with an iconic lingerie brand.

• Full Name: Jill Goodacre Connick
• Date of Birth: March 29, 1964
• Place of Birth: Lubbock, Texas, U.S.
• Parents: Her mother is famed sculptor Glenna Goodacre, known for designing the Vietnam Women's Memorial in Washington, D.C.
• Primary Career: Model and Actress.
• Modeling Breakthrough: Jill Goodacre was one of Victoria's Secret's main models throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. She is often credited as the first model to become a celebrity simply by appearing in the brand's catalog.
• Acting Roles: She appeared as herself in a memorable 1994 episode of the hit sitcom *Friends*, titled "The One with the Blackout," where she was trapped in an ATM vestibule with Chandler Bing.
• Marital Status: Married to Harry Connick Jr. (since 1994).
• Children: Three daughters: Georgia Connick (b. 1996), Sarah Kate "Kate" Connick (b. 1997), and Charlotte Connick (b. 2002).

Jill Goodacre’s auburn hair and striking looks made her a highly sought-after model, cementing her status as an '80s and '90s fashion icon. Her career success was a major achievement in its own right, separate from her celebrity marriage.

The Secret to 30 Years of Marriage: From Hollywood Meet-Cute to Enduring Love

The love story of Harry Connick Jr. and Jill Goodacre began in 1990 and has since become one of the most stable and celebrated marriages in the entertainment industry. The couple's first meeting was purely by chance. Harry Connick Jr., then a rising jazz star, met Jill Goodacre at a Los Angeles hotel pool. Despite the glamorous setting, Connick Jr. has often described their connection as instant and profound. He was 23, and she was 26. They dated for two years before getting engaged, and then remained engaged for another two years before officially tying the knot on April 16, 1994, in Connick Jr.'s hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. This lengthy courtship and engagement period speaks to a foundation of maturity and certainty before committing to marriage. In April 2024, the couple celebrated a remarkable milestone: their 30th wedding anniversary. Connick Jr. frequently attributes the longevity of their marriage to his strong Christian faith and a mutual respect and friendship that underpins their romantic relationship. He has openly stated that his wife is his best friend, a sentiment often cited as the key to their enduring partnership. Unlike many celebrity couples who reside in the heart of Hollywood, Connick Jr. and Goodacre chose to raise their family in Connecticut, a move that allowed them to maintain a degree of normalcy and privacy for their daughters. This deliberate choice to prioritize family over the demands of the spotlight is a core part of their marriage's success.

Family Life, Three Daughters, and Her Private Health Battle

The Connick-Goodacre family is a close-knit unit, with all three daughters—Georgia, Kate, and Charlotte—now adults pursuing their own careers. * Georgia Connick (b. 1996): The eldest daughter, Georgia, is a filmmaker and photographer. * Sarah Kate "Kate" Connick (b. 1997): Known as Kate, she is an actress and has followed her father into the performing arts. * Charlotte Connick (b. 2002): The youngest, Charlotte, is also pursuing creative endeavors. Harry Connick Jr. recently celebrated her 23rd birthday in early 2025, calling her a "genius" in a social media post. The family has been seen together in rare but happy public appearances in late 2024 and early 2025, including a trip to the 2025 Australian Open and attending an American football game in November 2024. These moments highlight their strong family bond and support for one another.

The Secret Five-Year Breast Cancer Fight

The most challenging period for the couple was a five-year secret battle that Jill Goodacre fought against breast cancer. In October 2012, Jill Goodacre was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, a form of breast cancer. She underwent a lumpectomy, followed by radiation treatment. Over the next five years, she had several more surgeries. Crucially, the couple chose to keep the diagnosis and treatment entirely private for five years. They only revealed the news in late 2017, after Goodacre had been in remission for a year. The decision to maintain secrecy was made to protect their young daughters and maintain a sense of normalcy during a difficult time. Harry Connick Jr. became his wife’s primary caregiver, a role he has described as both terrifying and deeply bonding. He accompanied her to every doctor's appointment and was a pillar of strength, showing the true depth of their marriage commitment. Goodacre’s journey, which included a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, became a powerful testament to her resilience and the unwavering support of her husband. Her willingness to eventually share her story has since helped raise awareness for breast cancer screening and early detection.

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