Why did Quincy Jones and Pegg Lipton Divorce? Entertainment icon passes away five years after former wife’s death

Image via Instagram/@quincyjones
Image via Instagram/@quincyjones

Music titan Quincy Jones passed away at the age of 91 on Sunday night in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles.

Known for producing Michael Jackson’s best-seller album, “Thriller,” Jones also worked with celebrated artists like Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles.

According to NBC News, Jones’ career spanned more than 70 years, and among the 80 awards he was nominated for throughout his life, he earned 28 Grammys. He was a legendary music composer, songwriter, and producer. Reports suggest that Jones was about to be felicitated with an honorary Grammy Award in late November.

In a statement given to the Associated Press (AP), the Jones family grieved the loss:

"Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him."

What led to Quincy Jones’ divorce from Peggy Lipton?

The musician married the Mod Squad actress in 1974 and welcomed two daughters, Rashida and Kidada before Lipton filed for divorce in 1989. According to the Los Angeles Times, Lipton cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the breakup.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly 2018, Rashida Jones spoke about her parent’s relationship after divorce:

“My parents are so close, and that really makes it easier, because it all comes from a place of love. My mom is so empathetic towards my dad, but it also was incredibly raw for her to go through what she went through and admit that the relationship didn't work out.”

Who were the Ex-wives of Jones?

Quincy Jones had two other wives besides Peggy Lipton. He was first married to his high school girlfriend Jeri Caldwell. The couple share one daughter (Jolie) together. After tying the knot in 1957 they divorced in 1966.

He then married Ulla Andersson, a Swedish model and actress. They share two daughters Martina and Quincy. The couple split in 1974.


Who was Peggy Lipton?

Peggy Lipton rose to fame with the crime drama series The Mod Squad (1968-1973) for which she won a Golden Globe Award in 1970. After a 15-year hiatus following her marriage to Quincy Jones, she returned to Television with Twin Peaks(1988).

She became popular for her role as Norma Jennings, which gave her a chance to reprise her character in the Twin Peaks revival in 2017.

Peggy Lipton And Quincy Jones - Source: Getty
Peggy Lipton And Quincy Jones - Source: Getty

Lipton passed away in 2019 after being diagnosed with colon cancer in 2004. She was 72.

On May 15, 2019, Quincy Jones paid an emotional tribute to his ex-wife Peggy Lipton sharing that “regardless of the paths that their lives took them on he can say that love is eternal.”


Celebs pay their tributes to Quincy Jones

Tributes have been pouring in from many celebrities on Quincy Jones’ demise. Oprah Winfrey and Paul McCartney posted emotional messages on Instagram.

Vice President Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, and the official X account of the late Michael Jackson also paid their tributes to the legendary musician in a post on X.

Indian composer A.R. Rahman also paid tribute to the legend.

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Edited by Yesha Srivastava