While Harry Connick Jr. has captured hearts with his music and acting, his wife, Jill Goodacre, has been his steadfast companion for over three decades. From her days as a groundbreaking model to her courageous battle with breast cancer, Jill has lived a life marked by grace, strength, and enduring love. Her story offers a glimpse into a woman who is far more than just a partner to a celebrity but a remarkable individual in her own right.
Key Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jill Goodacre Connick |
| Date of Birth | March 29, 1964 |
| Profession | Former Victoria’s Secret Model, Actress |
| Spouse | Harry Connick Jr. (married in 1994) |
| Children | Three daughters: Georgia Tatum (b. 1996), Sara Kate (b. 1997), Charlotte (b. 2002) |
| Career Highlights | Original Victoria’s Secret model, appeared on Friends (1994) |
| Health | Breast cancer survivor; in remission since 2017 |
| Mother | Glenna Goodacre, renowned sculptor |
| Significant Moments | Celebrated 30th wedding anniversary in 2024; featured in Harry Connick Jr.’s song “Jill” |
| Public Presence | Known for her role as a supportive spouse and mother, and her openness about her health journey |
Early Career: A Victoria’s Secret Pioneer
Jill Goodacre first gained fame in the 1980s as one of the original faces of Victoria’s Secret. Before the brand’s famous fashion shows and international ad campaigns, Jill helped define the look of the Victoria’s Secret catalog, becoming synonymous with its early identity alongside supermodels like Stephanie Seymour. Her success as a model led to several appearances on the cover of Cosmopolitan and other prominent magazines, establishing her as one of the top models of her time.
Jill’s foray into acting brought her a memorable guest role on the hit sitcom Friends. In the 1994 episode titled “The One With the Blackout,” she played herself, sharing a comedic scene with Chandler Bing, portrayed by Matthew Perry. Her cameo became a fan-favorite moment, further endearing her to audiences.
Meeting Harry Connick Jr.: A Love That Began by Chance
Jill and Harry Connick Jr.’s love story began unexpectedly at a hotel pool in Los Angeles in 1990. As Harry recalls, he was instantly captivated by Jill when they first met. “She had a really strong handshake,” he once shared. That brief encounter could have ended there, but fate had other plans. Jill was equally struck, reportedly telling her mother that she had met the man she would marry.
Harry’s feelings for Jill soon became the inspiration for his song “Jill” on his Grammy-nominated album Blue Light, Red Light. Their romance flourished, and the couple married on April 16, 1994, at the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans. Their wedding marked the beginning of a journey marked by deep love and mutual respect, a union that has now lasted over 30 years.
A Life Built on Love, Friendship, and Family
The foundation of Harry and Jill’s enduring marriage is built on friendship and shared values. As Harry has often said, Jill is his best friend. “I don’t know what I would do without her,” he told PEOPLE in 2015. The couple credits their long-lasting relationship to a deep alignment in their morals, goals, and outlook on life.
In April 2024, they celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. Harry expressed his love for Jill with a heartfelt message on Instagram: “Happy anniversary, my sweet girl… I am everything I am because of you. And yes, you are one fine thing.”
Together, they have raised three daughters: Georgia Tatum, born in 1996; Sara Kate, who goes by Kate, born in 1997; and Charlotte, born in 2002. Harry and Jill have maintained a close and supportive family dynamic, avoiding the “embarrassing parent” phase many families experience during their children’s teenage years.
A Brave Battle with Breast Cancer
In 2012, Jill was diagnosed with Stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma during breast cancer awareness month. She immediately underwent a lumpectomy, followed by radiation therapy, and has been in remission since 2017. Throughout her journey, both Jill and Harry were candid about the emotional toll the diagnosis took on their family, especially given Harry’s experience of losing his mother to ovarian cancer.
“I was scared I was going to lose her,” Harry shared in an interview with PEOPLE. Despite the fear, Jill’s courage and resilience shone through as she faced her health challenges head-on. While the cancer treatment impacted her physically, leading to weight gain and a struggle with self-confidence, Harry remained unwavering in his admiration, frequently affirming that she was still the “most beautiful woman in the world” to him.
A Legacy of Art and Family
Jill’s family background is also notable; her mother, Glenna Goodacre, was a celebrated sculptor known for significant works such as the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the Irish Famine Memorial in Philadelphia. Glenna’s artistic legacy and dedication to her craft were a source of pride and inspiration for Jill. When Glenna passed away in 2020, both Jill and Harry expressed their grief and love for her, with Jill calling her mother her “hero and best friend.”
Continuing a Story of Love and Strength
Jill Goodacre may have started her public life as a model, but her journey has been defined by so much more: her love for Harry, her role as a devoted mother, and her battle with cancer, which she faced with courage and grace. Together with Harry, she has built a life centered on love, family, and mutual respect, proving that true partnership is built on more than just romance — it’s about growing together through all of life’s challenges and joys.
