Peter Maffay, a legendary rock musician, has embraced fatherhood later in life. Since 2015, he has shared his life with his wife Hendrikje Balsmeyer, and their daughter Anouk has become the center of their world.
A new chapter: Fatherhood in Peter Maffay’s later years
Peter Maffay, a renowned rock musician, found true happiness with his fifth wife, Hendrikje Balsmeyer, whom he has been with since 2015. In April 2022, the couple quietly married, solidifying their bond. Their family life had already been enriched by the birth of their daughter, Anouk, in November 2018. For Maffay, becoming a father at 75 is a profound experience, one he acknowledges is not without its challenges. In the ARD documentary maffay., released to mark his 75th birthday on August 30, 2024, Maffay reflects on his late fatherhood, saying, “I am a late dad. I have a very small window of time. And I want to fill it as intensely as possible.”
Maffay is determined to make the most of what he considers his “last chance” to enjoy fatherhood. This commitment has led him to retire from touring after decades of success, including 20 number-one albums in Germany. While he may still make occasional stage appearances, Maffay’s primary focus is now on spending quality time with his family.
A changed man: How Anouk transformed Peter Maffay
The impact of fatherhood on Peter Maffay extends beyond his day-to-day life; it has also brought about significant personal growth. In the same ARD documentary, Maffay’s wife, Hendrikje, speaks openly about how he has evolved over the years. “He has changed. Not within our relationship, which is stable, very beautiful, and very intense. But Peter has certainly changed because of Anouk,” she explains. She describes the Romanian-born singer and guitarist as “much more sensitive and empathetic” now, with his focus entirely on their daughter.
At 75, Maffay embraces his role as a father with warmth and affection. “He is a very loving, soft-hearted dad,” Hendrikje praises. Despite the joy they share, the couple is not immune to prejudice, often facing judgment due to their age difference. Nevertheless, their bond remains strong as they navigate this chapter of their lives together.
