Dana York was the wife of Tom Petty, the late American musician. As of 2024, she is 59 years old. Before she married and eventually joined her late husband in his music business, Dana was the principal of Ferndale University High School in Michigan.
Several sources, including the late musician, highly extolled Dana’s role in sticking by Tom’s side through his fight with alcohol and drug addiction. More than the fact that she was his second wife, that impact invariably set her apart from all the women the rock icon had relationships with. Over the next few paragraphs, we will be exploring everything about the woman Tom Petty was married to for nearly 17 years.
Summary of Dana York’s Bio
- Full name: Dana York
- Gender: Female
- Date of birth: May 4, 1964
- Place of birth: Flint, Michigan, United State
- Dana York’s Age: 59 years old
- Ethnicity: Caucasian
- Nationality: American
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
- Religion: Christianity
- Marital Status: Widow
- Dana York’s Husband: Thomas “Tom” Edward Petty (deceased)
- Dana York’s Children: 3 – Dylan (son), Adria Petty (stepdaughter), Annakim Violette Petty (stepdaughter)
- Dana York’s Height in Inches: 5 feet 5 inches
- Dana York’s Height in Centimeters: 165 cm
- Dana York’s Weight: 55 kg (121 lbs)
- Hair color: Blonde
- Eye color: Blue
- Famous for: Being the widow of Tom Petty
What is Dana York’s Age Today?
Dana York is 59 years old as of 2024. Several credible sources have specified the fact that she was born on May 4, 1964, in Flint, Michigan, United States.
Dana York is an American citizen by birth and belongs to the white caucasian ethnic group. There is next to no information publicly available about the identity of the celebrity spouse’s birth family members, including those of her parents and any other children they might have had besides her.
Other valuable information about Dana York’s early life includes the fact that her family moved from Flint to Flushing, Michigan, when she was just a little girl. Consequently, she spent the majority of her early existence there and even bagged a high school diploma from Flushing High School in 1982.
She later progressed to an as-yet-unidentified higher educational institution, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She also earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and this laid the foundation for her early career path as an educator.
When Did Tom Petty Meet Dana York?
Dana York met her late husband, Tom Petty, in 1991, reportedly at one of his shows in Texas. Nothing happened between them then for several reasons, including that Dana was married then. They reunited again in 1996, and this time, Dana was divorced.
They started seeing each other, and after five years of dating, they exchanged marital vows on June 3, 2001, at a low-key ceremony in Las Vegas. The couple had a second wedding a few weeks later, on June 21, 2001, at their home in Malibu, California, where a mariachi band performed for an intimate gathering.
Their union lasted for about 17 years and ended following Petty’s untimely death on October 2, 2017. Unfortunately, Petty suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu and was taken to UCLA Medical Center, where he passed away later that evening.
The impact they had on each other’s lives was profound. Dana York was a source of love and support for Petty throughout their relationship. In an interview, Petty revealed that she had been a lifesaver for him and that he didn’t think he would have survived without her. He credited her with helping him overcome his struggles with substance abuse and depression.
Similarly, the 59-year-old spoke highly of Petty, describing him as her soulmate and praising his talent and generosity. She further described him as the most loving and generous man she had ever known. She added that he taught her so much about music, life, and love.
Their love and commitment to each other were evident in their long-lasting relationship and the impact they had on each other’s lives. Although their union was cut short by Petty’s tragic death, their love and the memories they created will always be cherished.
What was the Age Difference Between Tom Petty and Dana York?
The age difference between Tom Petty and Dana York was 14 years. Petty was born on October 20, 1950, while York was born on May 4, 1964. The age difference between them was significant but did not negatively impact their union as a married couple.
In fact, York was credited with saving Petty from drug addiction and stood by him during his detox process. They had a strong bond and were married for more than 16 years until Petty’s untimely death in 2017. However, Petty and York did not have children together.
From his previous marriage to Jane Benyo, Tom Petty had two daughters, Adria and AnnaKim Violette. On the other hand, Dana York had a son, Dylan, from her previous marriage. Although Petty and York did not have children together, they focused on being good parents to Petty’s daughters from his marriage to Benyo.
It is unclear how close Petty’s daughters were to York’s son, as there is limited information available on their relationship. However, it can be assumed that they had a cordial relationship as they were a part of the same family unit.
Despite not having children together, Petty and York prioritized their roles as parents to their respective children from previous relationships. The exact dynamics and closeness between the children are not extensively documented.
However, given Petty’s dedication to his family and York’s support during his struggles, it can be assumed that they created a loving and supportive environment for their blended family.
Dana York Used To Be a High School Principal
According to several sources, Dana York used to be a high school principal. She was Ferndale University High School’s principal before meeting and eventually marrying the late rock icon.
These days, Tom Petty’s widow earns a living as an entrepreneur and philanthropist who is known for her varied career and her role in supporting her late husband, Tom Petty, in his music career. Before becoming involved in the music industry, however, Dana had a successful career as a high school principal.
Dana York’s journey in the field of education began when she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She later earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, which laid the foundation for the early days of her career as an educator. Dana worked as a high school principal for several years, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a passion for shaping young minds.
However, Dana’s life took a turn when she met Tom Petty, the legendary rock musician, in 1991. They fell in love and got married in 2001. Dana played a crucial role in emotionally and professionally supporting Tom’s music career. She became an integral part of his life, providing him with stability and support during his demanding and often unpredictable career.
After Tom Petty’s passing in 2017, Dana continued to honor his legacy while also carving out a successful career of her own. While she may not be directly involved in the music industry, she has utilized her entrepreneurial skills to establish her own ventures.
Dana is the co-founder of the Midnight Mission, a charity organization that aims to help the homeless population in Los Angeles. Through her philanthropic efforts, she has significantly impacted the lives of those in need.
Dana York’s Net Worth
In terms of her net worth, it is important to note that Dana York’s financial status is not publicly disclosed. However, it is believed that Tom Petty had a net worth of approximately $95 million at the time of his death.
As his widow, Dana likely inherited a significant portion of this wealth. While her net worth may not be as substantial as Tom Petty’s, she is undoubtedly financially secure due to her involvement in his career and her own entrepreneurial endeavors.
Despite the financial success she may have achieved, Dana York’s true success lies in her ability to adapt and thrive in different aspects of life. From her successful career as a high school principal to her role as a supportive partner to a music legend, Dana has consistently demonstrated resilience, determination, and a commitment to positively impacting the world around her.
