Eddie Murphy recently made headlines when he referred to his longtime fiancée, Paige Butcher, as his “wife” during an interview on The New York Times’ The Interview podcast. This unexpected revelation has sparked curiosity about the couple’s relationship status, as they have been together for over a decade and share two children.
Murphy, 63, and Butcher, 44, began dating in 2012 and got engaged in 2018. They have an 8-year-old daughter, Izzy Oona, and a 5-year-old son, Max Charles. During the podcast, Murphy casually mentioned Butcher as his wife while discussing various topics, including his past interactions with legendary actor Marlon Brando and his current disconnect from modern pop culture.
“I used to be so hip, I used to know who everybody was, and now there’s just so much stuff. I ask my wife, ‘Who’s this person?'” Murphy said, highlighting his reliance on Butcher to keep him updated on contemporary trends. This offhand comment has led many to speculate whether the couple has secretly tied the knot.
A representative for Murphy did not immediately respond to requests for clarification on their marital status. However, this isn’t the first time Murphy has referred to Butcher in such a manner. In another part of the podcast, he mentioned their shared television habits, saying, “My wife and I, we watch all those shows with singing competitions and that kind of stuff.”
Murphy’s use of the term “wife” has left fans and media outlets buzzing, especially since he was recently seen wearing a large ring on the red carpet at the Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F premiere. This piece of jewelry has been a staple at various events, including the Golden Globes in 2020 and 2023, further fueling speculation about their relationship.
Murphy’s romantic history is well-documented. He was previously married to Nicole Mitchell from 1993 until 2005, and they share five children: Bria, Myles Mitchell, Shayne Audra, Zola Ivy, and Bella Zahra. He also has children from other relationships, including son Eric with Paulette McNeely, son Christian with Tamara Hood, and daughter Angel Iris with former Spice Girl Mel B. Murphy was briefly married to Tracey Edmonds in 2008.
Despite his complex family dynamics, Murphy has always expressed pride and love for his children. In a 2021 interview on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast, he said, “I am so blessed with my kids. I don’t have one bad seed. My kids are so great, normal people — and nobody is like the Hollywood jerk kid.”
Murphy’s relationship with Butcher has been relatively private compared to his past romances. The couple first met on the set of Big Momma’s House 2 in 2006 but didn’t start dating until six years later. Their engagement in 2018 was confirmed by Murphy’s representative after Butcher was spotted wearing a ring.
In addition to their two children, Murphy and Butcher have built a life together that includes shared interests and routines. Murphy mentioned in the podcast that they enjoy watching television together, particularly shows like Family Feud and The Masked Singer. He also revealed that they watched the entire season of The Golden Bachelor, sharing a relatable reaction to its outcome.
Murphy’s recent comments have led to increased interest in his personal life, especially as he continues to balance his career and family. He recently attended the premiere of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, where he was joined by Butcher and some of his children. The event highlighted Murphy’s role as both a Hollywood icon and a devoted family man.
As fans eagerly await any official confirmation about Murphy and Butcher’s marital status, it’s clear that their relationship is strong and filled with mutual respect and love. Whether they have secretly married or not, Murphy’s affectionate references to Butcher as his wife indicate a deep bond that goes beyond traditional labels.
Murphy’s ability to maintain a successful career while nurturing a large family is a testament to his dedication and resilience. As he continues to entertain audiences with his comedic talent and acting prowess, his personal life remains a source of fascination and admiration.
In the end, whether Eddie Murphy and Paige Butcher are officially married or not, their relationship exemplifies a modern partnership built on love, trust, and shared experiences. As Murphy himself said, “I love the Christmas season,” a sentiment that likely extends to his entire family, including his beloved “wife,” Paige Butcher.
Source: People, Us Weekly
