What's The Age Difference Between Gwen Stefani And Blake Shelton?

Speculation that Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton were dating caught many by surprise when it surfaced in the spring of 2015. But the rumors were very true. Shelton's rep confirmed it to E! News that November and by February 2016 they were showing off their freshly-in-love glow at the Vanity Fair Oscar afterparty, Refinery29 pointed out. The news came across as odd because the "Queen of Confessional Pop" and the country star seemed to have little in common.

But "The Voice" co-judges got close when their marriages began to fall apart around the same time in mid-2015, a little more than a year after Stefani joined the music competition show. Shelton and Miranda Lambert announced their divorce that July, ending their four-year marriage for good by the end of the same month, Us Weekly reported. Just two weeks after, Stefani ended her 20-year relationship with Gavin Rossdale when she filed for divorce in early August, according to CNN. 

Going through similar ordeals, Stefani and Shelton found understanding in each other. "Gwen saved my life," Shelton told Billboard in 2016. "Who else on earth could understand going through a high-profile divorce from another musician? You can't even imagine the similarities in our divorces." Stefani and Shelton tied the knot in July 2021, proving their relationship went beyond just needing a shoulder to cry on. The unlikely couple defied the differences not only in background, but also in age. Many might not know, but Stefani's a bit older than Shelton.

Gwen Stefani was born on October 3, 1969, and Blake Shelton, on June 18, 1976. That makes the No Doubt frontwoman six years, eight months and 15 days older than the country star. Music fans are often surprised when they learn about their age difference, with many arguing Stefani looks younger than her actual age — and her husband. "So I just learned that Gwen Stefani is 50," one Twitter user noted in 2019. "Honest to god, I thought that Blake Shelton was robbing the cradle, but NO, turns out he's only 43. She's SEVEN years older and looks half his age."

In the early months of their relationship, a source told Radar that Stefani worried about their age difference, claiming the "Don't Speak" singer rejected Shelton's marriage proposal in early 2016. "Gwen fears their age will get in the way of long-term happiness," the insider said. "She's 14 years older than Blake's ex-wife, Miranda Lambert!" Whether the source had their info wrong, or whether Stefani changed her mind, is unclear. What is clear is that their age gap didn't stand in the way of their happiness.

Even if Stefani and Shelton's trajectory started out in different places, the two have showed they actually have quite a bit in common. "They have the same perspective on life and the same family values," a source told People in 2016. Judging by their social media and public appearances, they sure look happy. 

Aging in the public eye is, unfairly, a very different experience for women and men. Stefani has admitted that getting older hasn't always been an easy journey. The singer shot to stardom thanks to No Doubt's relatable songs about heartache, but, with her daring hair colors and striking pop-punk style, Stefani instantly inserted her name into fashion culture, British Vogue pointed out.

The industry isn't kind to icons who age. Stefani is often lauded for her graceful aging, which can be a two-edged sword. "It's really hard for everyone to age and have to face life. Especially for females and people who have been in the spotlight it can be daunting," she told Australia's Herald Sun in 2021. "But you tackle it by just trying to be the most beautiful version of yourself inside and out." 

While the comments can add pressure to the already difficult process, Stefani is flattered by the positive perception of her aging. "People talking about my aging is a compliment, I guess. I'm kind of obsessed with how I'm aging, too," she shared. For the singer, the most important part of her self-care routine is skincare. "Your skin is always changing and evolving. And there are constantly new and improved products being released to try," she told Forbes. She favors a minimalist approach, though. "My morning routine usually includes a prayer, brushing my teeth and moisturizing. Occasionally I'll do a facial massage to decrease any puffiness."