Robert De Niro Wife Status 2026: Inside His Relationship With Partner Tiffany Chen
Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro is not currently married, but his relationship status remains a major focal point for Hollywood observers in 2026. The Goodfellas icon is in a committed, long-term partnership with martial arts champion and instructor Tiffany Chen. Together, the couple has captured public interest, especially following the birth of their daughter in 2023.
| Relationship Category | Name | Years Active | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Partner | Tiffany Chen | 2021–Present | Mother of De Niro's seventh child, Gia Virginia |
| Former Wife (Second) | Grace Hightower | 1997–2018 | High-profile 20-year marriage; divorced |
| Former Wife (First) | Diahnne Abbott | 1976–1988 | Co-starred in Taxi Driver; share two children |
Decades of Romance: From Grace Hightower to Tiffany Chen
The public often searches for "Robert De Niro's wife" due to his decades of highly publicized marriages. De Niro's first marriage to actress Diahnne Abbott lasted from 1976 to 1988, during which he adopted Abbott's daughter Drena and welcomed their son Raphael.
His second marriage to Grace Hightower spanned over two decades, starting in 1997. The couple experienced several public ups and downs, including a brief split in 1999, a vow renewal in 2004, and a final divorce filing in 2018.
Following his split from Hightower, De Niro began dating Tiffany Chen around 2021. The two initially met on the set of the 2015 comedy film The Intern, where Chen taught De Niro's character Tai Chi. Their professional relationship eventually blossomed into a private romance that became public as they were spotted together on various vacations and red carpets.
Navigating Late-in-Life Fatherhood with Partner Tiffany Chen
In April 2023, the couple welcomed their first child together, Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, making the then-79-year-old actor a father for the seventh time. The news shocked and delighted fans worldwide, shining a bright spotlight on Chen.
Shortly after giving birth, Chen opened up about a severe postpartum health scare, revealing she had been diagnosed with Bell's palsy. Her transparency about the facial paralysis brought significant awareness to the temporary neurological condition that can affect new mothers.
De Niro's extensive family tree now spans several generations:
- Drena De Niro (b. 1971) and Raphael De Niro (b. 1976) – with Diahnne Abbott.
- Julian De Niro and Aaron De Niro (b. 1995) – twins with former partner Toukie Smith.
- Elliot De Niro (b. 1998) and Helen Grace De Niro (b. 2011) – with Grace Hightower.
- Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro (b. 2023) – with Tiffany Chen.
Robert De Niro Has to Work to Support His Ex-Wife - InsideHook
De Niro's Active 2026 Schedule and Domestic Balance
In 2026, De Niro continues to balance an active Hollywood career with his demanding domestic life. Now in his early 80s, the actor frequently credits Chen for keeping him grounded and youthfully energized.
The couple resides primarily in New York, where they are often spotted attending elite events, including the Tribeca Film Festival and high-profile fashion galas. While rumors of a potential third marriage occasionally circulate in the tabloids, sources close to the couple indicate that they are entirely content with their current partnership status and have no immediate plans to walk down the aisle.
