As a Teen, Rod Stewart Gave His First Child up for Adoption, but Decades Later, She Found Him – Rare Photo of His Daughter
|Beyond being an iconic rock star, Rod Stewart is also a dedicated father. Meet the children he welcomed during various relationships over the years, including the daughter he had to give up for adoption after having her when he was just a teenager.
Rock icon Rod Stewart is known worldwide for his raspy voice, classic hits, and unforgettable stage presence. But beyond his music career, Rod has embraced another defining role — that of a devoted father.
Over the years, he has welcomed eight children from five different relationships. The eldest of the pack is the daughter he had when he was just 17 and placed for adoption. But years later, father and daughter unexpectedly reconnected.
Let’s take a closer look at Rod’s kids.
Rod Stewart performing at Tele2 Arena on June 8, 2024, in Stockholm, Sweden. | Source: Getty Images
Kimberly Stewart, Rod’s second child and the first with ex-wife Alana Stewart was born on August 21, 1979. Raised by her parents until their separation in 1984, Kimberly forged her own path in the spotlight.
Known for her work in fashion, she graced the covers of major publications, including Tatler, American Vogue, and Elle, building a strong presence in the industry.
In 2021, Kimberly took a surprising turn toward entrepreneurship with her luxury organization company, The Realm by Kimberly Stewart. She said the idea came to her during quarantine. “I couldn’t stand looking at the chaos going on in my dad’s pantry and kitchen, so I got to work,” she revealed.
When she posted the results online, she was flooded with requests for her services. “At that point, the idea came to life, and I realized that I needed to reorganize closets professionally,” she explained.
Rod and Kimberly Stewart at the Langan’s launch night on October 28, 2021, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Rod’s eldest son, Sean Stewart, was born on September 1, 1980. Like his father, Sean pursued music, but he is perhaps best recognized for his 2007 appearance on the A&E reality series “Sons of Hollywood.”
The show followed Sean and other young stars as they navigated the highs and lows of life in Hollywood. In addition to his music and television ventures, Sean made his mark in fashion with his streetwear brand, Dirty Weekend.
Sean Stewart photographed on March 8, 2009, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Before launching the unisex line, Sean turned to his longtime friend and Talentless designer, Scott Disick, for guidance. “I always call him and ask him for advice, and he always gives it to me. He’s very good at that kind of stuff,” Sean shared.
Rod and Sean Stewart spotted on August 26, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Rod’s fourth child, Ruby Stewart, was born on June 17, 1987, during his relationship with model Kelly Emberg. Ruby pursued her own entrepreneurial path, becoming the force behind BESO Shade, a clothing line specializing in protective sportswear for women.
According to her Instagram, Ruby is the founder and CEO of the brand, creating functional and stylish options for active women.
Renee Stewart, Rod’s fifth child and eldest with New Zealand model Rachel Hunter, was born on June 1, 1992. Following a different path from her famous father, Renee found her calling in the arts as a dancer, dedicating herself to movement and expression.
According to her social media, she also embraces wellness, sharing her passion as a yoga and meditation teacher.
Rod’s sixth child, Liam McAlister Stewart, was born on September 5, 1994, during his marriage to Rachel. Growing up in California, Liam pursued a hockey career, starting in high school and later playing for the Spokane Chiefs in the Western Hockey League.
His career took him overseas, where he competed in the Elite Ice Hockey League with teams like the Coventry Blaze and Guildford Flames, eventually moving to play professionally in New Zealand.
Outside of his athletic achievements, Liam recently celebrated a major life event by marrying his partner, Nicole Artukovich, in a beautiful ceremony in Croatia.
Alastair Wallace Stewart, Rod’s seventh child and first with model Penny Lancaster, was born in November 2005. While he tends to stay out of the public eye, Alastair has shown a strong passion for swimming, even competing in — and winning — several races.
Alastair and Rod Stewart photographed on November 29, 2023, in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
According to reports, Rod supported his son’s Olympic aspirations by planning to build a training pool at his U.K. mansion for Alastair. In addition to his athletic pursuits, Alastair has also done some modeling work, taking after his mother’s career in front of the camera.
Aiden Patrick Stewart, Rod’s youngest child with Penny Lancaster, was born in February 2011. Though still young, Aiden has already faced some challenging moments.
In December 2022, Rod shared that Aiden experienced a panic attack during a youth basketball game, initially mistaken for a heart attack. “He was going blue and was unconscious until he calmed down. It was scary, but it turned out to be a panic attack,” Rod revealed.
Rod and Aiden Stewart photographed at a soccer game in 2017. | Source: Getty Images
Rod’s first-born, Sarah Streeter, was welcomed into the world on November 6, 1963, when the rock star was just 17 years old. Rod and his then-girlfriend Susannah Boffey made the tough decision to place Sarah up for adoption.
Reflecting on his choice, Rod later admitted he was “stone broke” and simply unable to support a child. Sarah spent her early years in foster care before she was adopted at five by Gerald and Evelyn Thubron, who raised her as their own.
Rod Stewart circa 1964. | Source: Getty Images
Sarah learned about her biological father’s identity at 18, but she didn’t reconnect with him until 2007 after both of her adoptive parents had passed away.
By then, Sarah had faced significant challenges in her personal life, including years of struggling with substance abuse, particularly in her early thirties.
Rod Stewart photographed in 1964. | Source: Getty Images
She later admitted that her grief over losing her mother led to a downward spiral, culminating in a battle with crack cocaine addiction. “Why I’m still here I don’t know,” she reflected, expressing regret for the pain her addiction caused her loved ones.
Yet, Sarah emphasized the importance of sharing her experience, adding, “But I’ve chosen to talk about it because I think it’s important to be honest and to show that even if you hit rock-bottom, you can get over it.”
Throughout her recovery journey, Rod was a constant source of support. Sarah confided in him early on, and Rod, familiar with the struggles his own children had faced with substance issues, expressed deep concern and compassion.
Sarah revealed, “It’s not all new to him, of course. His eldest son, Sean, has had drug problems in the past and Kimberly had issues with alcohol, although they’re all doing really well now.”
Sarah and Rod’s reunion came about surprisingly. Longtime guitarist Jim Cregan recalled the moment when Sarah, eager to meet her biological father, showed up at a recording studio. Unsure if the woman’s claims were true, Rod sent Jim to investigate.
Cregan immediately saw the resemblance, noting Sarah was a “dead ringer” for Rod, with her dimpled chin and distinct features. The two began to meet cautiously, with Rod eventually signing cards and emails as “Dad.”
For Sarah, this gesture was initially strange, as she’d always called her adoptive father Dad. However, over time, she grew comfortable with it.
“[…] It has become much more relaxed and now he’s just Dad to me. You can’t get away from the fact that he’s Rod Stewart the star, but when we’re together I put that at the back of my mind,” Sarah revealed.
She added, “I’m not engaging with that person but with Rod the man — my dad. I feel like I am a genuine part of his extended family, which is wonderful.” Though she has met nearly all her half-siblings and thought of them as very friendly, Sarah acknowledged that their different backgrounds set them apart.
She described her sisters as “very glamorous and very beautifully turned out,” noting that she sometimes feels self-conscious around them due to their contrasting upbringings.
Despite these differences, Sarah values her place within the Stewart family. She’s had several family get-togethers with Rod and Penny, whom she said were “lovely.” Reflecting on her journey, Sarah expressed deep appreciation for her evolving relationship with Rod.
During an interview in 2013, Rod opened up about fatherhood and revealed that he was basking in the joy of watching his children, particularly the younger ones, grow. The rock star added that he and Sarah “[got] on really well with each other” and kept in touch.
Rod Stewart is a devoted father to his eight children. Despite giving his eldest daughter, Sarah, up for adoption, they have since built a close and meaningful bond, proving that family ties can endure and strengthen over time.