Amid the ever-changing, chaotic landscape of the music industry, Lenny Kravitz stands out not just for his musical genius and enduring appeal but also for his distinctive lifestyle choices that mix deeply personal spiritual convictions with rock star bravado. As he recently turned 60, Kravitz shared in an interview that he embraced celibacy over 10 years ago, a decision he describes as “a spiritual thing.”
This may come as a surprise to many, considering his previous image as a typical rock idol known for his dynamic relationships and charismatic presence. While his celibacy declaration isn’t new, the depth of his commitment is sincere. Kravitz, who has won four Grammys, told The Guardian in an exclusive interview, “Yes, it’s a spiritual thing.” He says he’d love to be in a relationship now, but he thinks he might struggle. “I have become very set in my ways, in the way I live.”
Kravitz is known to have had several high-profile relationships in the past. Some of the most notable include his marriage to actress Lisa Bonet, with whom he has a daughter, Zoë Kravitz. After their divorce, he has been linked romantically to several celebrities, including Vanessa Paradis, Adriana Lima and Nicole Kidman. This shift toward celibacy appears to align with his long-standing pursuit of meaning, purpose, and spiritual engagement. In an earlier interview with The Telegraph, Kravitz said, “I really do use Christ as my example and try to live this life and not just b—s— with it.”
Similarly, in a 2008 interview with CBS “Sunday Morning,” Kravitz said he believed that “in the end [being celibate]” was “going to help me to find the right person.” He said at the time, ”So I’m not going to waver on that. That’s a promise I made to God three years ago.” Kravitz has been reflective about his fame and the nature of his career. He told The Guardian he never thought of himself as “gorgeous.” He said, “Not. At. All. I never thought that and still don’t think that. I have grown to accept myself and be comfortable with myself, but I have never been one to look in a mirror and go: ‘Ooh yeah, look at that! You’re so beautiful.’ And especially not back then, as a teen. Absolutely not.”
Kravitz is acutely aware of the transient nature of celebrity and the deeper, more enduring aspects of life that fame cannot touch, as reflected in his songs “The Other Side” and “I Don’t Want to Be a Star.” The lyrics for “The Other Side” read: “Where do I live/ Where is my wife/ I am alone/ What’s life worth living for/ Where am I going and what am I looking towards/ Where are my kids having their fights/ Calling my name so I can kiss their sores/ I’m just a man on the run/ It’s a bore/ So Father can you tell me again/ Father can you tell me again that I’m livin’/ ‘Til I meet you on that day on the other side.”