Sunday 4 August 1946 | Liverpool, England
On 4 August 1946, Mary Cox — who would later become known as Maureen Cox, and later still as Maureen Starkey — was born in Liverpool, England. She would go on to become the first wife of Ringo Starr, the drummer of The Beatles, and one of the most prominent figures in the inner circle of the Fab Four during the height of Beatlemania.
Early Life
Maureen was the only child of Joseph Cox, a ship's steward, and his wife Florence Barrett. She was born and raised in Liverpool — the same city that produced The Beatles — and grew up in the working-class communities of Merseyside that shaped the culture of the early 1960s beat scene.
Upon leaving school, Mary changed her name to Maureen and embarked on a career as a hairdresser. It was in this capacity — as a young Liverpool woman on the fringes of the Merseybeat scene — that she first encountered Ringo Starr and the world of The Beatles.
Ringo Starr — officially licensed merch
Ringo Starr Colour Peace T-Shirt in black.
Meeting Ringo Starr
Maureen Cox first met Ringo Starr at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, where The Beatles were regular performers in the early 1960s. She was among the devoted fans who attended the lunchtime and evening sessions at the Cavern, and she and Ringo began a relationship that would last through the most extraordinary years of his life.
Their relationship developed during the period when The Beatles were transforming from a local Liverpool act into the most famous band in the world. Maureen was a constant presence during the years of Beatlemania — a time of unprecedented public attention, touring, and creative output that placed enormous pressure on the personal lives of all four Beatles and those closest to them.
Marriage to Ringo Starr
Maureen Cox and Ringo Starr were married on 11 February 1965 at Caxton Hall register office in Westminster, London — the same venue where Pattie Boyd and George Harrison would marry the following year. The wedding was a quiet affair, attended by Brian Epstein and John Lennon among others. The couple's marriage was announced publicly only after the ceremony had taken place.
Together, Maureen and Ringo had three children: Zak Starkey (born 13 September 1965), Jason Starkey (born 19 August 1967), and Lee Starkey (born 11 November 1970). Zak would go on to become a professional drummer in his own right, most notably as the drummer for The Who and as a member of his father's All-Starr Band.
Peace & Love — officially licensed Ringo Starr merch
Ringo Starr Peace Red Circle T-Shirt in grey.
Life as a Beatle's Wife
Maureen Starkey was one of four women who formed the inner circle of The Beatles' personal lives during the group's peak years. Alongside Pattie Boyd (wife of George Harrison), Cynthia Lennon (wife of John Lennon), and Jane Asher (Paul McCartney's long-term partner), Maureen navigated the extraordinary pressures of life at the centre of the most famous cultural phenomenon of the twentieth century.
The Beatles' touring years placed enormous strain on all four marriages and relationships. By the time the group stopped touring in 1966, the personal lives of all four Beatles were undergoing significant change. Maureen and Ringo remained together through the recording years of Sgt. Pepper, The White Album, Abbey Road and Let It Be, and through the dissolution of the group in 1970.
The couple separated in the early 1970s and divorced in 1975. Maureen later married Isaac Tigrett, co-founder of the Hard Rock Cafe, with whom she had a daughter, Augusta King Tigrett.
Maureen Starkey died on 30 December 1994 in Seattle, Washington, following a battle with leukaemia. She was 48 years old. Her death deeply affected all four former Beatles, and Ringo Starr has spoken movingly about her in interviews in the years since.
Key Facts
| Born | 4 August 1946, Liverpool, England |
| Birth name | Mary Cox |
| Parents | Joseph Cox (ship's steward) and Florence Barrett |
| Career | Hairdresser |
| Married Ringo Starr | 11 February 1965, Caxton Hall, Westminster, London |
| Children with Ringo | Zak Starkey (b. 1965), Jason Starkey (b. 1967), Lee Starkey (b. 1970) |
| Divorced | 1975 |
| Died | 30 December 1994, Seattle, Washington, USA (aged 48) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Maureen Cox born?
Maureen Cox was born Mary Cox on 4 August 1946 in Liverpool, England. She was the only child of ship's steward Joseph Cox and his wife Florence Barrett.
When did Maureen Cox marry Ringo Starr?
Maureen Cox married Ringo Starr on 11 February 1965 at Caxton Hall register office in Westminster, London. The wedding was attended by Brian Epstein and John Lennon, among others.
How did Maureen Cox meet Ringo Starr?
Maureen Cox met Ringo Starr at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, where The Beatles were regular performers in the early 1960s. She was among the devoted fans who attended the Cavern's lunchtime and evening sessions.
Did Maureen Cox and Ringo Starr have children?
Yes. Maureen and Ringo Starr had three children: Zak Starkey (born 13 September 1965), Jason Starkey (born 19 August 1967), and Lee Starkey (born 11 November 1970). Zak became a professional drummer, most notably with The Who.
When did Maureen Starkey die?
Maureen Starkey died on 30 December 1994 in Seattle, Washington, following a battle with leukaemia. She was 48 years old.
→ George Harrison marries Pattie Boyd – 21 January 1966
→ August in Beatles History
→ On This Day in Beatles History
→ Ringo Starr: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ John Lennon: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ Paul McCartney: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ George Harrison: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ The Beatles Knowledge Hub
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