Melia McEnery: Navigating Life as Eric Clapton's Beloved Wife

Melia McEnery owns some non-profit and social groups, but most people know her as the wife of Eric Clapton. Clapton is a famous English guitarist, singer, and songwriter, and many think he is one of the best and most influential guitarists ever.

Melia McEnery's Early Life

Melia McEnery was born on February 1, 1976, in Columbus, Ohio. McEnery is one of six kids in her family. 

McEnery's dad was Scottish-English, and her mom was Korean-Irish. Her grandfather, Walter McEnery, lived in Bonita Springs, Fla. Her father worked in construction, and her mother took care of the home. 

Melia, being American, went to Bishop Watterson High School and earned a degree in art. After finishing college, she moved to California and worked in the design industry for two years. 

McEnery started as a graphic artist and briefly helped with her dad's construction business. Later, she became an assistant at Giorgio Armani. At the same time, she also worked as an event planner. 

Currently, Melia is a social worker and philanthropist. She is a Senior Clinical Advisor at Crossroads Centre Antigua, an organization that supports people dealing with drug and alcohol issues.

Melia McEnery is Married to Eric Clapton

Melia McEnery and Eric Clapton tied the knot in January 2002 at St Mary Magdalene church in Clapton's hometown, Ripley. McEnery, who was 25 at the time, had a private wedding on New Year's Day. 

Surprisingly, none of the guests invited to the ceremony were aware that they were witnessing McEnery and Clapton's marriage. Initially, the couple had invited people to attend the baptism of their daughter, Sophie Rose, at the Chapel of St Mary Magdalene in Ridley, England. 

After the guests thought the ceremony was over, the couple surprised everyone by announcing that they were getting married right then and there.

Where Did Melia McEnery And Eric Clapton First Met? 

Melia McEnery met Eric Clapton in 1999 when she was working as an administrative assistant in Los Angeles. She had recently moved from Ohio to try her luck in Hollywood with her high school boyfriend. 

The meeting between McEnery and Clapton took place at a party held for the Surrey-born artist after one of his performances. It was a celebration organized by Giorgio Armani to mark Eric's success. 

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Even though Melia, as one of the party organizers, had strict instructions not to talk to guests, she still approached Eric to ask for an autograph, claiming it was for her uncle. Following this, the couple quietly dated for a year and only made their relationship public in 1999. 

Although they had a breakup after a year of dating, they quickly patched things up. They started their relationship in 1999, briefly separated in 2000, but reconciled swiftly and welcomed their first daughter, Julie Rose, in June 2001. 

Some reports even suggest that the pair might have first met at a Los Angeles charity auction in 1999.

Melia McEnery Children

Melia McEnery and Eric Clapton share three daughters. They are Julie Rose (born on 13 June 2001), Ella May (born on 14 January 2003), and Sophie Belle (born on 1 February 2005). 

Aside from his three children with Melia, Clapton also has a daughter named Ruth from his past relationship with recording studio manager Yvonne Kelly. Eric's history includes an affair with Kelly while he was married to model Pattie Boyd. 

Additionally, Eric has a son named Conor from another relationship with Italian model Lory Del Santo. Tragically, Conor lost his life in March 1991 after falling from an open bedroom window on the 53rd floor of a Manhattan apartment building. 

This heartbreaking incident served as the inspiration for Clapton's hit song, "Tears In Heaven."

What Does Melia McEnery Do? 

Melia McEnery has been actively involved in a charity project called Crossroads Centre Antigua for many years. In this project, she holds the role of Senior Clinical Advisor. 

Throughout her life, McEnery has been part of various charity movements. In 2020, she started a project called "Be Here Now," featuring Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks. 

All the money raised from the "Be Here Now" project goes to the Turn Up For Recovery Foundation. Melia is the founder of this organization, which uses music to make people aware of addiction. 

McEnery's singer-husband, Eric Clapton, also supports her community-oriented efforts from time to time. On one occasion, he donated all the profits from the sale of George Harrison's song "Be Here Now" by Doyle Bramhall II featuring Susan and Derek to Melia's organization, Turn Up For Recovery.

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