Don McLean, 80, is best known for his 1971 hit “American Pie.” The singer, whose nickname is the “American Troubador,” is in a relationship with someone much younger.
In February 2026, Don celebrated more than 10 years with his girlfriend, Paris Dylan, who is nearly 50 years younger than him. While the singer is experiencing a loving relationship, his life isn’t without some controversy.
In 2021, Don’s daughter Jackie McLean, 36, alleged that he emotionally and mentally abused her. “If I talk about my experiences, my teeth chatter and I get cold and sweaty even if I hear his name,” she told Rolling Stone.
The singer denied any abusive behavior and has continued to have a successful music career in the years after the accusations were made. Keep reading to learn more about Don’s relationship with his much younger girlfriend Paris Dylan.
© InstagramDon McLean poses with a companion overlooking Florence, the city’s skyline and river stretching behind them.
Don and Paris love to travel
Much like the city she’s named after, Paris is a global woman. She and Don often share snaps of themselves traveling across the world, including in Italy, Paris, and Graceland.
“My girlfriend and I love to travel, so she’s really anxious to get up and get going and so am I,” Don told People in 2021.
© InstagramDon McLean poses with his guitar in front of the Grand Ole Opry wall of names.
It was love at first sight
The “Castles in the Air” singer fell in love with Paris rather quickly. “I’ve been in love with her from the minute I saw her, it’s so weird,” he told People in 2024. “It’s almost eight and a half years now we’ve been together, and we have done so many things together all over the world, hundreds and hundreds of concerts. We just like each other a lot. We have a lot of laughs.”
© Getty ImagesDon McLean and Paris Dylan arrive for the State Dinner at the White House honouring Kenya’s President Ruto.
Paris is always Don’s plus one
The couple, who started dating when Paris was in her early 20s, are each other’s dates to many major events. In May 2024, Don and Paris attended a state dinner at the White House, which then-president Joe Biden hosted for Kenyan President William Ruto. That same year, Paris tagged along to Don’s performance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
© InstagramA woman holds a tiny tan chihuahua puppy up close, smiling gently at her new companion.
Paris is an animal lover
In January 2023, Paris adopted a chihuahua named Custer, months after her beloved dog Tiki passed away. She announced the news to Instagram, writing: “Well…. I can’t believe it but here is the newest member… meet Custer. I am so happy to have this beautiful little boy to love and kiss and cuddle with… even though I miss my Tiki man. welcome Custer Knot.”
Aside from dozens of photos with Custer on her social media, Paris has also shared moments of her with horses, kittens, and even a koala bear.
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