David Foster first met American Idol legend Katharine McPhee when she was a contestant on the competition series. He was a guest mentor who helped her with the song, “I Have Nothing”, back in 2006. The pair, who have a 35-year age difference, began dating after being friends for over a decade.
David is currently 76. McPhee is 42. His daughter, Sara Foster, is 45. On the “Let’s Be Honest” podcast with Kristin Cavallari, she spoke about her father’s age-gap relationship, defending the couple.
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“It’s not easy coming into this family,” she said on the June 30 episode, as reported by Us Magazine. “It’s not easy, and I think they’ve gotten so much, not s***, but the age difference.”
She continued, “Everyone has an opinion about something. They’re 12 years in, and they are happy. She’s a fully consenting lady, this is not, like, some child bride. She is in her 40s.”
Sara went on to speak about how amazing McPhee has been. “I think it’s hard being a stepparent, obviously,” Sara said. “I think you want to ride the line of wanting your partner’s kids to like you and wanting to show up as a motherly figure. But you also have to have respect for the real mom … the biological mom. I think it’s a tough balance, and I think she does it really well.”
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Sara continued, “I look at her as a sister, but she is my stepmom. She’s my dad’s wife. So, I think it’s normal for her to come in and kind of take over. She really doesn’t do that.”
David and McPhee got married in 2019. She posted a photo of the celebration a year later with the caption: “A year ago today, I married the love of my life. Thank you for always loving me and inspiring me in all aspects of my life. I love you. Here’s to the future!”
David and McPhee had one child together in 2021. He has five other children, including Sara, from previous relationships.
This story was originally published by Parade on Jun 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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