In 2026, the legendary Bette Midler remains a vibrant figure. She recently braved a scorching day in the West Village, where temperatures reached 98°F (37°C). At 80, the “Divine Miss M” retains the natural gray hair and eclectic style that has accompanied her throughout her six-decade career. Although she sold her iconic Fifth Avenue penthouse for $50 million a few years ago, her heart remains in New York City, where she can often be seen hailing a cab or meeting old friends.
According to those close to her, Midler’s professional fire remains undiminished even as she approaches her ninth decade. She has openly expressed a desire to return to her iconic roles, particularly as CC Bloom in the sequel to “Beaches,” chronicling the character’s life at age eighty. She has also expressed interest in the “Hocus Pocus” franchise: insiders report that a script for a third installation is already in development, and the actress herself humorously encouraged Disney to speed up production while she and her co-stars are still “breathing.”
Her influence extends beyond film. Midler is actively involved in public life, joining forces with Jane Fonda and Bernie Sanders on the “Elders for Kamala” initiative. Using her social media following of 3.6 million, she advocates for climate action and political change. Those close to her say this shift to activism reflects her desire to leave a legacy and continue to influence the world, proving that age is no limit to opportunity.
In her personal life, Bette Midler is preparing to celebrate her 42nd wedding anniversary with Martin von Haselberg. Their long-lasting union, which began with a whirlwind six-week affair and a spontaneous ceremony in Las Vegas in 1984, is considered a rarity in the industry. Midler explained that the secret to their long marriage was a combination of independence and the practical magic of separate bedrooms, which has helped them maintain sleep and sanity even after four decades.
As she approaches her 80th birthday, Bette Midler remains a living example of the power of authentic aging in a world obsessed with youth. She continues to be the protagonist of her own life—whether peeling carrots in the kitchen or on the Broadway stage. With 1.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify and an upcoming Broadway adaptation of the musical “Beaches,” her legacy is seen not as a collection of awards, but as living, breathing proof of a life lived to the fullest.
