Pete Doherty has been married to his wife for almost four years, but they first met during the early 2000s. The Libertines rocker, 45, will be seeking support from his wife, Katia de Vidas, during his lengthy health battle. Pete revealed in early 2024 that he had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and in an update this week said he was told by doctors that he could have his toes amputated as he grapples with the condition. This isn't the first time Katia has been by her husband's side through the challenges of life.
Pete emotionally expressed his gratitude towards his wife for her pivotal role in his journey to sobriety, putting an end to his battles with drug addiction. During a heartfelt discussion about his past struggles with substances, Pete confessed: "I was always a pleasure seeker, indulged myself wherever possible in most things".
While appearing on Tommy Tiernan's RTE talk show, he continued: "I just developed this fascination, particularly with Opioids, I had this romanticised idea of those things. It's hard work keeping an addiction like that going, juggling everything". While acknowledging the inherent "ugliness" in his actions, he also reflected on seeing them differently.
In a poignant moment, Pete became visibly moved as he described how he managed to kick the habit: "The honest answer is my wife, who gave me the ultimatum." Overcome with emotion, he shared: "In the end, she said, 'I can't be with you if you do this.'" Recognising his tearful state, Pete added: "I'm not upset at all. I feel like I've just connected with something true that I don't really say out loud, that I did it for her.".
Katia is not only Pete's wife, but she also shares the stage with the musician, playing the keyboard for Puta Madres, the band Pete formed post-The Libertines and Babyshambles. The rock 'n' roll stars tied the knot during an intimate and secret ceremony at a French retreat in September 2021. Their nuptials came to light just 48 hours after eagle-eyed fans spotted Katia's stunning new ring in an Instagram snap, seemingly confirming their engagement.
Confirming the happy news, the newlyweds shared a black-and-white photo from their big day on Instagram with the simple caption "30.09.21" and a heart emoji. Katia's cousin Julia Mallet also took to social media with a snap of Katia in her wedding dress with the caption: "When you find out your cousin got married overnight!! Congratulations, Katia and Pete Doherty!".
In the summer of 2023, the couple joyfully welcomed their first child together, a daughter called Billie-May. Pete is already a dad to son Astile, 21, and daughter Aisling, 13, from his previous relationships with singer Lisa Moorish and model Lindi Hingston. Before settling down with Katia, Pete had a string of high-profile relationships, including with model Kate Moss and the late Amy Winehouse.
Away from fame, Pete and Katia are thought to live a quieter family life in the charming coastal town of Etretat in Normandy, France. They've offered a glimpse into their home life, with cosy moments at home with their pets, and according to reports, Pete couldn't be happier.
A source previously revealed to The Sun: "While lockdown has been tough for so many people, Pete is honestly the happiest he's ever been." They added: "He used to live a fast-paced, hedonistic lifestyle. He was the epitome of rock and roll. But the relaxed pace of life suits him more.".
Yet, life by the seaside hasn't always been smooth sailing. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Katia disclosed her triumph over her cancer battle in 2020. She wrote: "My cancer treatment would have been very different would have I known about it a year later," before declaring: "Thanks to amazing doctors and the love around me I killed the f***er".
With a notorious history of drug struggles, Pete once had a £200-per-day addiction to heroin and crack that destabilised his career. Facing the consequences of his actions, he once burgled the house of Carl Barat, his mate from The Libertines, which resulted in a six-month stint behind bars in 2003.
Having had a rocky relationship with rehab, Pete humorously observed during an event: "I always have bad luck at these awards. I'm usually in rehab or prison or something, but I'm here tonight, so maybe that's a good sign." He has also spoken about his past struggles with sleep and substance abuse, revealing the extreme patterns that once dominated his life. "For years and years, I would stay up for five or six days and then I would sleep for 24 hours, so now I love sleep.".
