David Foster: Biography, Songs, Wives, and Tragedies

You probably know David Foster’s sound even if you don’t know his name — those sweeping piano chords behind Celine Dion’s biggest hits, the orchestral swell on Whitney Houston’s ballads, the polished pop of Chicago. He’s won 16 Grammy Awards and written or produced more than 40 top-charting songs over five decades.

Grammy Awards: 16 ·
Marriages: 5 ·
Children: 5 ·
Years Active: Over 40 ·
Birthdate: November 1, 1949

Six key facts, one pattern: the same relentless drive that built a multi-Grammy career also shaped a complicated personal life.

What is the most famous song David Foster wrote?

The song that defines Foster’s legacy more than any other is “The Power of Love,” co-written with Jennifer Rush and later turned into a global smash by Celine Dion. Foster also co-wrote “Glory of Love,” which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1986 (Simon & Schuster publisher biography). Over his career, Foster has collected 16 Grammy Awards and contributed to more than 40 chart-topping hits.

The implication: Foster’s ability to craft melodies that sell millions came from a formula few could replicate.

What song did David Foster write for Celine Dion?

“The Power of Love” is the most commercially successful song Foster wrote with Dion in mind. According to a Simon & Schuster publisher biography, Foster met Dion in Quebec in 1990 and soon introduced her to American audiences. The partnership produced multiple hits, including “Because You Loved Me” and “To Love You More.”

The catch: this signature sound — big piano chords and soaring choruses — became both his trademark and the source of criticism for being too polished.

How many wives and children does David Foster have?

David Foster has been married five times. His current wife is actress and singer Katharine McPhee, whom he married in 2019 (USA Today national newspaper). He has five children: three daughters from previous marriages and two sons with his ex-wife Linda Thompson (David Foster official site).

The pattern: each marriage ended under the weight of his relentless touring schedule, a recurring trade-off between creative output and family stability.

Why did Linda Thompson leave David Foster?

Linda Thompson, Foster’s third wife, divorced him in 2005 after 14 years of marriage. Specific reasons for the divorce have not been publicly detailed by either party, but Thompson has spoken positively about their co-parenting relationship for their sons Brody and Brandon.

What does Linda Thompson say about David Foster?

In various interviews, Thompson has described Foster as a dedicated father despite their separation. She reportedly said that Foster remains in close contact with their children and that she respects his musical legacy. However, no direct quote from Thompson has been widely verified.

How did Katharine McPhee end up with David Foster?

Katharine McPhee first met David Foster when she was a contestant on American Idol in 2006. Foster served as a mentor on the show. The two reconnected professionally years later and began dating in 2017 (USA Today national newspaper). They married in 2019 and welcomed their son Rennie in 2021.

The catch: a 35-year age gap drew public scrutiny, but McPhee has said their connection is rooted in mutual respect and a shared love of music.

What tragedy happened to Katharine McPhee and David Foster?

In August 2023, Foster and McPhee abruptly cut short their Asia tour due to what McPhee called “a devastating tragedy in our family” (USA Today national newspaper). The Los Angeles Times California news outlet later reported that the family’s nanny, Yadira Calito, 55, died on August 9, 2023 after being struck by a vehicle at Hamer Toyota in Mission Hills, Los Angeles. Two other people were injured but survived.

How did Katharine McPhee and David Foster’s nanny die?

According to the Los Angeles Times California news outlet, Yadira Calito was killed in a hit-and-run accident on the dealership lot. The couple returned to the stage less than two weeks later in Ravello, Italy, performing with Erich Bergen.

Why this matters: the tragedy pulled Foster and McPhee from the public eye briefly, but the speed of their return underscores the resilience of their professional commitments — and the gap between public performance and private grief.

Who turned down a deal with David Foster?

Multiple reports have circulated that certain major artists declined working with Foster, but no specific, verified name has surfaced. Speculation often mentions Whitney Houston or Michael Jackson, but neither case is confirmed by reliable sources (Simon & Schuster publisher biography does not list any declined collaborations).

The takeaway: in an industry where Foster worked with everyone from Barbra Streisand to NSYNC, the absence of documented rejections suggests his reputation as a hit-maker outweighed any personal friction.

Timeline

• 1949 – Born in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (Simon & Schuster publisher biography)
• c. 1953 – Begins studying piano in Victoria (David Foster official site)
• 1973 – Enters music scene as keyboardist and session musician (Yamaha Canada artist profile)
• 1986 – Establishes the David Foster Foundation (Yamaha Canada artist profile)
• 1990 – Meets Celine Dion in Quebec (Simon & Schuster publisher biography)
• 2019 – Marries Katharine McPhee (USA Today national newspaper)
• 2021 – Son Rennie is born (USA Today national newspaper)
• 2023-08-09 – Nanny Yadira Calito dies in hit-and-run (Los Angeles Times California news outlet)
• 2023-08-24 – McPhee-Foster returns to stage in Italy (Los Angeles Times California news outlet)

Quotes

“I believe that everyone gets three rounds in their life.”

David Foster (David Foster official site)

“David and I have experienced a devastating tragedy in our family.”

Katharine McPhee (USA Today national newspaper)

For Foster, the music keeps playing. His foundation continues to raise millions for children needing organ transplants, and his recent return to the stage after the nanny tragedy showed a man who lives by his own three-round philosophy. The implication: Foster’s legacy is built on both genius and grit — but the price of that legacy has been paid in personal upheavals that no Grammy can fix.

For a deeper look into his musical legacy and personal struggles, David Fosters life and career offers a comprehensive overview.

Frequently asked questions

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