Indie rock singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis marked a major milestone with an extraordinarily unconventional celebration. The former Rilo Kiley frontwoman, who turned 50, hosted a ceremonial wedding where she tied the knot with her beloved cockapoo, Bobby Rhubarb.
A Ceremony of Canine Devotion
While the union holds no legal standing, the event was a heartfelt and elaborate affair. Lewis, famed for hits like "The Good That Won't Come Out", shared photos and videos from the celebration on her social media platforms. The artist wore a traditional white wedding gown for the occasion, which doubled as a lively concert.
The musical lineup was stellar, featuring Lewis herself performing a rendition of "Such Great Heights" by The Postal Service alongside that band's co-founder, Ben Gibbard. She also sang Phantom Planet's "California" with Alex Greenwald. Additional performances came from musicians Morgan Nagler and Farmer Dave Scher.
Fans React and a Deeper Bond Revealed
Following the festivities, Lewis took to X, formerly Twitter, to announce, "i married my dog for my 50th birthday… BLESS!" Fans flooded the post with congratulatory and humorous messages. One supporter quipped, "Muzzle tov," while another joked about the canine "seven-year itch" being cured with belly scratches.
This public display of affection for her pet underscores a deeper connection Lewis has often highlighted. In a 2023 interview with The Independent, she credited her dog with helping to counter life's inherent sadness. Reflecting on her earlier, more melancholic songwriting, she stated, "Sadness is the default, and you have to work your way out a bit. Exercise helps. And so does having a dog."
From Child Actor to Musical Survivalist
Jenny Lewis's path to indie rock stardom was unconventional. Before forming Rilo Kiley and launching a successful solo career, she was a well-known child actor. She appeared in films like Troop Beverly Hills and The Wizard (both 1989), and the television series Brooklyn Bridge from 1991 to 1993.
She explained to The Independent that acting was initially a job to support her family. "When I retired from acting, it was frowned upon in my household because that's how we paid for s***," Lewis revealed. "But I'm a survivalist... I was born a musician." This resilient spirit clearly extends to her personal life, where she finds joy and companionship in her own unique way, recently exemplified by her memorable 50th birthday celebration with Bobby Rhubarb, the dog she immortalised in her 2021 song "Puppy and a Truck".
