Barbra Streisand Turns 82: She Enjoys Her ‘Real Life’ & Garden with Her Husband

Barbra Streisand’s talents extend well past her musical career. As a renowned musician and an impressive actress, the icon has certainly proved herself a capable entertainer. Last year, however, she was also honored for her contributions to the lives of others and for being a role model to other women across the globe.

On July 1, 2023, Streisand was honored with the Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Woman of Leadership Award. The award is given out annually to women who have taken on leadership roles and have brought about positive change in the lives of others. Streisand was overjoyed to be receiving the award.

Streisand took to social media to express her delight at the news. She wrote that it was a great honor, and she was glad to be able to follow in the footsteps of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Dwight D. Opperman Foundation Chair Julie Opperman presented her with the award.

Streisand was the fourth person to receive the prestigious award, being honored for her iconic career as a singer, writer, director, and actress. The musician was recognized as an influential voice in the world, inspiring change with her music and other creative endeavors. She was also the first female composer to receive an Academy Award.

Besides her work as an entertainer, Streisand has also contributed to various philanthropic projects. She has helped fund climate change research and the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai. She’s a leading voice in the fight for voter’s rights and promotes gender and racial equality.

Last November, Streisand released her memoir, “My Name Is Barbra.” The book which she worked on for over a decade, captured the attention of readers nationwide. It soared to the number two position on The New York Times hardcover nonfiction bestseller list right after its release. Her story struck a chord, with over 55,000 copies sold in the United States within the first week alone.

Celebrating 25 Years of Marriage

Among the achievements that Streisand has been celebrating is her marriage. The singer has been married to the actor James Brolin for the last 25 years, and the couple marked their anniversary the same day she received the Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Woman of Leadership Award.

Brolin spoke candidly about making his marriage to the famous singer last, saying one secret is therapy. He confessed that marriage can be complex and breaking up spats can be difficult. His solution is finding a neutral third party to listen and weigh in on relationship struggles.

He also noted how important it is to communicate, saying both parties must feel heard. He also noted how important it is to share a good cry every now and again.

With hectic careers, it can be easy to let their marriage slip, but Brolin and Streisand have found the perfect way to reconnect despite their schedules. Brolin shared that they make a point of coming home at night and spending quality time together, and he said sweetly, “I can’t wait to see her again in the morning.”

The actor also noted that both he and his wife are at the age where most people would retire, but he confessed that a life of sitting quietly in rocking chairs doesn’t seem to be in the cards for them. He shared that Streisand has too many plans for projects she still wants to do and causes she wants to support.

While Streisand is giving back to the community, Brolin is still enjoying a successful career as an actor. He’s spending his days in front of the camera while his wife works on numerous philanthropic undertakings. But Streisand is also contributing to her husband’s career by helping him with the music for his films.

Despite their bustling careers, Streisand and Brolin still try to prioritize family. The iconic singer commented on her life, saying she enjoys spending time with her children. She noted, “I like real life, you know? I like being in real life, and I love my garden and my dogs and my husband and my son and my widening family.”

Barbra’s Growing Family

Both Streisand and Brolin brought children from previous relationships into the marriage when they settled down together. Both are loving parents, and they’ve built lasting relationships with their stepchildren as well. Streisand has proven she’s close with Brolin’s son, the actor Josh Brolin.

Although Streisand’s son, Jason Gould, doesn’t have children of his own, she became a doting grandmother when she married Brolin and her stepson welcomed his four children into the world. Brolin shares his son with his former spouse, Jane Cameron Agee. The younger of the two Brolins shares his two oldest kids with his ex-wife, Alice Adair.

Streisand’s two oldest grandkids, Trevor Brolin and Eden Brolin, were born in 1988 and 1994, respectively. Streisand was introduced to the two kids when she and Brolin married in 1998.

Josh and his ex-wife, Alice, went their separate ways shortly after welcoming Eden, and the actor would later go on to marry Katherine Boyd Brolin.

Like their father and grandfather, Trevor and Eden inherited the family’s penchant for acting. Trevor has starred in a few films and worked as a director, writer, cinematographer, and producer for several years. It seems Trevor decided to get out of the acting game in 2020 when he became an electrician.

Eden also shares her dad’s and grandad’s acting genes. With parts in hit TV shows such as “Beyond” and “Yellowstone,” it seems Eden is doing the Brolin family name proud. She has also starred in “Arkansas,” “Blood Bound,” “Emerald City,” “I Dream Too Much,” and a slew of other titles.

Although Eden and Trevor were born before Streisand met their grandfather, the singer has built a close bond with her oldest grandkids. However, Streisand was over the moon when Josh welcomed his third child on November 4, 2018. A source close to Streisand noted that the singer adores little Westlyn Reign Brolin.

On Christmas Day 2020, Josh and his wife, Katherine, welcomed their second child together, Chapel Grace Brolin. The actor explained his youngest’s unique name, saying he and Katherine always find solace in chapels when they travel.

Family Over Fame

Streisand’s memoir was meant to mark a quieter phase in her life, away from the constant buzz of Hollywood. The shelving of projects like the Margaret Bourke-White biopic and the “Gypsy” film adaptation had steered her toward a more tranquil existence at home.

She looked forward to savoring simple pleasures, such as unhurried drives with her husband and cherished moments with her family. With a newfound determination to enjoy life’s offerings, she was ready to compensate for the times when fun seemed scarce.

The rigorous demands of filmmaking have lost their allure, and she now favors the serenity of her personal life. However, the obligations that followed her literary achievement have nudged her anticipated leisurely travels with her husband further down the road.

As she contemplates the postponed adventures, she simultaneously embarks on a journey of self-expression, celebrating her 82nd year with style.

Embracing Age with Style

As she turns 82, Streisand redefines what it means to age gracefully. She advocates for dressing to reflect one’s mood rather than adhering to age-based expectations. Reflecting on her past, she recalls proposing a bold photoshoot clad only in a crisp white shirt.

While she was hesitant to embrace her sensuality early in her career, she now feels liberated from such fears. Age hasn’t dampened her love for fashion or her penchant for collecting treasures, including film costumes, a Fortuny gown, vintage clothes, and antique dolls.

Recently, Streisand took to Instagram to announce “Love Will Survive,” a new track set for release on April 25, 2024. Featured in the series “The Tattooist of Auschwitz,” the song is a heartfelt homage to the six million Holocaust victims. Through this piece, Streisand aims to honor their memory and celebrate the power of love.

Streisand, at 82, embodies a life rich with achievement, love, and inspiration. Her memoir reflects a retreat from the limelight to savor life’s simple joys with family, while her style remains uninhibited by age.

Streisand’s influence is celebrated through accolades like the Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Woman of Leadership Award, and her upcoming song continues her legacy of inspiring change. As she steps into another year, Barbara Streisand proves that age is no barrier to living fully and leaving a lasting impact.