In 2026, the legendary Bette Midler remains a vibrant fixture of the Manhattan landscape, recently braving a sweltering 98°F summer day in the West Village. At 80 years old, the “Divine Miss M” continues to embrace her natural silver locks while maintaining the eclectic, colorful style that has defined her six-decade career. Despite having sold her iconic $50 million Fifth Avenue penthouse a few years ago, her heart remains firmly planted in the city, where she is frequently spotted hailing cabs and meeting old friends with the same “New York grit” she’s possessed since her days performing in bathhouses.
Midler’s professional fire shows no signs of flickering out as she approaches her ninth decade, particularly regarding her quest for the elusive Oscar that would cement her EGOT status. She has recently been vocal about her desire to breathe new life into her most iconic roles, specifically expressing interest in a Beaches sequel that explores C.C. Bloom’s life as an octogenarian. This creative hunger extends to the Hocus Pocus franchise as well; with a “brilliant” script for a third installment reportedly in development, Midler has humorously urged Disney to fast-track production while she and her co-stars are still “breathing,” aiming for a potential Halloween 2026 release.
Her influence expands far beyond the silver screen, as she has become a powerful “digital ancestor” for a new generation of activists. Most recently, she joined forces with Jane Fonda and Bernie Sanders for the “Elders for Kamala” fundraiser, using her platform of 3.6 million followers to advocate for climate action and political change. This transition into a senior stateswoman of Hollywood reflects a deep psychological shift toward legacy-building, proving her mantra that while she may be older, she is far from finished. Her ability to pivot from “hammy” comedic relief in films like The Fabulous Four to eloquent political advocacy showcases a multifaceted intellect that remains sharp and combustible.
In her personal life, Midler is preparing to celebrate a massive milestone: her 42nd wedding anniversary with performance artist Martin von Haselberg this December. Their enduring partnership, which began with a whirlwind six-week romance and a spur-of-the-moment Las Vegas ceremony in 1984, is a rarity in the industry. Midler famously attributes their “fabulous” longevity to a blend of fierce independence and the practical magic of separate bedrooms—a solution to her husband’s snoring that has preserved both their sleep and their sanity for over four decades.
As she navigates her 80th year, Bette Midler stands as a testament to the power of authentic aging in a world obsessed with youth. Whether she is peeling carrots in a kitchen or commanding a Broadway stage, she remains the protagonist of her own story, reclaiming her life “room by room” and “memory by memory.” With 1.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify and a Broadway musical adaptation of Beaches set to open this spring, her legacy is not just a collection of trophies, but a living, breathing restoration of a life lived at full volume.