Singer Jenny Lewis Celebrates Turning 50 by ‘Marrying’ Her Dog in Front of Friends and Bandmates

Jenny Lewis found a very unique way to celebrate her milestone birthday — by “marrying” her beloved dog.

The Rilo Kiley frontwoman marked turning 50 by holding a lighthearted backyard ceremony where she committed to her cockapoo, Bobby Rhubarb, surrounded by close friends and fellow musicians. The singer shared the joyful moment on social media on Saturday, January 10, posting Polaroid snapshots from the celebration.

“I married my dog for my 50th birthday…BLESS!” she wrote alongside the photos, which showed scenes from the intimate gathering.

Lewis fully embraced the theme for the occasion, even wearing a wedding dress during the ceremony. The decorations included two colorful, multi-layered rainbow cakes. One cake read “JL50!” while the other featured the phrase “For BETTER or for WORSE I do!” across the front.

Friends and bandmates were there to witness the special moment. Guests reportedly included Morgan Nagler, Dave Scher, Phantom Planet’s Alex Greenwald, and Lewis’ Postal Service bandmate Ben Gibbard. Gibbard also performed with Lewis at the reception, adding a musical touch to the celebration.

Fans quickly filled the comments with congratulations and playful jokes. One person quipped, “Bad news: Dogs get the seven-year itch almost immediately. Good news: It can easily be cured with belly scratches,” while others shared similar lighthearted messages.

Bobby Rhubarb is already familiar to Lewis’ fans. The pup previously inspired her 2021 song “Puppy and a Truck,” which was later re-released on her 2023 album Joy’All. In the track, Lewis sings about finding comfort and a fresh start with a dog and a vehicle, themes that reflect her real-life bond with Bobby.

In a 2023 interview, Lewis opened up about adopting her dog during a difficult period in her life. She explained that she had been isolated for over a year and needed something to help her get out of the house and reconnect with the world.

“I was in a really rough spot,” she said at the time, adding that caring for her dog became an important and meaningful experience. Lewis noted that while she doesn’t have children, being responsible for Bobby Rhubarb helped her grow emotionally and learn to care for something outside of herself. She joked that although she once imagined owning a white wolf, she ended up with a cockapoo instead.

For Lewis, her 50th birthday wasn’t just about marking another year — it was about celebrating the loyal companion who’s been by her side through it all.