Most people know Barry Manilow as the singer with the big smile, the soft voice, and the long list of famous songs. But very few people know about the woman who once stood beside him at the very start of his life. That woman was Susan Deixler, and her story is both sweet and filled with quiet strength.
Susan met Barry long before the fame, the bright lights, and the big stages. They were just two young kids in high school, trying to find their paths in life. Their early love story was simple and warm, but their marriage was short. After they went separate ways, people often wondered: What happened to Susan Deixler? Where did she go? And how is she doing today?
In this article, we will explore who Susan is, how she grew up, what her life was like with Barry, and what her life looks like now. Her story is peaceful, private, and full of grace. And today, we finally get to look at the woman behind the famous name, in a kind and easy way.
Who Is Susan Deixler?
Susan Deixler is best known as Barry Manilow’s ex-wife, but her life is much bigger than that one title. She is a woman who chose peace over fame, family over attention, and a quiet life over the spotlight.
She became known to the world because of her short marriage to Barry in the 1960s. But after that time, she stepped out of the public eye and built a simple, beautiful life based on her own dreams. Even though many fans want to know about her, Susan has always stayed private and gentle, choosing to live a calm life far from cameras.
When you read her story, you quickly see that Susan is not a “celebrity wife.” She is a strong and kind woman who followed her heart, helped people through her work, and raised her children with love. That is who Susan Deixler truly is.
Susan Deixler’s Early Life and Family
Susan was born in Brooklyn, New York, in the mid-1940s. Her parents, Al and Nettie Deixler, raised her in a warm and loving home. She grew up with simple values: work hard, be kind, and help others. These values stayed with her all her life and shaped many of her choices.
Like many Brooklyn kids, she lived in a busy neighborhood filled with noise, laughter, and strong community spirit. It was the kind of place where everyone knew each other. This environment gave her a sense of strength and independence from a young age.
Susan’s childhood was filled with learning, friendships, and hopeful dreams. She was bright, active, and curious. No one knew then that she would one day be connected to one of the biggest music stars in the world. She was just a normal girl living a normal life—until she met Barry.
How Susan Became a Bright and Active Student
At Eastern District High School in Brooklyn, Susan’s skills began to shine. She was not just a quiet girl in the back of the classroom. She was active, social, and full of energy.
She joined many school groups. She sang in the chorus, helped in student government, and even took part in swimming and the Bowling Club. This shows she was the type of student who enjoyed being involved and making friends.
Teachers and classmates described her as bubbly, bright, and friendly. She was someone people enjoyed being around. Her yearbook even said she planned to study nursing after high school, which shows how early she knew she wanted to help people.
These school years were also the time she met a young man with big dreams—a boy named Barry Manilow. Their paths crossed in these halls, and their story started there.
How Susan Deixler Met Barry Manilow
Susan and Barry met as teenagers in high school. She was a junior. He was a senior. She was a cheerful and popular girl. He was a shy boy who loved music more than anything else. In many ways, they were opposites, but that is what made their connection special.
Their friendship soon grew into something deeper. They shared quiet moments, simple talks, and sweet young love. Barry later said that Susan believed in him before anyone else did. In those early years, long before the world heard his songs, she saw something special in him.
Many people remember their young love as warm and pure. It felt natural and easy—just two teens dreaming about the future together. They did not know it yet, but those simple days would lead them to a big life decision.
Inside the Marriage of Barry Manilow and Susan Deixler
In 1964, when Susan was only 19 years old, the young couple decided to marry. It was a bold and emotional choice, but they felt ready. Their families had different ideas about how the wedding should happen, so the couple actually ended up having multiple ceremonies—a civil one, a religious one, and even small celebrations with each family.
For a short time, they lived as husband and wife in a small apartment. Their life together was simple. They cooked, talked, laughed, and dreamed, like many young couples.
Barry later described Susan as “the perfect wife.” She was supportive, loving, and full of light. She believed in him, even when he was unsure of himself. But while Susan dreamed of a peaceful home, Barry dreamed of stages, crowds, and music. And slowly, those dreams began to pull them in different directions.
Why Their Marriage Ended
This section marks the end of the first half, and it sets us up perfectly for the second half later.
Even though Susan and Barry cared deeply for each other, their marriage began to struggle. Barry’s passion for music grew stronger each day. He was out late at night, playing shows, trying to build a future in music. Susan stayed home, waiting, hoping things would feel normal again.
Barry later admitted he was too young to understand what marriage required. He was only focused on his dream. He loved Susan, but he did not feel ready to settle down.
After only a year, Barry decided to leave the marriage to follow what he called “a wondrous musical adventure.” Susan was hurt, confused, and heartbroken. In 1965, she filed for annulment, and their marriage officially ended in 1966.
This is where Susan’s life takes a new turn—a turn filled with strength, healing, and quiet growth.
What Barry Manilow Said About Susan Deixler
Even years after the marriage ended, Barry Manilow often spoke kindly about Susan Deixler. He said she was “the perfect wife,” which shows how much he respected her, even long after their lives had moved in different directions. His words were soft and full of honesty, almost like he still carried warm memories of their young love.
Barry also admitted that the breakup was not Susan’s fault. He said the real reason was his own lack of maturity. He was young, excited, and lost in the world of music. He did not understand how to be a husband at that time. This truth helps people see that their marriage did not fail because of unhappiness—it simply came too early in his life.
When fans learned this, many people began to feel even more curious about who Susan was. They wanted to know what happened to Barry Manilow’s ex-wife after such a strong and emotional chapter in his life. And that brings us to the next part of Susan’s story.
Susan Deixler After the Split
After the annulment, Susan Deixler made a clear choice. She did not want the spotlight. She did not want attention. She wanted peace, stability, and a simple life. So she stepped away from anything related to fame.
She moved to California, where she found a small community that gave her space and calm. She chose a life that was the opposite of show business. No cameras. No interviews. No loud crowds. Just family, work, and quiet.
This choice showed her strength. Many people connected to celebrities often try to stay in the spotlight. But Susan did the opposite. She followed her own values and built a life she could feel proud of. Today, she is remembered as a woman who protected her peace above everything else.
Susan Deixler’s Career as a Nurse and Holistic Healer
Susan did not let her life be defined by her past with Barry Manilow. Instead, she built a meaningful career in the world of health care, which perfectly matched her gentle personality.
She first worked as a secretary, but soon moved into nursing, a field that allowed her to help people directly. Susan then expanded her skills and became a holistic healer, focusing on natural care and emotional wellness. This shows how deeply she cared for others.
She later became a care manager for seniors in Point Reyes Station, California. She even helped run a swimming program, giving older adults a safe and fun way to stay active. When you hear about her work, you can feel her kindness. Helping people was not just her job—it was something that came naturally to her.
Her career also shows that Susan was never defined by her short time as Barry Manilow’s ex-wife. She built a full life based on service, compassion, and love.
Did Barry Manilow’s Ex-Wife Ever Remarry?
Many people wonder if Susan Deixler ever married again. The answer is no. She did not remarry after her split with Barry. But this does not mean she was alone or unhappy. Instead, Susan focused on raising her children and building a peaceful home.
Sometimes, life does not follow the path we expect. Susan’s story shows that a person can find joy and meaning without needing another marriage. She chose what felt right for her, and she stayed true to her heart.
Even without another husband, Susan’s life was full of love. Her children became her biggest treasure, and she built a life centered around family and comfort.
Susan Deixler’s Children and Family Life Today
After her first marriage ended, Susan went on to build her own family. She became the mother of two children:
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Pauline, who grew up to become a lawyer
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Daniel (Danny), who became a builder and musician
Susan raised them with care, patience, and strength. She created a stable home where her kids could grow, dream, and build their own futures. Her children have always spoken of her with love and respect.
Today, Susan enjoys being a mother and a grandmother. Her life is peaceful, full of small joys, and free from the noise of fame. She lives quietly, but her impact on her family is big and lasting.
How Susan Reacted When Barry Manilow Came Out as Gay
In 2017, Barry Manilow publicly came out as gay. Many people wondered how Susan Deixler felt about this news. Her response was simple, warm, and full of grace.
She said, “I wish him well. I’m happy for him. I’m glad that he’s found love and happiness.”
These words show Susan’s true character. She had no anger, no bitterness, and no desire to revisit old pain. She understood that life changes, people grow, and hearts find their own path.
Susan’s kindness touched many people. It also reminded fans that her story with Barry was one filled with real love, even if it didn’t last.
Where Is Susan Deixler Now?
Today, Susan Deixler lives a quiet and peaceful life in Point Reyes Station, California, a tiny town with fewer than 400 residents. It is the perfect place for someone who enjoys calm mornings, friendly neighbors, and slow days.
Now in her 80s, Susan is believed to be retired from her work in health care. She enjoys her time with her family and her community. She still protects her privacy and stays far away from public life, just as she has for many years.
Her story shows that you do not need fame or attention to live a full and meaningful life. Susan found joy in simple things—family, healing work, and a peaceful home. She built a life that reflects who she truly is.
(FAQs)
How old is Susan Deixler and when is her birthday?
Susan Deixler is in her early 80s as of 2026. She was born in the mid-1940s, with most reports placing her birth year around 1944 or 1945. Many readers are shocked to learn she was only 19 when she married Barry Manilow.
How many children does Susan Deixler have?
Susan has two children, and this surprises many people because Barry Manilow never had kids of his own. Her daughter is Pauline, a lawyer, and her son is Daniel, a builder and musician.
What is Susan Deixler’s religion?
Most sources link Susan to a Jewish background through her family roots in Brooklyn, though she has never publicly spoken about her faith. Her quiet approach to religion often surprises readers who expect more from someone once tied to a superstar.
Did Barry Manilow and Susan Deixler have children together?
No. Susan and Barry never had children during their short marriage. Many fans find it surprising that Barry later became a loving stepfather and even a grandfather, but never had biological children.
Where is Susan Deixler today in 2026?
In 2026, Susan lives a calm and private life in Point Reyes Station, California, a tiny town with fewer than 400 people. The shocking part? Despite being Barry Manilow’s ex-wife, she has stayed completely away from fame for over 60 years.
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