Turning 50 calls for celebration, but indie rock icon Jenny Lewis just redefined what that means.
The Rilo Kiley frontwoman marked her milestone birthday on January 8 by marrying her dog, Bobby Rhubarb—a cockapoo who’s apparently stolen her heart completely.
Lewis shared polaroid-style photos on X that showed her in full bridal glory: white wedding gown, veil, and a two-tier cake reading “For better or worse, I do!” and “JL50!”
It’s quirky, unconventional, and absolutely on-brand for an artist who’s never followed traditional paths.
A Birthday Wedding That Rocked
Lewis didn’t just throw any party—she went all out with a ceremony complete with wedding attire and A-list indie musicians in attendance.
“I married my dog for my 50th birthdayBLESS!” she wrote alongside photos of herself posing with Bobby Rhubarb in what appeared to be formal wedding portraits.
Guest list included Phantom Planet’s Alex Greenwald, Morgan Nagler, and Ben Gibbard from The Postal Service—another band Lewis contributed vocals to during her career. According to The Independent, Lewis and Gibbard even performed The Postal Service’s beloved hit “Such Great Heights” at the reception.
Talk about an intimate performance for an intimate occasion.
More Than Just Puppy Love
While marrying her dog might sound like pure whimsy, Bobby Rhubarb represents something much deeper for Lewis. In a 2023 interview with Rolling Stone, she opened up about how adopting her cockapoo helped her navigate one of life’s most challenging periods.
I was in a really rough spot. I’d been isolated for over a year, quarantining totally on my own, and I had to find things to get me out of the house. The truck provided that.
Lewis was referring to her song “Puppy and a Truck,” which chronicles this transformative period in her forties.
For someone who spent extended time alone during quarantine, Bobby became more than companionship—he became purpose.
Unexpected Life Lessons From Four Paws
Lewis described how caring for Bobby shifted her entire perspective on responsibility and connection.
I don’t have any kids, but this dog opened me up in so many ways — being responsible for a soul and caring for something outside of yourself. It’s been a really important lesson for me. Kind of obvious, I guess, but I had no idea.
She admitted her pre-dog fantasies involved owning a white wolf—quite different from the fluffy cockapoo reality she got instead. But Bobby proved to be exactly what she needed.
For many adults without children, pets fill crucial emotional needs: structure, unconditional affection, and daily purpose. Research shows pet ownership significantly reduces feelings of loneliness and depression, particularly during isolating circumstances like pandemic quarantine.
Mental Health Benefits Of Pet Companionship
Lewis’s experience mirrors what mental health experts have documented about human-animal bonds. Caring for pets creates routine, encourages physical activity through walks, and provides non-judgmental emotional support.
Key mental health benefits include:
- Reduced anxiety and stress: Petting animals releases oxytocin, the bonding hormone
- Decreased isolation: Dogs especially create opportunities for social interaction
- Sense of purpose: Caring for another being provides meaning during difficult periods
- Structured routine: Feeding schedules and walks create daily anchors
For Lewis, isolated during lockdown in her forties, Bobby represented all these benefits wrapped in cockapoo fur.
Celebrating Life’s Milestones Your Own Way
Lewis’s unconventional celebration highlights an important truth: milestone birthdays don’t require traditional markers to be meaningful.
While many mark 50 with lavish trips or retrospective parties, Lewis chose something deeply personal that honored what truly mattered to her—the relationship that helped her through darkness.
No registry has been announced for the happy couple, and honeymoon plans remain under wraps. But Lewis does have big plans ahead: beginning in May, she’ll rejoin Rilo Kiley for reunion shows across the United States and Europe.
Whether Bobby Rhubarb joins her on tour remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain—this cockapoo has already accompanied Lewis through life’s most important journey: learning to care for something beyond herself.
Sometimes the most profound commitments come with four legs and a wagging tail.