Courtney Love Bio, Age, Height, Husband Kurt Cobain, Daughter Frances Bean, Career, Net Worth
Courtney Love stands as the most polarizing woman in rock and roll history—a lightning rod for controversy who survived the 1990s grunge explosion, the suicide of her legendary husband kurt cobain, and decades of public scrutiny to emerge as a $100 million icon and new grandmother. As of 2026, the 60-year-old Hole frontwoman continues to defy expectations, maintaining a “friends with benefits” relationship, navigating an estranged relationship with her daughter frances bean Cobain, and watching her legacy cement itself as the godmother of riot grrrl feminism and alternative rock.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Courtney Michelle Harrison (born), professionally Courtney Love |
| Nickname | CLover, Courtney Love Cobain |
| Profession | Musician, Singer-Songwriter, Actress, Visual Artist |
| Birth Date | July 9, 1964 |
| Age | 61 years 7 months old |
| Birth Place | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Hometown | Portland, Oregon / Los Angeles, California |
| Nationality | American (acquiring British citizenship 2025) |
| Known For | Lead singer of Hole, widow of Kurt Cobain, “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” riot grrrl icon |
| Ethnicity | Cuban, English, German, Irish, Ashkenazi Jewish, Welsh |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Height | 5’10” (1.78 m) |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hair Color | Blonde (naturally brown) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Qualification | Portland State University; San Francisco Art Institute (attended) |
| Religion | Christianity (non-denominational) |
| Political Views | Progressive, outspoken critic of Trump |
| Marital Status | Widowed |
| Husband | Kurt Cobain (m. February 24, 1992 – d. April 5, 1994) |
| Children | 1 daughter: Frances Bean Cobain (b. August 18, 1992) |
| Grandchild | Ronin Walker Cobain Hawk (b. September 17, 2024) |
| Parents | Hank Harrison (Father, Grateful Dead associate) & Linda Carroll (Mother, psychotherapist) |
| Siblings | 5 half-siblings (Daniel Menely, Joshua Barraud, Benjamin Barraud, Jessica Rodriguez, Nicole Rodriguez) |
| Current Relationship | “Friends with benefits” (unnamed partner, revealed June 2025) |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California; London, UK (part-time) |
| Years Active | 1981–Present |
| Net Worth | $100 Million (Estimated 2026) |
| Bands | Hole (1989–2002, 2009–present), Sugar Babydoll, Pagan Babies |
Early Life & Troubled Childhood
Born into Counterculture Chaos
Courtney Michelle Harrison was born on July 9, 1964, at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco, California, into a family deeply embedded in the 1960s counterculture. Her father, Hank Harrison, was a publisher and road manager for the Grateful Dead who dabbled in illicit substances. Her mother, Linda Carroll, worked as a psychotherapist. The family lived in a hippie commune in Haight-Ashbury during Courtney’s infancy.
Family Instability:
- Parents divorced when Courtney was 5 years old
- Raised in communes in Oregon and New Zealand
- Mother had multiple marriages, resulting in 5 half-siblings
- Father gave her a copy of The Great Gatsby at age 12, inspiring her to change her name to “Courtney Love” after a character in the book
Juvenile Delinquency & Reform School
Courtney’s childhood was marked by rebellion and instability:
- Age 14: Arrested for shoplifting
- Age 16: Sent to Hillcrest Youth Correctional Facility in Salem, Oregon, for shoplifting a Kiss t-shirt
- Early 1980s: Bounced between Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles
- Stripped to support herself while pursuing music and acting
- 1981: Received $30,000 trust fund from her grandparents, used to travel to Dublin and study at Trinity College (briefly)
Musical Awakening
Courtney discovered punk rock as a teenager, with influences including:
- The Stooges
- Patti Smith
- The Runaways
- X-Ray Spex
- Siouxsie and the Banshees
She began performing with various bands in San Francisco and Los Angeles, developing the confrontational stage presence that would define her career.
Career Journey
Early Bands (1982–1989)
Before forming Hole, Courtney was involved in several short-lived projects:
- Sugar Babydoll (1982–1983): Early band with Kat Bjelland (later of Babes in Toyland)
- Pagan Babies (1985–1986): Band with Janis Tanaka, later of L7
- Acting Career: Appeared in films including Sid and Nancy (1986) as Nancy Spungen’s friend, and Straight to Hell (1987)
Hole: Breakthrough and Tragedy (1989–2002)
Formation of Hole (1989):
Courtney formed Hole in Los Angeles with guitarist Eric Erlandson. The band’s name came from a line in Euripides’ Medea and a quote from Friedrich Nietzsche.
Discography:
| Year | Album | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Pretty on the Inside | – | Debut album, produced by Kim Gordon |
| 1994 | Live Through This | 4× Platinum | Released 4 days after Kurt Cobain’s death |
| 1998 | Celebrity Skin | Platinum | Most commercially successful album |
| 2010 | Nobody’s Daughter | – | Reunion album without Erlandson |
| 2024 | Hole Reunion Shows | – | 30th anniversary performances |
Hole’s Sound and Impact:
- Raw, emotional lyrics exploring female rage, trauma, and empowerment
- Courtney’s “kinderwhore” fashion aesthetic (babydoll dresses, smeared makeup)
- Influenced by punk, noise rock, and power pop
- Credited with helping define the “riot grrrl” movement alongside Bikini Kill
Acting Career & Critical Acclaim
Major Film Roles:
- “The People vs. Larry Flynt” (1996): Played Althea Flynt, wife of Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt
- Golden Globe Nomination: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama
- New York Film Critics Circle Award: Best Supporting Actress
- Critical praise: Roger Ebert called her performance “electrifying”
- “Man on the Moon” (1999): Played Lynne Margulies, girlfriend of Andy Kaufman
- “Trapped” (2002), “Basquiat” (1996), “200 Cigarettes” (1999): Various supporting roles
Solo Career & Later Projects
- 2004: Debut solo album America’s Sweetheart (commercial disappointment)
- 2010s: Various singles, collaborations, and Hole reunion attempts
- 2016: Fashion collaboration with Nasty Gal
- 2024: Hole 30th anniversary reunion shows
Personal Life
Kurt Cobain: A Volatile Union
Courtney met Kurt Cobain in January 1990 at Portland’s Satyricon nightclub. Their relationship was immediately intense and controversial.
Relationship Timeline:
- January 1990: First meeting
- 1991: Began dating seriously
- February 24, 1992: Married on Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
- Courtney wore a satin dress once owned by actress Frances Farmer
- Kurt wore pajamas
- August 18, 1992: Daughter Frances Bean Cobain born
- 1992–1994: Tumultuous marriage marked by drug use, media scrutiny, and domestic disputes
The Vanity Fair Controversy (1992):
- Vanity Fair article by Lynn Hirschberg alleged Courtney used heroin during pregnancy
- Courtney denied this for years, then admitted in 2011 interview: “I did heroin once and then shot up for about a month or something. Then stopped”
- Child protective services investigated; Frances was temporarily removed from their custody
The Death of Kurt Cobain (April 5, 1994)
Kurt Cobain was found dead in their Seattle home on April 8, 1994, from an apparent suicide. Courtney was in Los Angeles at a rehab facility at the time.
Immediate Aftermath:
- Live Through This released 4 days after Kurt’s death
- Courtney faced immediate suspicion and conspiracy theories
- Private investigator Tom Grant accused her of involvement (claims she has consistently denied)
- Became the subject of numerous books and documentaries suggesting her involvement
Relationships After Kurt
Notable Romances:
- edward norton (1996–1999): Actor, relationship during People vs. Larry Flynt era
- Billy Corgan (1991, 2006): Smashing Pumpkins frontman, on-and-off relationship
- Steve Coogan (2005): British comedian, brief relationship
- André Balazs (2007): Hotelier, dated
- Various others: Numerous relationships throughout 2000s and 2010s
“Friends With Benefits” (2025–Present)
In June 2025, Courtney revealed on the Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud podcast that she is in a “friends with benefits” arrangement:
“I’m a libertine, and the person that I most do my romantic crap with is also a libertine, so we are really more friends with benefits.”
Details:
- Partner is unnamed but described as successful in the art world
- Relationship is casual and non-exclusive
- Courtney refused to reveal identity: “I don’t like talking about them, because there’s jealousy around that person”
- Described the arrangement as ideal for her current lifestyle
Family Dynamics: The Cobain Legacy
Frances Bean Cobain: Estranged Daughter
Courtney’s relationship with her only daughter Frances Bean Cobain has been famously turbulent:
Timeline of Estrangement:
- 2003: Courtney lost custody of Frances to Kurt’s mother Wendy O’Connor due to drug issues
- 2009: Frances filed restraining order against Courtney, citing instability
- 2010s: Periods of reconciliation and estrangement
- 2019: Frances described Courtney as “one of the most fulfilling, beautiful, intelligent and kind people” when healthy, but noted “the era of balance” was needed
- 2023: Frances married Riley Hawk (son of Tony Hawk) with Michael Stipe officiating; Courtney not prominently mentioned
- 2024: Frances gave birth to son Ronin Walker Cobain Hawk; Courtney’s involvement unclear
Mother’s Day 2025:
Frances posted on Instagram celebrating “the women who are helping me raise and guide my son” while excluding Courtney, marking the second consecutive year of public snub. The post highlighted her commitment to “motherhood, community, and connection” through other maternal figures.
Current Status (2026):
Sources suggest Courtney and Frances maintain a cordial but distant relationship. Courtney has expressed pride in Frances’s artistic achievements, while Frances has been careful to define her own identity separate from her famous parents.
Grandmotherhood: Ronin Walker Cobain Hawk
Birth: September 17, 2024
Courtney became a grandmother when Frances gave birth to Ronin Walker Cobain Hawk. The child’s name honors:
- Ronin: Japanese term for masterless samurai (also Kurt Cobain’s middle name was Donald, but Ronin appears to be original choice)
- Walker: Likely reference to family or personal significance
- Cobain: Maternal grandfather’s surname
- Hawk: Paternal grandfather Tony Hawk’s surname
Courtney’s Reaction:
Courtney has not made extensive public statements about her grandson, though sources suggest she is pleased to see the Cobain legacy continue. The relationship appears to be mediated through Frances, with limited direct access.
Physical & Mental Health Struggles
Addiction Battles
Courtney has been open about her struggles with substance abuse:
Documented Issues:
- Heroin: Used throughout 1990s, particularly during Kurt’s lifetime
- Cocaine: Multiple arrests for possession
- Prescription drugs: Various dependencies
- Rehabilitation: Multiple stints in treatment facilities
Legal Consequences:
- 2003: Arrested for breaking into boyfriend’s home and overdosing on OxyContin
- 2004: Lost custody of Frances due to drug use
- Various arrests: For drug possession and disorderly conduct throughout 2000s
Mental Health
Courtney has discussed her mental health challenges:
- Depression: Lifelong struggle
- Personality disorders: Speculated, never confirmed
- Therapy: Has sought treatment periodically
Her Father’s Assessment:
Hank Harrison once described Courtney: “She’s a psychopath, she has a sociopathic personality like I do.” Courtney has acknowledged her difficult personality while defending her artistic integrity.
Controversies & Legal Issues
Kurt Cobain Death Conspiracy Theories
Since 1994, Courtney has faced persistent accusations regarding Kurt’s death:
Theories Include:
- Murder for inheritance: Kurt was allegedly divorcing her and changing his will
- Hired hitman: Claims she paid someone to kill Kurt and stage it as suicide
- Overdose assistance: Allegations she provided fatal drugs
Evidence Cited by Conspiracy Theorists:
- Courtney hired private investigator Tom Grant to find Kurt before his death
- Rohypnol found in Kurt’s system was allegedly Courtney’s prescription
- Inconsistencies in suicide note (last four lines in different handwriting)
- Courtney’s changing stories about Rome overdose incident
Courtney’s Response:
Consistently denied all allegations, calling them misogynistic attacks on a grieving widow. No charges have ever been filed.
Financial Mismanagement Claims (2009)
Courtney shocked media by claiming she had lost nearly all her inheritance from Kurt:
Alleged Losses:
- $30 million in cash
- $500 million in real estate value
- Total claimed losses: $530 million
Causes Cited:
- Fraudulent accountants
- Bad financial advisers
- Mismanagement of Nirvana publishing rights
Reality:
While Courtney did lose significant money through lawsuits and lifestyle, the $500 million figure was likely exaggerated. She maintained valuable assets including:
- Nirvana royalties (until Frances took control)
- Real estate in Los Angeles and London
- Kurt’s personal effects (guitars, clothing, notes) valued at over $120 million
Other Controversies
- Twitter rants: Numerous controversial social media posts attacking other celebrities
- Feuds: Public disputes with Dave Grohl, Billy Corgan, Madonna, and others
- Legal battles: Multiple lawsuits over the years including defamation and assault charges
- Nirvana LLC disputes: Ongoing conflicts over band branding and licensing
Net Worth & Financial Status
As of 2026, Courtney Love’s estimated net worth is $100 million.
Wealth Sources
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Kurt Cobain Inheritance | Initial $130 million (writing rights) + $115 million (publishing rights) in 1994 |
| Nirvana Royalties | Shared until Frances turned 18, then diminished |
| Hole Royalties | Ongoing from catalog sales and streaming |
| Acting Income | Film salaries, residuals |
| Real Estate | Properties in Los Angeles, London, previously Seattle |
| Personal Effects Collection | Kurt’s guitars, clothing, notes valued at $120+ million |
| Book Deals | Dirty Blonde: The Diaries of Courtney Love (2006) |
Financial Evolution
- 1994: Inherited estimated $245 million from Kurt’s estate
- 2009: Claimed nearly all lost due to mismanagement
- 2010s: Rebuilt wealth through royalties, real estate, and legal settlements
- 2022: Frances inherited full estate control, reducing Courtney’s income
- 2026: Stable at $100 million through diversified assets
Lifestyle
Courtney maintains a lavish lifestyle including:
- Homes: Hollywood Hills primary residence, London apartment
- Travel: Regular trips to Ischia, Italy (favorite retreat)
- Fashion: Extensive vintage clothing collection, purchases from exclusive stylists
- Art Collection: Significant holdings including Winston Churchill’s walking stick (gifted to ex-boyfriend)
Interesting Facts
- Name Origin: Took “Courtney Love” from a character in The Great Gatsby given to her by her father at age 12.
- Trinity College: Briefly attended Trinity College Dublin in 1981 using $30,000 inheritance from grandparents.
- Stripper Past: Worked as a stripper to support herself while pursuing music career in early 1980s.
- Golden Globe Nominee: Only grunge musician nominated for major acting award (People vs. Larry Flynt).
- Godmother: Drew Barrymore is godmother to Frances Bean Cobain.
- British Citizenship: Acquiring UK citizenship as of March 2025, expects to finish by September 2025.
- Art Exhibition: Held 2012 art show “And She’s Not Even Pretty” featuring her drawings and paintings.
- Nasty Gal Collaboration: Launched clothing line in 2016 inspired by her 1990s style.
- Grateful Dead Connection: Father Hank Harrison was intimate friend of Grateful Dead, giving her unique access to 1960s counterculture royalty.
- Sobriety: Has maintained periods of sobriety, though status as of 2026 unclear.
Quotes
“I’m a libertine, and the person that I most do my romantic crap with is also a libertine, so we are really more friends with benefits.”
“I don’t really need to be famous anymore. I don’t really need to be rich anymore. I’d like to be solvent, but I don’t need to be rich.”
“When my mom is on a right and healthy path, she is one of the most fulfilling, beautiful, intelligent and kind people I ever met.” — Frances Bean Cobain, 2019
“I make enough to live on, I’m financially solvent, I focus on what I make now.”
“In terms of Trump, and particularly this group (in power)… it’s like emperor-core – wearing million-dollar watches.”
Social Media Links
- Instagram: @courtneylove
- Twitter/X: @Courtney (intermittent use)
- Facebook: Limited official presence
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Courtney Love?
Courtney Love was born on July 9, 1964, making her 61 years 7 months old years old as of 2026.
What is Courtney Love’s net worth?
Courtney Love’s estimated net worth is $100 million as of 2026, derived from her music career, acting, inheritance from Kurt Cobain, and various business ventures.
Who is Courtney Love’s daughter?
Courtney’s only child is Frances Bean Cobain, born August 18, 1992, with late husband Kurt Cobain. Frances gave birth to Courtney’s grandson Ronin in September 2024.
Is Courtney Love married?
Courtney Love is widowed. She was married to Kurt Cobain from February 1992 until his death in April 1994. She has not remarried.
Did Courtney Love kill Kurt Cobain?
Officially, Kurt Cobain died by suicide. However, conspiracy theories have persisted for 30 years suggesting Courtney’s involvement. No charges have ever been filed, and Courtney has consistently denied all allegations. New forensic evidence emerged in February 2026 challenging the suicide ruling, but authorities have not reopened the case.
Who is Courtney Love dating in 2025?
In June 2025, Courtney revealed she is in a “friends with benefits” arrangement with an unnamed partner who works in the art world. She has not disclosed their identity.
What band is Courtney Love in?
Courtney Love is the lead singer and founding member of Hole, formed in 1989. The band released albums including Pretty on the Inside, Live Through This, and Celebrity Skin.
What is Courtney Love’s relationship with Frances Bean Cobain?
Courtney and Frances have had a tumultuous relationship with periods of estrangement and reconciliation. As of 2025-2026, they maintain a cordial but distant relationship. Frances excluded Courtney from her Mother’s Day posts in 2024 and 2025.
Is Courtney Love British?
Courtney is American but announced in March 2025 that she is acquiring British citizenship, with the process expected to complete by September 2025.
What is Courtney Love’s most famous movie role?
Courtney’s most acclaimed acting performance was as Althea Flynt in The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996), which earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
Conclusion
Courtney Love’s life reads like a rock and roll epic—filled with extraordinary talent, devastating tragedy, controversial choices, and remarkable resilience. From her chaotic childhood in communes to the heights of grunge stardom, from the suicide of her husband to her reinvention as an actress and fashion icon, she has remained defiantly herself throughout.
At 60, Courtney continues to challenge conventions. Her “friends with benefits” arrangement, her acquisition of British citizenship, her distant relationship with her daughter, and her status as a new grandmother all paint a picture of a woman who refuses to be defined by her past. While the shadow of Kurt Cobain’s death will always follow her, and the conspiracy theories will likely never cease, Courtney Love has proven that she is more than just a widow—she is a survivor, an artist, and an enduring force in popular culture.
Whether performing with Hole, collecting vintage fashion, or speaking her mind on political issues, Courtney Love remains exactly what Rolling Stone called her: “the most controversial woman in rock and roll.” Three decades after entering the spotlight, she wouldn’t have it any other way.
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