When did Oscar-nominated actress Diane Ladd marry Robert Charles Hunter? Relationship timeline explored in the light of husband's death at 77

Diane Ladd’s third husband, Robert Charles Hunter, died at age 77 on Thursday, August 1, 2025, while visiting his children in Texas. He had been married to Ladd since early 1999.

They first met around 1998 while Hunter was spending time in Sedona, Arizona, for personal reflection. According to Ladd’s 2023 memoir, he had been divorced two years earlier and had retired from a long career by the time they met. They began dating then, and their relationship grew over the course of about a year.

Diane Ladd and Robert Charles Hunter's marriage and shared life

Robert Charles Hunter was born on April 2, 1948, in Germany. He worked for PepsiCo Food Systems for 23 years, with 11 years as CEO, overseeing brands like Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and KFC restaurants. After retiring at age 50, he continued to engage in creative and business projects.

Diane Ladd and Robert Charles Hunter's got married on February 14, 1999, Valentine’s Day. The ceremony took place at the Bel Air home of actress Connie Stevens and was officiated by actress Della Reese. Many celebrity guests attended, including Ladd’s daughter Laura Dern, Billy Bob Thornton, Kathy Bates, James Coburn, Ed Asner, and Beau Bridges. Diane Ladd and Robert Charles Hunter also co‑founded Exxcell Entertainment in Ojai in 1999, a company to produce films. Hunter even acted in Lynch’s 2006 film Inland Empire, alongside Ladd and her daughter.

Hunter and Ladd often appeared together at public events and film premieres. They were seen together at premieres for films like Marriage Story and Joy, among others. Ladd shared personal posts on social media about their life together, calling him her “best date ever” and “my heart” in her captions.

He had three children - Brandon, Amy, and Emily, and ten grandchildren. Hunter became a stepfather to Ladd’s daughter, Laura Dern, but did not have children of his own.

Robert Charles Hunter's death and legacy

Hunter died at age 77 on August 1, 2025, while visiting his children in Texas. No cause of death was shared. His family said,

"Robert always loved Texas"

They said his love for Texas was like,

"like coming back to the rhythm of my heart."

Survivors include his wife Diane Ladd, his own children and grandchildren, and Laura Dern, his stepdaughter.

Diane Ladd, now 89, is a three‑time Academy Award nominee. She received Oscar nominations for Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974), Wild at Heart (1990), and Rambling Rose (1991). Before Robert Hunter, she was married to Bruce Dern from 1960 to 1969, with whom she had daughter Diane Elizabeth, who died in childhood, and Laura. She then married William A. Shea Jr. and stayed with him from 1969 to 1977.

Diane and Hunter were together for over 26 years. He was her third husband. They worked together, supported each other, and shared a long marriage. Their love story began in 1998, then they got married on Valentine’s Day in 1999, and their relationship lasted until his passing on August 1, 2025. His life spanned business leadership, creative work, writing, and partnership in both life and work with Diane Ladd.

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