Personal life

Ronstadt has never been married. In the 1970s her private life became very public, most notably, as publicity surrounding her life was propelled in the late 1970s by a relationship with then-Governor Jerry Brown of California, a Democratic presidential candidate. They shared a Newsweek magazine cover in April 1979. Ronstadt and Brown also took a trip to Africa which became fodder for paparazzi and the press.

In the mid 1980s, Ronstadt was engaged (ring on the finger and all) to Star Wars director George Lucas.

Ronstadt is a major supporter and admirer of Salina, Kansas' sustainable agriculture pioneer Wes Jackson, saying in 2000 the work he's doing right now is the most important work there is in the (United States), and dedicating the rock anthem Desperado to him at a August, 2007 Kansas City, Kansas concert of hers.

She has two adopted children, Mary and Carlos. Her daughter has made her a fan of musician Pink. Her son, who is into Death Metal, has introduced her to the music of Rob Zombie and she states There's real power and energy (to his music) and on AC/DC she says I really love Back in Black. I appreciate it musically (and) how good the rhythm guitar player is.

Ronstadt is a big fan of J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels, and even persuaded friend and noted New York Times book critic Michiko Kakutani to start reading the Harry Potter novels.

Ronstadt's favorite female vocalist is Maria Callas, saying There's no one in her league. That's it. Period., I learn more...about singing rock n ?roll from listening to Maria Callas records than I ever would from listening to pop music for a month of Sundays. She's the greatest chick singer ever. She admires Callas for her musicianship and her attempts in the 20th century in pushing singing, particularly opera, back into the Bel Canto natural style of singing..

Ronstadt defines her voice type as that of a Coloratura soprano.

As of 2007, Ronstadt resides in the San Francisco area while also maintaining her home in Tucson, Arizona. However, this same year, Ronstadt drew criticism and praise from some of her local Tucsonians by observing that the local city council's failings, developers' strip mall mentality, greed and growing dust problem has rendered the city unrecognizable and poorly developed.

In an August 14, 2007, interview she commented on all her well publicized outspoken views, in particular her, Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts incident (see Political Controversy below), by noting, If I had it to do over I would be much more gracious to everyone...you can be as outspoken as you want if you are very, very respectful. Show some grace.

On September 23, 2007, Linda Ronstadt, was inducted into the The Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame, also included among the strong class of inductees were Stevie Nicks, Buck Owens and filmmaker Steven Spielberg.[43