Janine Girardi is mostly known as the wife of rock singer Eddie Money. Although chart-topping hits and a vivacious stage presence made Eddie Money the headline man, Janine was his constant support throughout his career and personal struggles. Over the years, she has been dedicated to her family and to causes close to her heart. Janine has largely avoided the spotlight but has a story of strength, perseverance, and love.
Early Life and Marriage to Eddie Money
Details about Janine Girardi’s early years are mostly unknown, she was only drawn to the public eye when she met Eddie Money (Edward Joseph Mahoney) in the late 1980s. Eddie was already a famous rock star at the time, with hits like Two Tickets to Paradise and Take Me Home Tonight. In spite of the whirlwind life of fame and constant touring that came with being a rock star, Janine and Eddie struck up a lasting relationship.
They married in 1989, marking the beginning of a union filled with joy and challenges. Janine and Eddie had five children together: Zachary, Jessica, Joseph, Julian, and Desmond. As Eddie worked in music, Janine took on the role of a loving and nurturing mother.
A Steadfast Support System
Janine was more than a rock star’s wife – she was Eddie’s confidante, pillar of strength, and glue that held the family together. She stood by Eddie throughout his ups and downs. This was especially apparent during the years Eddie dealt with substance abuse issues, a common issue with many in the music industry. Janine encouraged him to get treatment and help during those trying times.
Her resilience helped Eddie get sober and back into music. Their relationship marked by love, understanding, and loyalty proved that a loving partnership can overcome challenges of life. Janine’s ability to maintain a balanced life with her children and work was a testament to her strength and devotion to her family.
Life beyond the Stage
Even though Janine stayed out of the limelight largely, she knew the pressures of being married to a major musician. Her family starred on the reality TV show Real Money in 2018. It gave viewers a glimpse into the Girardi-Money household, with Janine playing the heart of the family – a role she played with grace and humor. She was often seen keeping Eddie warm and stable amid the everyday chaos of raising children, managing household responsibilities, and continued support for Eddie’s music career.
In 2019, Eddie was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer, which tested Janine’s dedication to her family even more. As Eddie deteriorated in health, Janine was his primary caregiver, facing the emotional and physical cost of the illness with remarkable courage. Even as she was losing her husband, she comforted Eddie until he died in September 2019.
A Legacy of Love and Resilience
With Eddie Money gone, Janine has kept his legacy and the love he gave his fans alive. She has remained a devoted mother, supporting her children as they navigate life without their father, and has become an advocate for cancer awareness due to her husband’s battle with the disease.
