The Enduring Saga Of Nicollette Sheridan And Michael Bolton: Love, Rekindled Romances, And Hollywood's Lingering Drama
A Whirlwind Romance: The First Chapter
The story of Nicollette Sheridan and Michael Bolton first captured public attention in the early 1990s. It was a pairing that seemed to perfectly blend Hollywood glamour with musical prowess. The couple started dating in 1992, quickly becoming one of the entertainment industry's most talked-about duos.The '90s Affair That Grabbed Headlines
Their initial romance was, by all accounts, passionate and high-profile. Bolton's infamous affair with the "Desperate Housewives" star, Nicollette Sheridan, grabbed all the headlines back in the day. They were a fixture in tabloids and gossip columns, their relationship a subject of fascination for fans eager for a glimpse into their private lives. Despite the intensity and public interest, this first chapter of their romance eventually came to a close. The couple dated for several years in the '90s but ended their relationship in 1997. Like many celebrity relationships, it seemed to have run its course, leaving fans to wonder what might have been.The Unexpected Rekindling: A Second Chance at Love
Years passed, and both Nicollette Sheridan and Michael Bolton continued with their respective careers, seemingly moving on from their past romance. However, fate, or perhaps a lingering connection, had other plans. In 2005, nearly a decade after their initial split, the couple surprised many by rekindling their '90s romance.From 2005 Reunion to Engagement
When they first got back together in 2005, after having dated in 1992, many thought it would never last. Yet, for a time, it did. Their reunion sparked renewed interest, and it wasn't long before their relationship deepened. In 2006, they announced their engagement, signaling a serious commitment to making their second chance work. This period saw them as a seemingly stable and happy couple, navigating the challenges of their demanding careers together. They were engaged to actress Nicollette Sheridan from 2006 to 2008, a period that lasted for three years. However, despite the engagement and the apparent strength of their rekindled love, this second attempt at a lasting relationship also reached its conclusion. In 2008, after a two-year engagement, Nicollette Sheridan and singer Michael Bolton split. The 44-year-old actress and 55-year-old crooner decided to go their separate ways. Their respective representatives confirmed the news, stating that the split was amicable. "Nicollette Sheridan and Michael Bolton have amicably ended their engagement," said Nicole Perna, a publicist for the pair, requesting respect for their privacy. This marked the end of their second, and seemingly final, romantic chapter.The Harry Hamlin & Lisa Rinna Controversy: Unpacking the Cheating Allegations
While their romantic relationship concluded in 2008, the story of Nicollette Sheridan and Michael Bolton didn't fade entirely from the public eye. Years later, their past connection became a focal point in a very public and dramatic dispute involving Nicollette's ex-husband, Harry Hamlin, and his current wife, Lisa Rinna, on the popular reality show "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."Nicollette's Denial and Bolton's Response
The core of the drama revolved around long-standing claims by Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna that Nicollette Sheridan had cheated on Hamlin with Michael Bolton during their marriage in the early 1990s. On Tuesday’s episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Lisa Rinna told her fellow housewives that Sheridan, 55, was married to her husband Harry Hamlin, but the union ended when Sheridan allegedly cheated on him. Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna consistently stood by their claim that Nicollette Sheridan cheated on Hamlin with Michael Bolton. Nicollette Sheridan, however, vehemently denied these accusations. She publicly refuted ex Harry Hamlin and his wife Lisa Rinna's claims that she cheated on him with Michael Bolton. This public denial added fuel to the fire, turning a private historical matter into a televised spectacle. The controversy eventually drew Michael Bolton himself into the fray. Michael Bolton finally addressed his role in the drama between Lisa Rinna, her husband Harry Hamlin, and Harry’s ex-wife, Nicollette Sheridan. As Real Housewives of Beverly Hills fans well know, Lisa credits Michael for her 21-year marriage to Hamlin, implying that the alleged affair led to Sheridan leaving Hamlin, thus opening the door for Rinna. Bolton, typically private about his personal life, found himself in a position where he had to speak out, if only to clarify his side of the story amidst the swirling accusations.Lisa Rinna's Perspective and the RHOBH Connection
Lisa Rinna's repeated assertions on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" kept the alleged affair in the public consciousness. Her narrative suggested that the end of Nicollette and Harry's marriage, purportedly due to the cheating, paved the way for her own long-lasting relationship with Hamlin. This storyline became a significant plot point for Rinna on the show, ensuring that the names Nicollette Sheridan and Michael Bolton would continue to be linked in discussions of Hollywood's entangled personal histories. The entire situation highlighted how past relationships, especially those involving public figures, can resurface years later, often with new interpretations and heightened drama.Beyond the Headlines: The Amicable Separations
Despite the dramatic undertones of the cheating allegations, what stands out about Nicollette Sheridan and Michael Bolton's own separations is the consistent message of amicability. Throughout their on-again, off-again relationship, which spanned an impressive 16 years in total, their partings were always described as respectful and mutual. When actress Nicollette Sheridan and singer-songwriter Michael Bolton parted ways, neither one became angry or petty. In fact, years later, their public statements consistently reflected a mutual respect. "Nicollette Sheridan and Michael Bolton have amicably ended their engagement," was the repeated message from their representatives, emphasizing their appreciation for privacy in the matter. This mature approach to their splits is noteworthy in an industry often characterized by bitter breakups and public feuds. It suggests a deep underlying friendship or understanding that transcended the romantic aspects of their relationship, allowing them to navigate their separations with grace.Michael Bolton's Reflections: A Chapter in His Book
The enduring nature of their connection, even after their romantic relationship ended, was further highlighted when Michael Bolton released his autobiography, "Michael Bolton: The Soul of It All." In a testament to Nicollette Sheridan's significance in his life, he chose to include a chapter about his former fiancée. When Michael Bolton chatted with Access about his new book, he was asked why he chose to include a chapter about his former fiancée Nicolette Sheridan. This decision underscored the profound impact she had on his life, deeming their relationship worthy of inclusion in his personal memoir. It allowed him to offer his perspective on their shared history, separate from the tabloid headlines and reality TV drama, providing a more nuanced and personal account of their complex bond. This act solidified their place in each other's narratives, acknowledging a relationship that, despite its challenges and public scrutiny, was clearly meaningful to both individuals.Conclusion: A Unique Hollywood Love Story
The relationship between Nicollette Sheridan and Michael Bolton is a unique tapestry woven with threads of passionate romance, public intrigue, and surprising longevity. From their initial '90s romance that grabbed headlines, through their unexpected rekindling and engagement in the mid-2000s, to the lingering drama surrounding cheating allegations, their story has captivated audiences for decades. What truly sets their narrative apart is the consistent amicable nature of their separations, a rare display of maturity in the often-volatile world of celebrity relationships. Michael Bolton's decision to include a chapter about Sheridan in his autobiography further cements their enduring, albeit complex, connection. Their saga serves as a reminder that even in Hollywood, some bonds, though not always conventional, can withstand the test of time, public scrutiny, and personal evolution, leaving behind a legacy of love, friendship, and respectful parting.
The Real Reason Nicollette Sheridan And Michael Bolton Broke Up

Michael Bolton and girlfriend Nicollette Sheridan attend the premiere

Michael Bolton and Nicollette Sheridan at LAX September 1993 Credit