While Tom Petty's music is legendary, his personal life, particularly with his second wife Jane Benoit, held surprising depth. Here are 5 lesser-known facets:

1. Long Friendship Before Romance

Tom met Jane Benoit in 1974 through mutual friend Stevie Nicks, years before their romantic relationship began in the late 1980s. They maintained a deep, enduring friendship first, laying a solid foundation for their eventual marriage.

2. Jane's Initial Refusal of Rock Star Life

Despite marrying a rock icon, Jane explicitly rejected the traditional "rock wife" lifestyle. She maintained a low profile, focused on raising their children, and consciously avoided industry parties and Hollywood glitz, prioritizing a grounded family life away from the spotlight.

3. Tom's Deliberately Awkward Proposal(s)

Tom proposed multiple times before Jane accepted. Famously, he asked in ways designed to make her hesitate, such as blurting it out during an argument. This reflected Petty's complex nature – deeply wanting commitment yet characteristically avoidant of cliché.

4. Secret Wedding Ceremony

Despite dating publicly for years, Tom and Jane married unexpectedly on June 3, 2001, in a secret ceremony at a friend's house. Only Petty's daughters, the friend couple, the officiant, and the housekeeper witnessed the intimate event, surprising friends and family who learned about it afterwards.

5. Jane Inherited His Complete Music Catalog

In his will, Petty left his entire music catalog and intellectual property solely to Jane Benoit Petty. His two daughters from his first marriage inherited other substantial assets, but Jane became the guardian of his creative legacy, emphasizing her pivotal role and his ultimate trust in her stewardship.