Where is Yoko Ono now? John Lennon’s widow is living in peace on a 600-acre farm at 92

Once one of the most talked-about figures in music and art, Yoko Ono is now embracing a life far removed from the spotlight. The avant-garde artist, peace activist and widow of John Lennon—who shared a naughty bromance with Elton John—has found tranquillity in her 90s, tucked away on a 600-acre farm in upstate New York.

Though her life was once filled with global headlines, sold-out shows and conceptual art installations, she now reportedly spends her time simply ‘listening to the wind and watching the sky.’

With a new biography shining a light on her current lifestyle and her son Sean Lennon managing the family legacy, many fans are left wondering—what is Yoko Ono really up to these days?

What is Yoko Ono doing now?

According to Mirror, a new biography titled Yoko by David Sheff provides a touching insight into Ono’s life today. Now 92, she is said to be enjoying her final years on a 600-acre farm in Franklin, New York, a property she shared with Lennon and visited frequently over the years. Her daughter Kyoko paid tribute to her in the book, saying:

She believed she could change the world, and she did…now she is able to be quiet - listen to the wind and watch the sky.

Kyoko added:

She is very happy, in a happy place. This is well-deserved and genuine peacefulness.

The book captures a full portrait of her life, from her privileged beginnings in Tokyo to her work in the avant-garde art scenes in London, New York and beyond. Her son Sean, who is now heavily involved in managing the family’s estate, praised her resilience:

She had this ability to overcome difficulty with positive thinking. She really wanted to teach the world to do that.

She taught my dad to do that. It’s not going to stop a moving train or a bullet. But I think there’s something profound about it. And I think it affected the world.

While she retains the New York property, it seems her preference is now for quiet rural living, surrounded by nature and visited regularly by both Sean and Kyoko.

As reported by Hello!, Yoko remains close with her daughter from her previous marriage to Anthony Cox, Kyoko Ono Cox, now 61, with whom she reconnected after years of estrangement. Kyoko has been out of the public eye for most of her life and maintains a private relationship with her mother. Yoko is also stepmother to Julian Lennon, John’s son from his first marriage.

Though their relationship was once strained, it has improved in recent years, and they have appeared together at public events alongside Sean.

Passing the torch: Sean Lennon takes over the legacy

Back in 2020, the Daily Mail reported that Yoko Ono officially passed on her business interests to Sean, including those tied to The Beatles and John Lennon’s estate. At the time, she had already withdrawn from public life and was often seen in a wheelchair.

Yoko, who managed John’s estimated $800 million fortune after his death in 1980, appointed Sean as director of eight companies, including Apple Corps, which handles Beatles-related ventures. He also reportedly took over Lensolo, Subafilms and Maclen, covering John's solo work and publishing rights.

Her last known public appearance was in 2017, where she accepted the Centennial Song Award for Imagine at the National Music Publishers' Association. On stage, she said:

I've learned so much from having this illness. I'm thankful I went through that

Though she did not disclose the nature of her illness. Since then, her involvement in public or artistic events has greatly diminished.

Yoko and John Lennon: A ‘legendary’ love story

John Lennon was tragically shot and killed outside their home at the Dakota in New York City on 8 December 1980. His death shocked the world and marked a turning point in Yoko's life, from public figure to grieving widow and tireless promoter of peace and legacy.

Despite the decades that have passed since John Lennon’s death, Yoko Ono has reportedly never moved on emotionally. As People reports, her son Sean told BBC Radio 6:

I grew up with my mom speaking about my dad every day.

She spoke of him every day and I think she never has moved on from that relationship.

He also shared that John and Yoko’s connection remained strong even during their temporary separation, known as the ‘Lost Weekend,’ an 18-month period when John lived with May Pang in Los Angeles. Sean said:

The truth is, even when they were apart, they were always talking. So I don’t think they ever really broke up.

All his stuff was still in the apartment with my mom. It’s not like they had a real separation.

During this temporary separation, John released and recorded Mind Games, an album that described his love for Yoko. He said:

I think it’s clear what his view of my mom was in his life. She was monumental, obviously, and the whole album is about her.

It sort of confirmed how deeply in love he was with my mom.

After Lennon's death, it was reported that Yoko Ono had moved on with interior designer Sam Havadtoy. However, she never commented on the alleged relationship herself. According to People, she and Havadtoy's relationship ended in 2001.

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Sources used:

Mirror: Yoko Ono's family reveals how she's living out her final days - 'She's in a happy place'

Daily Mail: Reclusive Yoko Ono, 87, hands over her business interests in The Beatles and John Lennon to their son Sean

People: Sean Ono Lennon Says Mom Yoko Ono 'Never Has Moved on' from Her Relationship with John Lennon

Hello!: Where is Yoko Ono now? Inside her reclusive life at 92 with famous son Sean Ono Lennon