The name Katherine Berkery often resurfaces in headlines, particularly in relation to the iconic Welsh singer Tom Jones. Her story is a mix of glamour, legal battles, and personal struggles, woven into the larger fabric of celebrity culture in the late 20th century. But who is Katherine Berkery? What is her life like today, and is she still alive? This article takes a deep dive into her past, present, family, and the lasting impact of her relationship with Tom Jones.
Who is Katherine Berkery?
Katherine Berkery is a Korean-born woman who later became an American citizen. Born in 1963, she was adopted at the age of eight by a wealthy couple in New Jersey, USA. From early on, she was exposed to privilege and opportunity, which shaped much of her journey in life.
As she grew older, Berkery embraced fashion and modeling. In the 1980s, she began working in New York City and abroad, walking the runways of fashion capitals like Milan and Paris. For a brief period, she lived the lifestyle associated with models—fast-paced, glamorous, and filled with high-profile encounters.
She also worked outside modeling. At one time, she held a position as a shipping clerk at the trendy Regine’s nightclub in New York and later moved into restaurant management. Eventually, she transitioned into real estate, building a more stable career path after her modeling years.
Katherine Berkery and Tom Jones: The Affair That Changed Her Life
The most publicized chapter of Katherine Berkery’s life came in 1987. During Tom Jones’ U.S. tour, the two met at Regine’s nightclub in Manhattan. What followed was a three-day romance that left a permanent mark on both their lives.
Out of this short-lived relationship, Berkery became pregnant. On June 27, 1988, she gave birth to a son, Jonathan Berkery (also known as Jon Jones). This is where controversy erupted. Tom Jones, one of the most recognizable voices of the era, initially denied being Jonathan’s father.
Katherine Berkery, determined to secure support for her son, pursued legal action. DNA testing proved that Tom Jones was indeed Jonathan’s father. The court ordered Jones to provide monthly child support payments until Jonathan turned 18, alongside a settlement to cover other expenses.
Although Tom Jones eventually admitted to fathering Jonathan, he has remained distant. This lack of emotional connection has had a lasting impact on both Katherine and her son, who has spoken openly in interviews about the pain of growing up without his father’s presence.
The Paternity Battle and Its Aftermath
The legal battle between Katherine Berkery and Tom Jones became headline material in the late 1980s. For the public, it was another scandal involving a global star. For Berkery, it was an emotional and personal fight to provide for her child.
The lawsuit not only gave her financial stability to raise Jonathan but also placed her life under an unwanted spotlight. Tom Jones, though required to pay support, has never actively been part of Jonathan’s life.
This dynamic has shaped the public perception of Katherine Berkery, painting her as the woman who forced the legendary singer to acknowledge a secret child. But beyond the tabloids, she was simply a mother trying to raise her son under very difficult circumstances.
Katherine Berkery Today: Where is She Now?
Many wonder, is Katherine Berkery still alive? The answer is yes. As of 2024, Katherine Berkery is alive and living a quiet, private life. Now in her early sixties, she has chosen to stay out of the spotlight, focusing on her career in real estate and her personal peace.
Unlike many who remain tied to fame through their past associations, Berkery has avoided social media and public appearances. Her decision to step away from celebrity culture suggests a desire to protect her privacy after the media frenzy of her earlier years.
Katherine Berkery’s Age and Birthday
Born in 1963, Katherine Berkery is currently 61 years old (as of 2024). While her exact birthday has not been widely publicized, her year of birth places her among the baby boomer generation, a group that witnessed dramatic cultural shifts in the 1960s and 1970s.
Her age also reflects how much time has passed since the scandal that once defined her name. More than three decades later, Katherine has grown into a woman whose story now stretches beyond her ties to Tom Jones.
Katherine Berkery’s Family
Family is at the heart of Katherine Berkery’s story. Adopted by an affluent New Jersey couple at a young age, she grew up in privilege but also with the complexities of being an adoptee.
Her most well-known family connection is her son, Jonathan Berkery. Despite being the child of one of the world’s most famous singers, Jonathan’s life has been far from easy. Without his father’s presence, Jonathan faced emotional struggles and financial instability as an adult.
In interviews, Jonathan has expressed pain over his father’s rejection. At times, he has lived in shelters and worked low-paying jobs while pursuing a music career. Though talented in his own right, he has not been able to step out of his father’s shadow.
For Katherine, watching her son endure these challenges has undoubtedly been difficult. While she secured financial support during Jonathan’s childhood, she could not provide him with the paternal connection he craved.
Katherine Berkery’s Career: From Runways to Real Estate
After her brief career in modeling, Katherine Berkery shifted her focus to more stable work. By the 1990s and 2000s, she had left the fashion industry and was working as a real estate agent.
This move symbolized a new chapter for her—one away from fleeting glamour and towards long-term stability. She also made a brief appearance in the short film Picture Perfect (2006), playing a minor role as a “club lady,” a subtle nod to her earlier years in New York nightlife.
Today, she continues to maintain her low-profile professional life in real estate. Her journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and a determination to build a life beyond scandal.
Katherine Berkery’s Net Worth
A common question that arises is: What is Katherine Berkery’s net worth?
While she has lived a private life, estimates suggest her net worth is around $500,000. Some sources place it higher, at around $1 million. This figure comes primarily from her work in real estate, earlier modeling income, and the financial settlement and child support she received during Jonathan’s upbringing.
Though not an extravagant fortune, it reflects her ability to maintain financial independence after stepping away from the limelight.
Legacy and Public Image
Katherine Berkery’s name is most often tied to her affair with Tom Jones, but her story deserves recognition beyond that. She was a young woman navigating the world of modeling and nightlife in the 1980s, caught in the whirlwind of a celebrity romance that altered her life forever.
Her resilience in raising Jonathan, fighting a public paternity battle, and later retreating into a quieter life shows a strength often overlooked by tabloid narratives. She is not simply “the woman who had Tom Jones’ child,” but an individual who built her own path amid difficult circumstances.
Katherine Berkery Today: Final Thoughts
So, who is Katherine Berkery today? She is a 61-year-old Korean-American woman living privately, working in real estate, and staying out of the public eye. She is alive, well, and has chosen peace over publicity.
Her story remains significant for what it reveals about fame, power, and the consequences of celebrity encounters. More than three decades after her brief romance with Tom Jones, Katherine Berkery continues to live quietly, reminding us that behind every tabloid headline lies a human story of resilience and survival.
Closing Note
This article was prepared for readers by Infory, your trusted source for in-depth stories about personalities, history, and culture.