Kate McKinnon is a name synonymous with laughter, incredible character work, and sharp wit. As a standout performer on NBC's Saturday Night Live for years, she brought to life iconic impressions and original characters that cemented her status as one of the most beloved comedians of her generation. Her talent is undeniable, her presence captivating, and her ability to make audiences roar with laughter is legendary.
However, despite her very public career and undeniable charisma on stage, Kate McKinnon is also known for being incredibly private when it comes to her personal life. In an era where celebrity relationships often become public spectacles, McKinnon has managed to maintain a remarkably low profile, offering only tiny glimpses into her romantic world. This discretion has only fueled curiosity among her dedicated fanbase, who are eager to learn more about the woman who shares her life. So, who is Kate McKinnon's partner, and what do we know about their relationship?
Meet Jackie Abbott: Kate McKinnon's Partner
The answer to that question is Jackie Abbott. For those who follow McKinnon's personal life, even from a distance, Jackie Abbott's name is the one most consistently linked to the comedian. Their relationship, while largely kept out of the public eye, has been a quiet constant in McKinnon's life for several years.
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Jackie Abbott: More Than Just a Partner
Jackie Abbott is not just "Kate McKinnon's partner"; she is a talented individual in her own right. An American actress, artist, and writer, Abbott has a diverse creative background that extends beyond her high-profile relationship. She is known for her work in various artistic mediums, including:
- Acting: Jackie has appeared in short films, showcasing her skills as an actress. Some of her notable works include roles in films such as Thirst and New Amsterdam.
- Photography: Abbott is also recognized for her photography skills, indicating a keen artistic eye and a passion for visual storytelling.
- Writing: Her creative endeavors also extend to writing, further solidifying her identity as a multifaceted artist.
This rich artistic background suggests a shared creative sensibility between McKinnon and Abbott, likely forming a strong foundation for their relationship.
The Timeline of Their Relationship
The journey of Kate McKinnon and Jackie Abbott's relationship has been characterized by quiet beginnings and a very intentional decision to keep things private. While details are scarce, the available information paints a picture of a steadily growing connection.
A Quiet Beginning: 2016
It is widely believed that McKinnon and Abbott began dating in 2016. The two were first spotted together in April of that year, sparking initial speculation among those who noticed. However, these early sightings were infrequent and did not immediately lead to widespread public confirmation of their relationship. McKinnon, being the "extraordinarily introverted" star that she is, naturally kept these early stages under wraps.
Going Public: The 2017 Emmys
The most significant public appearance of Kate McKinnon and Jackie Abbott occurred at the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2017. This was a monumental night for McKinnon, who picked up her second consecutive Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on Saturday Night Live. Amidst the celebrations, the couple made their relationship public. While they didn't make a grand announcement, their presence together at such a high-profile event, sharing in Kate's triumph, was seen as a clear confirmation of their romantic involvement.
Since that memorable night, public sightings of the couple have remained incredibly rare. In fact, they have been spotted at a total of only one awards show together, underscoring their shared commitment to maintaining a low-profile relationship.
A Glimpse into Their Private World
One of the most defining characteristics of Kate McKinnon and Jackie Abbott's relationship is their unwavering dedication to privacy. In an age of constant social media updates and celebrity oversharing, their approach is refreshing and, for many fans, deeply respectable.
The Value of Privacy in the Spotlight
Kate McKinnon has been open about her discomfort with sharing personal details. She has even stated that she finds it awkward to share personal aspects of her life. This sentiment aligns perfectly with her notoriously private nature. For McKinnon, who spends her professional life in the glaring spotlight, maintaining a sanctuary of privacy in her personal life seems to be a crucial element of her well-being. This extends directly to her relationship with Jackie Abbott, where "plenty of boundaries related to her love life" are clearly in place.
Rare Public Appearances
As mentioned, their appearance at the 2017 Emmys stands out precisely because it is an anomaly. The alleged couple has scarcely ever been seen together in public since. This deliberate choice to keep their relationship out of the public eye speaks volumes about their desire for a normal, private life away from the constant scrutiny that often accompanies celebrity romances. They are not one for red carpet theatrics or public displays of affection for the cameras, choosing instead to nurture their bond away from the prying eyes of the media.
Kate McKinnon's Journey and Sexuality
Beyond her comedic genius, Kate McKinnon is also a significant figure in the LGBTQ+ community. Her openness about her sexual orientation has resonated deeply with fans and has made her an inspiring role model for many.
An LGBTQ+ Icon
Kate McKinnon is openly lesbian, a fact she has embraced with grace and humor. One particularly poignant moment that highlighted her journey and identity was when she presented Ellen DeGeneres with the Carol Burnett Award. In her heartfelt speech, McKinnon spoke about how Ellen's visibility as an openly gay woman impacted her own understanding and acceptance of her sexual orientation. This moment cemented McKinnon's status not just as a comedian, but as an important voice and icon within the LGBTQ+ community.
Past Relationships
While Jackie Abbott is Kate McKinnon's current and long-term partner, it's worth noting that McKinnon has dated a number of different women throughout her relationship history. Details about these past relationships are, predictably, also very private. There have been mentions of "several other women before she came along," and a brief revelation in a 2019 Vanity Fair profile by controversial columnist Bari Weiss, who revealed that she dated McKinnon at one point. However, the focus of McKinnon's current romantic life firmly remains on her happy and private relationship with Jackie Abbott.
Why Their Relationship Resonates with Fans
Despite the lack of public information, or perhaps precisely because of it, the relationship between Kate McKinnon and Jackie Abbott resonates deeply with fans. In a world where celebrities often feel compelled to share every aspect of their lives, their commitment to privacy feels authentic and grounded. It suggests a relationship built on genuine connection and mutual respect, rather than public validation.
Fans appreciate that McKinnon sets clear boundaries, protecting her personal happiness from the often-intrusive nature of fame. This approach allows her to maintain a sense of normalcy and focus on her craft, while also inspiring others to value their own privacy in an increasingly public world. Their relationship, though rarely seen, is understood to be strong and enduring, a quiet testament to love thriving away from the spotlight.
In summary, Kate McKinnon, the beloved comedian and actress, is in a long-term, happy relationship with actress, artist, and photographer Jackie Abbott. Their relationship, which quietly began around 2016 and became publicly known at the 2017 Emmys, is characterized by a strong commitment to privacy. McKinnon, an openly lesbian icon, and Abbott have chosen to keep their bond away from the public eye, valuing their personal space above all else. This discretion, far from diminishing interest, has only amplified the respect fans have for their authentic and enduring connection, proving that true love can indeed flourish beautifully and privately, even in the glare of Hollywood's spotlight.
