Rod Stewart Turns 78: He Thanks Wife Who Made Him Family Man, Bonds with 8 Kids & Dotes on Granddaughter

• The 78-year-old Rod Stewart praises his wife of 15 years, who made him a family man.

• Rod's eight kids are the most important thing to him. They all united after their dad's diagnosis.

• Rod got emotional when his only granddaughter was born and is now a doting grandpa.

Sir Rod Stewart, the iconic British singer-songwriter, is celebrating his 78th birthday with his beloved wife of 15 years! The musician attributes many of the positive changes in his life to the love and support of his wife, Penny Lancaster. Rod is living proof that old dogs can indeed be taught new tricks.

Before the "Forever Young" singer met Penny, he went through a series of failed relationships and two divorces. Eventually, though, he met the love of his life, and she managed to help him settle down. And the musician would be the first to admit that he had a colorful past, but he's grateful that he found a healthy and secure relationship.

The singer commented on his relationship with Penny, saying he is "lost for words" when it comes to his wife, and she is his "everything." He admitted that he never thought she'd stick it out with him for so long, but he's glad she did. What's more, Penny managed to turn the musician into a loving family man.

Despite his stony façade, Rob worried about the future the second he heard his diagnosis.

These days, Rob loves nothing more than his family, and he enjoys spending time with his eight kids. Although many of the children are from different mothers, Rob mentioned that he cherishes them all and he's doing his best to be a great dad.

How Did the Kids Unite after Rod's Diagnosis?

In 2017, Rob and his family went through a challenging time. To the dismay of his wife and kids, the musician was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The singer commented that it was a massive shock to them all, and he didn't know what to make of the situation. The musician tried to remain strong and not show his fears.

Besides being a loving father, Rob does everything in his power to be a great granddad as well.

Despite his stony façade, Rob worried about the future the second he heard his diagnosis. He thought he might not see his kids grow up, and they were concerned about him as well, since they all offered their support and tried to show them they love him. Luckily, he was pronounced cancer-free two years later.

Emotional Welcoming of Only Granddaughter

Rob's big family keeps getting bigger as his children enter adulthood and have children of their own. The actor lived to see the birth of his first and, so far, only grandchild, Delilah Genoveva Stewart Del Toro. The little girl's mother is Rob's daughter, Kimberly Stewart, while her father is the actor Benicio Del Toro. Rob commented on his granddaughter:

"It is wonderful. I do not get to see her enough and she is a bit shy of me. She thinks that I am some sort of a lion with this hair. But she is gorgeous."

Besides being a loving father, Rob does everything in his power to be a great granddad as well. The day little Delilah was born was one of the happiest the musician had experienced thus far. In fact, the entire extended family made a point of showing their support when the baby came.

Kimberly's mom, Alana Collins, showed up for her daughter, and even rob's second wife went to show her support. The day was twice as memorable for Kimberly, who had her 32 birthday while delivering her first child.

Rob proceeded to take care of anything he could. He went home after Delilah was safely delivered but showed up at the hospital the very next day. He brought his brood with him, including Kimberly's biological brother, Sean. The famous grandfather instantly fell in love with Delilah and said about his offspring:

"I love all my kids. They are the most important thing in my life. I cannot get enough of them."

Rob has been seen out on the town with Kimberly and Delilah. Although he doesn't see his grandchild often, he loves caring for her when she does visit. When he gets the chance, he takes Delilah and her mother out to breakfast, and he's been seen pushing Delilah around with a satisfied grin.