Jon Eicholtz Is Barbara Eden's Third Husband Who Was a Widower

Jon Eicholtz, Barbara Eden's husband, and the "I Dream of Jeannie" actress have celebrated three decades of marriage following the end of their previous relationships. However, the famous actress revealed it was not love at first sight for her following their first date.

After her second marriage, Eden spent a few years enjoying life as a newly single woman before she found love again with Eicholtz, an experienced architect. However, Eden revealed that she was unsure whether she would see Eicholtz again after their first date.

Their paths did cross again, and the couple has been happily married for over thirty years. However, the lovebirds have both known hardship—Eden witnessed her son's death, and Eicholtz faced the passing of his second wife.

Jon Had a Similar Life Path as His Famous Wife

Unlike his wife, Eicholtz does not have a background in show business. He paved a successful career as an architect and real estate developer after obtaining a five-year Architectural Engineering degree from Kansas University.

Before meeting Eicholtz, Eden was married to her first husband, fellow actor Michael Ansara, for sixteen years. During their relationship, they welcomed a son, Matthew, who passed away at 35 in 2001. Eden shared:

"We had a child at last, and we loved him more than words could say. Our joy was boundless, and our hopes that he would live a healthy and happy life were unlimited. Matthew meant everything to both of us and always would."

Eden's son was her only child, and during his past relationships, Eicholtz also welcomed a boy. In 1997, Eden married Charles Fegert before they went their separate ways after five years. The actress was single for multiple years before she met Eicholtz, who had lost his second wife to cancer.

After they began seeing each other, Eden was at a doctor's appointment when she learned the medical professional had been the one who referred Eicholtz's late wife to a specialist after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

After Eden revealed to her doctor that she was seeing Eicholtz, he informed her about how Eicholtz had taken care of his late wife before her passing. Eden's doctor said:

"Be good to him. I've seen a lot of husbands when their wives were ill and dying, and most of them usually run for the hills because they can't stand it. But Jon was there with her for every minute. He'd wash her hair, bring her meals, and was so good to her."

Eden and Eicholtz now reside in their Los Angeles home in Beverly Hills with their Labradoodle, Bentley. In her home office, Eden keeps an eclectic collection of genie bottles sent to her as gifts from fans of her show co-starring Larry Hagman.

However, usually kept in a bank, Eden also had the original purple and gold genie bottle from her hit 1960s sitcom displayed in her home. Eden had her home office further decorated with books and awards, including her first Hollywood beauty award.

It Wasn't Love at First Sight for Jon's Wife

When Eden and Eicholtz's first date rolled around, the actress admitted feeling "frivolous" around him and unsure whether he would like her. "...I quickly realized that Jon is so straightforward, so solid...," she said.

Prepared to give the date her best shot, Eden and Eicholtz spent the evening talking about his career, which she found interesting. When the date ended, Eicholtz dropped his future wife home; however, he did not attempt to kiss her goodnight.

"...So I guess that I would never hear from him again. But I was wrong," Eden shared. After calling her back, Eicholtz and Eden went on their second and third date.

However, it was not love at first sight for the actress, who revealed that it usually took several dates with a man before her "heart begins to melt." And after multiple candlelight dinners, kisses under the stars, and heart-to-heart conversations, Eden realized she was falling in love with Eicholtz. She said:

"...The moment when I knew I'd fallen in love with him now and forever was far less conventional."

Jon Had to Go through Some Procedures with His Future Wife before Their Wedding

Before their 1991 wedding ceremony, Eicholtz and his bride-to-be had to cross a few hurdles before saying, "I do." As they had both been married twice before, they had to go to their respective churches and receive letters of recommendation from their ministers.

Not belonging to any churches nearby, Eden found an "avant-garde" minister in Beverly Hills. And after the awkward and much-dreaded mention of their sex life, Eden and Eicholtz received their letter of recommendation.

Despite the last-minute planning, they walked down the aisle hand in hand in a church filled with those close to them. Although the special day had a bittersweet feel as Eden's son was not present, the actress said:

"I'm really lucky. I have dear friends. I have a wonderful family, a very supportive husband, a dog who is adorable but a brat! Yes, I'm very happy. I think life, everything, has to work itself out. There's a reason for most things, and I can't wish for it."

Jon and Barbara Have Been Together for Decades - Here Are Their Secrets to a Long-Lasting Marriage

After celebrating over three decades together, Eden and Eicholtz revealed that one of the keys to their successful marriage is liking each other "a lot." Although she isn't a sports fan, Eden admitted to watching golf and baseball with Eicholtz because she adores him.

Eicholtz also supports his wife's career and "doesn't mind" her busy work schedule."You should walk in the other person's shoes if you're having a little problem. Try to see their side of it. It's not easy! But try," Barbara Eden advised.