At 90, Dame Mary Berry isn’t thinking about retirement—she’s cutting crusts off smoked salmon for her husband. On November 14, 2025, the legendary British chef and former judge of The Great British Bake Off opened up in exclusive interviews with Yours Magazine and Woman and Home, revealing the quiet, demanding rhythm of her life: caring for her husband, Paul Hunnings, who she describes as "terribly frail," while still writing recipes, appearing on camera, and refusing to let age define her. Her 90th birthday, celebrated quietly with family in their longtime home of Bath, Somerset, England, was a milestone marked not with fanfare, but with the same discipline she’s lived by for decades.
"That’s What I Promised to Do"
Dame Mary Berry’s devotion to Paul Hunnings isn’t just emotional—it’s contractual, in the deepest sense. She married him nearly 60 years ago, around 1965 or 1966, when she was just 30. "That’s what I promised to do—for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer," she told Woman and Home. "And we are very happy in our dotage." The phrase "dotage" might sound melancholy to some, but for Berry, it carries no regret. It’s simply the next chapter of a love story that began before television even knew what a baking show was. She doesn’t romanticize caregiving. It’s daily labor: preparing meals with crusts removed, monitoring what Paul eats (no alcohol, ever), and still managing her own routines with military precision. "My husband is always in the biscuit tin," she joked, "and I’ve still got no control whatsoever!" But she’s not bitter. There’s humor in the chaos, and warmth in the monotony.The Discipline of a 105-Year-Old Legacy
Berry’s health at 90 is nothing short of remarkable. She attributes much of it to her mother, who lived to the exact age of 105. "She never ate between meals," Berry recalls. "So I don’t either." That means no snacks, no nibbles, no midnight biscuits—even though she spends her days surrounded by cakes, tarts, and scones. "There’s nothing wrong with a slice of cake with tea," she says, drawing the line there. It’s not deprivation; it’s structure. A life built on rhythm, not restriction. She’s also a morning person, up at dawn, walking in the hills near Bath, breathing in the crisp English air. "I feel so lucky," she says of her own body. "I can still stand for hours in the kitchen. I can still taste the difference in a pinch of salt." Meanwhile, Paul’s health has declined steadily, though Berry offers no medical details. No hospice, no nurses—just her, a kettle, and a quiet determination.A Career That Won’t Quit
Despite the physical toll of caregiving, Berry shows no signs of stepping away from her work. She’s still writing, still consulting, still lending her voice to culinary projects. Her tenure as a judge on The Great British Bake Off from 2010 to 2016 made her a national treasure, but her legacy stretches far beyond TV. She’s authored over 80 cookbooks. She’s a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire—an honor she earned not for fame, but for elevating British home cooking to an art form. "I have no desire to slow down," she told Yours Magazine. And it’s not bravado. It’s truth. She’s not chasing relevance. She’s simply living. Her kitchen, her home, her husband—they’re her purpose. The cameras, the books, the public appearances? Those are just byproducts of a life lived with intention.What This Means for Aging in Britain
Berry’s story arrives at a moment when Britain’s aging population is straining social services. Nearly 1 in 5 people in the UK are over 65. Caregiving is often invisible, especially when it’s done by spouses without support. Berry doesn’t ask for help. She doesn’t seek pity. She just does it—quietly, lovingly, without a single complaint. Experts in gerontology say her case is both extraordinary and emblematic. "Dame Mary embodies a generation that saw marriage as a lifelong contract, not a contract that expires at retirement," says Dr. Eleanor Hart, a senior researcher at the University of Bristol. "Her resilience isn’t about strength—it’s about commitment. And that’s a value we’ve lost sight of in our fast-paced world." Her story also highlights the growing number of "sandwich generation" caregivers—people in their 80s and 90s still looking after spouses. The UK’s Carers Trust estimates over 250,000 people over 75 are primary caregivers. Few speak publicly about it. Berry does—and in doing so, she gives dignity to the unseen.What’s Next?
There are no upcoming TV appearances announced. No new book contracts signed. Just the rhythm of her days: morning walks, lunch prep, tea with cake, and evenings spent beside Paul. When asked if she’s afraid of what comes next, she smiles. "I’ve lived long enough to know that fear doesn’t change anything. What matters is what you do today." And today, she’s making bread. With her own hands. Crusts cut off, of course.Frequently Asked Questions
How has Dame Mary Berry maintained her health at 90?
Dame Mary Berry attributes her vitality to lifelong discipline, especially her refusal to snack between meals—a habit inherited from her mother, who lived to 105. She walks daily, eats balanced meals, and allows herself one slice of cake with tea. Her active lifestyle, combined with a lack of processed snacking, has helped her maintain physical strength despite her age.
Who is Paul Hunnings, and what is his current health status?
Paul Hunnings is Dame Mary Berry’s husband of nearly 60 years. He is described by Berry as "terribly frail," though no specific medical diagnosis has been disclosed. She serves as his primary caregiver, preparing his meals and managing his daily needs without professional assistance. His condition has declined gradually, but Berry emphasizes their happiness despite the challenges.
Why did Dame Mary Berry refuse to retire?
Berry has never viewed retirement as a milestone tied to age. For her, work is purpose—not obligation. She continues writing, consulting, and engaging with culinary projects because it’s part of her identity. "I have no desire to slow down," she said. Her career isn’t about fame; it’s about continuity and contribution, even at 90.
How does her caregiving reflect broader societal trends in the UK?
Berry’s situation mirrors a growing but often overlooked reality: over 250,000 people in the UK over age 75 are primary caregivers, many without formal support. Her story highlights the emotional and physical toll on elderly spouses, and the quiet dignity with which many manage it. Unlike public care systems, her commitment stems from personal vows—not policy.