Wikipedia Bio / Profile Background
Introduction : Who is Erica Packer ?
Erica Packer (maiden name Erica Baxter) is an Australian singer, model and socialite known throughout society circles specifically for her high-profile former marriage to James Packer (the 8th richest man in Australia).
Personal Life : Parents, Family and Education
- Erica was born with the full name Erica Georgia Baxter on 10th November 1977, in the rural town of Gunnedah in New South Wales, Australia.
- Education : She attended the Abbotsleigh Private Girls School, located in Wahroonga, NSW.
- Around 1995, she was in a serious relationship with actor Jason Donovan.
- In 2000, she began dating producer Nellee Hooper.
- Known for various modelling gigs throughout her life, Erica began to move towards the music industry in the early 2000s.
- The first single off her debut album was titled ‘I Spy’ and was co-written with famous UK songstress Natasha Bedingfield. It peaked on the Australian Charts at #57.
Husband, Marriage & Kids :
- Erica began what became an on/off relationship with James Packer in 2003.
- The couple later tied the knot on 20th June 2007 in the French Riviera. The star-studded event was estimated to have cost $15 million and was attended by James Packer’s good friend Tom Cruise.
- This was a first marriage for Erica, but a second marriage for James.
- Together, Erica and Packer have three children: – Indigo Packer, born 7th July 2008; Jackson Packer, born on 2nd February 2010; Emanuelle Packer, born on 22nd September 2012
- In late September of 2013, the couple announced their separation after six years of marriage. The divorce followed shortly after.
Divorce & Alimony Payout :
- Once their divorce was finalised, Erica vowed to focus on her children, of which she gained primary custody.
- She received a generous $100 million payout from the divorce despite asking for significantly less, and access to financial advisors in return for James keeping their $50 million housing compound in Vaucluse, Sydney and his Bondi Beach Bachelor Pad.
- The payout made headlines as James Packer’s previous wife had only received $10 million from her divorce.
- The ex-couple have vowed to stay on good terms for the sake of their children.
Life after Divorce with James :
- Erica posed with her children in the December 2015 edition of Vogue Australia to mark a new chapter in her life and was praised by the Australian community for the strength and dignity with which she handled her divorce.
- Shortly after the divorce, her ex-husband began to date and then proposed to singer Mariah Carey. The relationship lasted 18 months before they went their separate ways.
- Erica made the decision to move on from her marriage and started dating her good friend, singer Seal. At the time, Seal was working in Australia on the reality show The Voice.
- Sadly, the couple split in late 2016 due to busy work schedules. It’s been reported that they remain good friends.