Tyra Banks is embracing a new chapter in her personal life. The supermodel and television personality has revealed that she is single at 52 and ready to explore dating again after previously stepping away from relationships.
During a candid conversation with radio personality Nessa on HOT 97, Banks opened up about her relationship status, changing priorities and outlook on finding love later in life. The interview also touched on the unexpected renewed popularity of her 2011 novel, Modelland.
Banks admitted that she had reached a point where she was comfortable being on her own. Spending time with her mother and raising her son had become enough for her, and she did not feel particularly interested in pursuing a relationship.
However, her perspective has changed. She explained that being single at 52 does not mean she has closed the door on romance or believes it is too late to start over.
“I think that it’s never too late to start again. It is, I’m a single woman now, right? I’m 52 years old and I’m single,” Banks said during the interview.
She also spoke about rediscovering her interest in dating and feeling comfortable embracing her femininity. For Banks, age is no longer something that should determine whether someone can find love or begin a new relationship.
The model also explained how her expectations of a potential partner have evolved over the years. When she was younger, physical appearance played a much bigger role in determining who attracted her attention.
Now, she is placing greater importance on personality, emotional availability and genuine connection. She still values physical attraction but says a partner does not need to look like a supermodel.
“I still want to be attracted to him, but he doesn’t have to be like a supermodel kind of guy,” she explained.
One quality stood out above the others: being present. Banks emphasized the importance of having someone who genuinely makes time for a relationship and is emotionally available.
Her comments have attracted attention because of her previously reported relationship with Canadian businessman Louis Bélanger-Martin. The two were linked romantically beginning around 2018 and generally kept their relationship away from public attention.
Banks did not identify Bélanger-Martin during the HOT 97 interview or explain when their relationship ended. Her latest comments, however, publicly establish that she currently considers herself single.
Before that relationship, Banks dated Norwegian photographer Erik Asla. The former couple welcomed their son, York Banks Asla, in January 2016 through surrogacy before separating in 2017.
Away from her personal life, Banks has remained active in entertainment and business. She recently returned to fashion television as a recurring judge on Project Runway and has been promoting the revived edition of her novel, Modelland.
Originally published in 2011, the book experienced an unexpected resurgence after gaining attention on social media. Its renewed
