Elizabeth Taylor...Engagement Rumors Swirl

Then Now

Elizabeth Taylor is a film legend, the kind that Hollywood doesn't make anymore. But as much as she is loved for her iconic performances in everything from ""Giant" to" Cleopatra" to "National Velvet," Dame Elizabeth may be more well-known for her many marriages. Now, rumors are swirling that Ms. Taylor, 78, is engaged to business manager Jason Winters. While the engagement is yet to be confirmed, a rep for Ms. Taylor did acknowledge that the pair are indeed an item. Us Weekly first broke the story, citing several unnamed sources close to the actor. The source claimed: "Its no secret that they've been together forever and are in love, so it wouldnt be a surprise if they were engaged."

If true, the impending marriage would mark Elizabeth's ninth time down the aisle (but hey, who's counting?). She was first married to hotel magnate Conrad Hilton Jr. for less then a year in the early 1950s. That union was followed by, among others, marriages to Eddie Fisher (father of actress Carrie Fisher), two marriages to actor Richard Burton, and most recently, a five-year marriage to construction worker Larry Fortensky in the 1990s." So, is a black man about to be Elizabeth Taylor's ninth husband?

She recently spent a Hawaiian holiday with millionaire African American businessman Jason Winters, who - at 47 - is 28 years her junior.
"Jason Winters is one of the most wonderful men I've ever known and that's why I love him," she said recently to columnist Liz Smith. "He bought us a beautiful house in Hawaii and we visit it as often as possible."
However, some armchair critics believe Taylor wants the splashy wedding only as a publicity stunt as she attempts to score the role of Norma Desmond in the upcoming remake of "Sunset Blvd." She reportedly faces competition from Meryl Streep, Glenn Close and Barbara Streisand. Colin Farrell has reportedly been cast as the leading man.

Sweetie if you have the desire and energy to marry again, go for it. It gives all us gals hope that when we reach your venerable age we may also be able to have love and romance in our lives; yes, and even some hanky-panky.