Kate McKinnon's partner is actress, writer, and photographer Jackie Abbott. While the former Saturday Night Live star keeps her personal life fiercely guarded, her relationship with Abbott has drawn public interest since they were first spotted together in 2016. Unlike many public figures who broadcast their everyday routines on social media, McKinnon made a conscious choice in her mid-twenties to step back from sharing personal details, leaving fans to piece together milestones through rare red-carpet appearances and industry friends.
The couple's relationship first stepped into the public eye during the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2017. When McKinnon won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on Saturday Night Live, cameras captured her embracing Abbott in the audience. Later that evening, television personality Michelle Visage shared a celebratory photo on social media, cementing public awareness of the partnership by referring to Abbott as McKinnon's girlfriend.
Who Is Jackie Abbott?
Jackie Abbott is a multi-talented creative professional based in New York City. Born on March 4, 1992, in Stamford, Connecticut, she pursued formal training in the arts early on. She attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama in 2014. To further hone her craft, she also studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in Manhattan.
Abbott works across multiple artistic mediums, including acting, writing, and professional photography. Her acting credits feature various independent short films, such as Murder, My Tweet, New Amsterdam, and Thirst. Beyond traditional film and stage work, she maintains a dedicated photography portfolio and shares a passion for creative movement, having studied physical performance techniques like clowning alongside martial arts disciplines such as Capoeira and Eskrima.
Timeline of Their Relationship
The timeline of McKinnon and Abbott's relationship is marked by quiet stability rather than high-profile media blitzes.
- April 2016: The pair made one of their earliest documented appearances together backstage at a New York City production of the Broadway musical Fun Home.
- September 2017: They attended the Primetime Emmy Awards together, where McKinnon's win and subsequent embrace with Abbott brought their relationship into the broader cultural conversation.
- 2018 to Present: The couple has maintained a low profile, continuing to reside primarily in New York while focusing on their respective creative careers without seeking tabloid attention.
Why They Choose Privacy
McKinnon's approach to romance stems from a deliberate boundary set early in her career. In past interviews, she noted that she felt uncomfortable sharing intimate details of her personal life after experiencing early media exposure. By keeping her relationship out of the headlines, she protects both her own peace and Abbott's privacy. Abbott similarly keeps her personal channels focused strictly on professional photography and artistic projects, avoiding the celebrity gossip cycle entirely.
This mutual preference for discretion means official updates are rare. Fans often look for small overlapping details—such as shared affectionate mentions of tuxedo cats—as quiet indicators of their life together. Despite the lack of constant red-carpet appearances, reliable industry reports confirm that the pair remain together and supportive of each other's artistic endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Kate McKinnon and Jackie Abbott married?
No public records or official statements indicate that McKinnon and Abbott are married. They maintain a long-term dating relationship while keeping details of their domestic life private.
What does Jackie Abbott do for a living?
Abbott is an actress, writer, and professional photographer. She graduated from NYU Tisch and has appeared in several independent short films while managing commercial and artistic photography projects.
How long have Kate McKinnon and Jackie Abbott been together?
The couple has been linked publicly since early 2016, marking over eight years of a committed partnership.
Does Jackie Abbott have social media?
Abbott maintains professional photography accounts and a portfolio website, but she avoids using social media to broadcast her personal or romantic life.
