Who is Mary DeVitto?
Rock and roll history is filled with larger-than-life personalities, but some of the most important stories belong to people who prefer to stay out of the spotlight. Mary DeVitto is one of those remarkable individuals whose influence extends far beyond what most people realize.
For more than four decades, Mary has been Stevie Nicks’ closest friend and trusted confidante. Their friendship began in the late 1970s and has weathered every storm that comes with life in the music industry. But Mary’s story goes much deeper than this famous friendship.
She’s also the woman who keeps Fleetwood Mac’s tours running smoothly, the former wife of renowned drummer Liberty DeVitto, and the mother of actress Torrey DeVitto. What makes her story so compelling is how she’s managed to play such crucial roles while maintaining her privacy and dignity.
A Friendship That Started in 1976
When Mary Met Stevie
Back in 1976, Mary Torrey was just a young woman when she crossed paths with Stevie Nicks. This was right before Fleetwood Mac exploded into superstardom, and Stevie was still figuring out how to handle the pressures of fame while staying true to herself.
Their connection happened naturally, built on genuine respect rather than the fake relationships that often dominate the entertainment world. Mary had this rare ability to see past the celebrity image and connect with the real person underneath. That quality became incredibly valuable as Stevie’s career took off with “Rumours” in 1977.
From day one, Mary offered something that’s hard to find in Hollywood: honest friendship and unwavering loyalty. She understood the unique challenges that came with Stevie’s rising fame and provided the kind of support that money can’t buy.
Watching Music History Unfold
As Fleetwood Mac became one of the biggest bands in the world, Mary DeVitto found herself with a front-row seat to music history. Stevie once told Oprah that Mary “only missed a year of Fleetwood Mac,” which really shows how central she’s been to the band’s journey.
Think about what that means. Through all the lineup changes, personal drama, breakups, and makeups that have defined Fleetwood Mac’s wild history, Mary has been there as a constant, steady presence. She’s seen it all from the inside, making her one of the few people who truly gets the full picture of what this legendary band has accomplished.
Her consistency over the decades speaks volumes about both her dedication and the depth of her friendship with Stevie. In an industry where relationships often don’t last, their bond has only grown stronger.
Love Finds a Way on Tour
Meeting Liberty DeVitto
In 1983, Mary’s life took an interesting turn during Stevie Nicks’ Wild Heart Tour. That’s when she met Liberty DeVitto, who was already famous as Billy Joel’s longtime drummer and one of rock’s most respected musicians.
Their meeting was like something out of a movie. Both understood what life on the road was really like, the dedication it takes to support world-class artists, and the sacrifices that come with a career in music. Their romance developed against the backdrop of one of Stevie’s most successful solo tours.
What made their relationship special was how it was grounded in shared values and mutual respect for each other’s work. They weren’t just attracted to each other; they genuinely understood and supported each other’s professional commitments.
Building a Musical Family
When Mary and Liberty got married, they brought together two impressive musical legacies. Liberty’s work with Billy Joel had made him one of the most recognizable drummers in popular music, while Mary’s friendship with Stevie connected her to the Fleetwood Mac legacy.
They had three children together, including daughter Torrey, who would grow up to become a successful actress on shows like “Chicago Med,” “One Tree Hill,” and “Pretty Little Liars.” Torrey was actually named after her mother’s maiden name, which is a sweet way of honoring family history.
Growing up in their household meant being surrounded by music at the highest level. The kids were exposed to incredible artistry from an early age, which definitely shaped how Torrey approaches her own career in entertainment.
The Real Work Happens Behind the Scenes
Making the Magic Happen
While fans see the glamorous side of rock concerts, Mary DeVitto spends her time making sure everything runs perfectly behind the scenes. Her official title on Fleetwood Mac tours is “Teleprompter/Dressing Rooms,” but that barely scratches the surface of what she actually does.
During tours, you’ll see Mary walking around venues with her walkie-talkie and phone, coordinating all sorts of details. She makes sure Stevie has everything she needs, from drinks on stage to perfectly organized dressing rooms. Her attention to detail and ability to anticipate needs has made her absolutely essential to the touring operation.
One story that really shows her dedication happened during Fleetwood Mac’s Sydney shows. Mary personally walked Stevie’s friend Margaret to her seat for every single performance. These kinds of thoughtful gestures demonstrate the personal care she brings to her professional work.
A Front-Row Seat to History
Mary’s position has given her a unique view of some of rock music’s most important moments. She’s witnessed everything from intimate backstage conversations to the incredible energy of sold-out arenas. Few people have seen the full spectrum of what it means to be part of a legendary band’s journey.
Her consistent presence has provided Stevie with something that’s incredibly rare in the music industry: stability and continuity. In a world where people come and go constantly, Mary’s been a source of comfort and reliability for decades.
The trust between them is obvious in how Stevie has made Mary part of not just the business side of touring, but also the personal moments that make up life on the road.
Raising the Next Generation
Passing on Hard-Won Wisdom
As Torrey DeVitto’s mother, Mary has had the chance to share lessons learned from decades in the music industry. Torrey often talks about how her mother’s experiences, along with advice from family friend Stevie Nicks, have shaped her approach to her own entertainment career.
Growing up in their house meant that creativity was valued and hard work was expected. Mary showed her daughter that success in entertainment requires more than just talent—you need professionalism, dedication, and the ability to build real relationships in an industry that can be pretty superficial.
You can see Mary’s influence in how Torrey handles her acting career. She’s talked about learning to be adaptable and comfortable with frequent travel, skills that became incredibly valuable when she started working on different TV shows and movies.
Learning from the Best
Mary’s friendship with Stevie Nicks gave Torrey a unique perspective on what it means to be a successful woman in entertainment. Watching her mother maintain such a strong friendship with a rock icon taught Torrey about loyalty, authenticity, and the importance of surrounding yourself with genuine people.
Torrey has mentioned that both her mother and Stevie give great advice, but what impresses her most is how Stevie “completely embodies their craft.” This reflects the values Mary instilled about being true to your artistic vision while maintaining professional excellence.
The influence spans generations, with Torrey approaching her career much like her mother has—balancing artistic integrity with smart business decisions.
Weathering Life’s Storms
When Things Got Difficult
Around 2003, Mary faced a major personal challenge when her marriage to Liberty DeVitto ended in divorce. The situation was complicated by financial problems Liberty was dealing with, including issues related to his long relationship with Billy Joel.
Despite the upheaval that divorce brings, Mary handled everything with remarkable grace and strength. Instead of letting personal problems affect her work or damage her relationships, she continued meeting her responsibilities with the same dedication she’d always shown.
This period really showed the strength of character that makes Mary such a valued friend and colleague. Her ability to handle personal challenges while maintaining her professional standards speaks to her integrity and commitment.
Keeping What Matters
One of the most impressive things about Mary is how she managed to keep her friendship with Stevie Nicks and her role with Fleetwood Mac despite the changes in her personal life. The divorce from Liberty could have made things awkward in the music industry, but her relationships were built on her own merits.
Her continued presence in Stevie’s life and with Fleetwood Mac shows just how genuine these relationships really are. They’re based on mutual respect, shared experiences, and real affection rather than convenience or circumstances.
Mary’s professionalism during this difficult time reinforced why she’s been such a trusted member of the Fleetwood Mac family for so many years.
The Power of Staying Behind the Curtain
Different Approach to Success
In our social media age where everyone seems to be promoting themselves constantly, Mary DeVitto represents a completely different approach to success and influence. She’s chosen to keep a low public profile while having significant behind-the-scenes impact on one of music’s most important ongoing stories.
Her decision to avoid the spotlight while playing such a crucial role in Fleetwood Mac’s operations shows a wisdom that’s increasingly rare today. Mary understands that real power often comes not from public recognition but from the ability to make things happen and help others achieve their goals.
This approach has allowed her to build genuine, lasting relationships based on trust and respect rather than publicity or personal gain. Her influence goes far beyond what any public profile could show.
A Different Kind of Legacy
Through Torrey’s success in Hollywood, Mary has some connection to contemporary entertainment, but she’s maintained her preference for privacy. This choice reflects her understanding that people find fulfillment in different ways, and that supporting others’ success can be just as rewarding as seeking attention for yourself.
Mary’s story offers a refreshing alternative to the typical entertainment industry success narrative. Instead of chasing fame, she’s found meaning in helping others achieve their artistic visions while staying true to her own values.
The Woman Who Chose Her Own Path
Mary DeVitto’s story is really about the power of authentic relationships, professional dedication, and personal integrity. For over forty years, she’s been essential to one of music’s greatest success stories—not as a performer or public figure, but as a trusted friend, dedicated professional, and wise advisor.
Her friendship with Stevie Nicks proves that genuine relationships can survive in an industry often marked by superficiality and self-interest. Her influence on Torrey shows how values and wisdom can pass from one generation to the next, even across different areas of entertainment.
Most importantly, Mary’s life reminds us that some of the most significant contributions to art and culture come from people who choose to work behind the scenes. They support and enable others to create the music and performances that move and inspire us. In a world that usually only celebrates those in the spotlight, Mary’s story honors the quiet heroes who make the magic possible.
