The Real Story of Katherine Berkery and Her Son with Tom Jones

Most people know Tom Jones as a music legend with a deep voice and hit songs like Delilah and It’s Not Unusual. But not many people know about Katherine Berkery, the woman who had a brief romance with him—and the child who came from it.

This is not just a celebrity story. It’s about a woman who raised her son alone, and a son who grew up with pain, searching for love and acceptance. In this article, we’ll explore Katherine Berkery’s real story—her early life, her short relationship with Tom Jones, and what happened to her and her son, Jonathan Berkery.

Who Is Katherine Berkery?

Katherine Berkery is not a name you hear every day. But once, she made headlines around the world. She is best known for having a short relationship with Tom Jones back in the late 1980s, which led to the birth of their son, Jonathan.

She is a former model and also worked as a real estate agent later in life. Even though her name was linked to a famous singer, Katherine chose to stay away from the spotlight and live a private life. She lives in the United States today and has never been part of the celebrity world.

Katherine Berkery’s Early Life and Adoption

Katherine was born in Korea in 1963. Her early life wasn’t easy. When she was just eight years old, her parents abandoned her. After that, she was adopted by a wealthy couple from New Jersey, USA.

She grew up in America and lived a comfortable life with her adoptive family. Even though her start in life was hard, being adopted gave her a second chance. She later became a Korean-American citizen, and she always tried to stay strong and independent.

Her Modeling Career in the 1980s

In the 1980s, Katherine started her journey as a model. She walked runways in major fashion cities like Milan, Paris, and New York City. She worked with brands, appeared in fashion shows, and even modeled for magazines.

Besides modeling, she also worked as a shipping clerk at Regine’s nightclub in New York. It was during this time that she lived a fast-paced, exciting life—filled with glamour, fashion, and new people.

But little did she know, one night at a nightclub would change her life forever.

How Katherine Berkery Met Tom Jones

In October 1987, Tom Jones was in New York for a tour. One night before his concert, he walked into a nightclub where Katherine happened to be. At the time, Katherine was 24, and Tom was 47—and already married.

They started talking. He liked her confidence and charm. The next night, he invited her to his concert. After the show, they had dinner together. Things moved fast. They spent the night at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Manhattan. That’s where their 3-day fling began.

It was short, but it would stay with Katherine forever.

The Brief Affair That Changed Her Life

Just a few months later, Katherine found out she was pregnant. She tried to get in touch with Tom Jones to tell him. But she says all she heard back was, “That’s showbiz, darling. Do what you have to do.” That response came from one of Tom’s assistants.

Tom didn’t reply himself. Katherine was left alone to deal with the pregnancy. At that time, she had no idea he was married, and she expected more from him. But instead, she faced silence.

She gave birth to her son, Jonathan, on June 27, 1988. That’s when her fight for justice began.

The Birth of Jonathan Berkery

Jonathan was born in the U.S., and Katherine raised him on her own. She named him Jonathan Berkery, and he took her last name. But Tom Jones continued to deny he was the father.

In 1989, Katherine took the matter to court. A judge ordered a DNA test, and the result proved that Tom Jones was the biological father. After this, Tom was ordered to pay £1,700 per month for Jonathan’s child support until he turned 18.

Even though the truth was confirmed, Tom didn’t reach out. He didn’t visit. He didn’t call. He agreed to the payments but didn’t want a relationship with his son.

Tom Jones, the DNA Test, and the Court Case

The court case brought everything into public view. Fans of Tom Jones were shocked. A music icon had a son he didn’t want to acknowledge. Still, he stood by his words.

Years later, Tom finally admitted that Jonathan was his son, but said something that hurt both Katherine and Jonathan. He said: “It wasn’t something I had planned… I just fell for the seduction.”

This made it seem like Katherine had tricked him, but she always denied that. She said she only wanted him to take responsibility. And after the DNA test, she got the truth—but not the respect.

Katherine Berkery’s Life After the Court Battle

After the court case, Katherine Berkery stepped away from the spotlight. Even though her name had been in newspapers, she chose to live a quiet life and focus on raising her son, Jonathan.

She worked hard to support him, first doing small jobs and later becoming a real estate agent. In 2006, she made a small appearance in a short film called Picture Perfect, where she played a club girl. But she never tried to chase fame. Her main focus was always her son.

Katherine has stayed private for most of her life. She didn’t talk to the media much and didn’t try to get attention. She just wanted to give her son the best life she could.

Who Is Jonathan Berkery?

Jonathan Berkery was born into a complicated situation. His father was famous, but he never knew him. His mother, Katherine Berkery, did her best to raise him alone.

As he grew older, Jonathan started to feel the pain of being rejected. He saw his father on TV, heard his music everywhere, but never heard from him personally. That hurt deeply.

Jonathan also shared that he often felt lost. He wanted to know who he was and where he belonged. He missed having a father figure. This pain followed him into his teen years.

Jonathan’s Music Career and Life as Jon Jones

Even though life was hard, Jonathan discovered something special—his voice. Just like his father, he had a natural talent for music. He began singing under the name Jon Jones.

Jonathan sang in public places, small shows, and even on the streets. People who heard him often said he sounded just like Tom Jones. Some were shocked to learn he was really Tom’s son.

At times, he held signs asking for help while singing on the sidewalk. He wasn’t doing it for fame. He just wanted to survive, share his voice, and maybe—just maybe—get his father’s attention.

Where Are Katherine and Jonathan Today?

As of 2025, Katherine Berkery still lives in the United States. She stays away from the public eye and lives a peaceful life. She is not active in modeling or acting anymore.

Jonathan, now 37 years old, is still trying to build a better life. He says he has stopped using drugs and wants to stay clean. He continues to perform music, hoping one day someone will give him a chance.

He sometimes posts fitness tips and music clips online. Fans support him, and some still hope that Tom Jones will one day listen to his son sing.

Final Thoughts

The story of Katherine Berkery and her son with Tom Jones is both sad and powerful. It shows how a short affair turned into a lifelong struggle for one woman and her child.

Katherine raised Jonathan alone, without support or recognition. Jonathan, in return, spent his life hoping to be seen—not just by fans, but by his own father. He never asked for money or fame. He just wanted to be accepted.

Even today, he still hopes to meet Tom Jones and make peace. As time passes, many wonder—will this father and son ever sit down and talk?

We may not know the answer yet, but one thing is clear: Jonathan Berkery continues to carry his voice, his hope, and his mother’s love with him wherever he goes.