Saw this posted a few places yesterday and was surprised to read that he never had a red carpet date before.
There were always gay rumors going around about him in the 90s, but no one really cares these days, so it would be weird if he just decided to get a beard out of the blue. But apparently she's been a close friend for like 20 years. I wouldn't be surprised if he was closeted or even completely asexual, but just decided he's at the stage of his life where he just wants steady companionship from someone he likes and trusts.