Beyoncé and Jay-Z are celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary on 4 April, and the powerhouse couple are nothing if not honest when it comes to talking about the highs and lows of their relationship.
Given that they met in 2000 when Beyoncé was 18, and 12 years Jay-Z's junior, the odds of their relationship lasting so long were stacked against them They might be two of the most successful recording artists of all time, but they've faced multiple challenges, from Jay-Z's infidelity to family fallouts and their struggle to have children.
Despite the ups and downs, Beyoncé and her husband seem stronger than ever. When they first met, it's perhaps understandable that Jay-Z - whose real name is Shawn Carter - was more sure of his feelings than Bey, who has admitted to taking more time to commit.
In an interview in 2009, she said, "I was 18 when we first met, 19 when we first started dating. I really don't believe that you will love the same thing when you're 20 as you do at 30. So that was my rule - before the age of 25, I would never get married."
The singer - who in February made history when she became the biggest-ever Grammy winner after clocking up 32 awards - added, "We were friends first. Before we went on any dates, we were on the phone for a year and a half. That foundation is so important in a relationship.
The couple fell in love though, and it wasn't long before they were collaborating musically. Their first joint project was the rapper's 2002 track 03 Bonnie & Clyde, which was closely followed by her monster hit Crazy In Love. As the title would suggest, the track was inspired by the fact that Beyoncé, now 41, was besotted with Jay-Z and personal disclosure through their music would become a theme for both artists throughout their relationship.
This story is from the April 03, 2023 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 03, 2023 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THRIFT SHOP THRILLS
SECOND HAND STYLE GURU JEN GRAHAM SPEAKS TO OK! ABOUT BREAKING THE STIGMA ATTACHED TO CHARITY SHOPS AND WHY EVERYONE SHOULD CONSIDER SHOPPING PRE-LOVED
ALL AMERICA A HUNGER TO SUCCEED
Actress and activist America Ferrera, who turns 40 this week, overcame childhood poverty to become a global star
Animals can understand you on a very deep level'
TV vet Dr Scott Miller on how his family isn't complete without pets, his latest animal rescue project and his delight at introducing the new This Morning autism therapy dog
Prince William's face lit up when I walked into the room'
Lioness Beth Mead talks finding footballing fame even among royalty and supporting a campaign to encourage young players into the game
BEYONCE GOES 'BACK TO HER ROOTS'
With her new album Cowboy Carter causing a storm in the world of country music, Beyoncé proves once again that she’s a force to be reckoned with
'BRUNO IS LIKE A PUPPY WHO NEEDS TO BE TOLD TO BEHAVE!'
As the new series of Britain's Got Talent hits our screens, the judges give us all the gossip and reveal the rules have gone out of the window
I'd like more children in the future, but not anytime soon'
Coronation Street actress Lucy Fallon talks about her new ITVBe reality show, why she’s keen to tie the knot with her boyfriend Ryan Ledson and the prospect of adding to their young family
TAKE THAT MAKE A SPLASH IN MIAMI
Robbie, Howard, Jason, Mark and Gary frolic in the ocean in never-before-seen photos taken more than 30 years ago
EDWARD AND SOPHIE STEP UP FOR THE KING
As King Charles calls on the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh to take on a more prominent role, they display their dedication and devotion to duty
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PRINCE LOUIS!
As the Prince and Princess of Wales’ youngest son turns six, his big day will bring light relief in a difficult year for his parents