John Legend reflects on highs and lows of Chrissy Teigen marriage after 12th anniversary

John Legend offered a rare glimpse into his marriage to Chrissy Teigen, saying they have “grown up together and been through all the highs and lows” as they marked their 12th wedding anniversary. The 46-year-old EGOT winner shared the sentiment while attending the Black Music Action Coalition gala over the weekend.

Speaking to People, Legend described how becoming parents has reshaped their priorities and strengthened their bond. “I think being parents forces you to grow up, and it changes your priorities,” he said, adding that “for all the joy we've experienced together, we've also had tragedy together and challenges together.” He went on to say that “all of that helps cement the bond and the relationship that you have, because you know you can go through all this together with a partner.”

Legend and Teigen, who married on Sept. 14, 2013, at Villa Pizzo in Lake Como, have built a family with four children: Luna Simone, 9, Miles Theodore, 7, Esti Maxine, 2, and Wren Alexander, 2. Their wedding featured Stevie Wonder as musical entertainment, and Legend also sang, while Teigen wore three custom Vera Wang gowns. The couple returned to Lake Como in 2023 to renew their vows. In September, Teigen marked their milestone with a nostalgic post celebrating nearly two decades together.

The couple's journey has been marked by both joy and tragedy. In September 2020, Teigen experienced a life-threatening placental abruption at 20 weeks, resulting in the loss of their son Jack. Legend has spoken in past interviews about how that event—and other hardships—has shaped their relationship and their roles as parents.

Last year, Teigen publicly celebrated Legend in an Instagram tribute, calling him her “favorite person on this whole planet.” The post described their long partnership: “Thank you for loving me and our family so fully,” she wrote, later adding, “thank you for being my partner and best friend. 18 years together. 11 years married. 4 babies. 4 dogs. 2 hairless cats. A bearded dragon. A house full of love and fun.” The couple has long tied milestones to their personal narrative, including Legend’s reflection on the hit song All of Me, which he has said was written about Teigen as they prepared to commit to a lifetime together.