John Legend Reflects on 'Highs and Lows' of Chrissy Teigen Marriage Ahead of 12th Anniversary

John Legend offered a rare glimpse into the ups and downs of his marriage to Chrissy Teigen, speaking weeks after the couple celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary. At the Black Music Action Coalition Gala, the 46-year-old EGOT winner told People that they have “grown up together and been through all the highs and lows together.” He said parenting has forced them to mature and reassess priorities, and that they have faced tragedy as well as joy together. "I think being parents forces you to grow up, and it changes your priorities," he said. "But also, [for] all the joy we've experienced together, we've also had tragedy together and challenges together." Legend added that the experiences have helped cement the bond and the partnership, noting that they can navigate life as a team through good times and bad.

The couple’s history includes four children — Luna Simone, nine; Miles Theodore, seven; Esti Maxine, two; and Wren Alexander, two — and a shared experience of loss. Teigen and Legend’s family life has been shaped by a 2020 pregnancy tragedy, when Teigen experienced a life-threatening partial placental abruption at 20 weeks, resulting in the loss of their son Jack. The couple has since spoken about processing grief while continuing to build a family together.

Legend and Teigen were married on September 14, 2013, in a Lake Como ceremony at Villa Pizzo, revered as one of Northern Italy’s most exclusive wedding destinations. Stevie Wonder provided the musical entertainment, and Legend also sang. Teigen wore three custom Vera Wang gowns. The couple renewed their vows in 2023 during another Lake Como visit, underscoring a long-running commitment that has endured the pressures of celebrity life.

Their meeting and early connection have also been a part of the couple’s public story. Teigen has recalled locking eyes with Legend in 2006 after they collaborated on a music video, saying they were together for about 12 hours during filming. In a 2020 Spotify interview, Legend said his chart-topping ballad “All of Me” was written for his wife as they were about to commit to a lifetime together, describing the song as a personal expression that resonated with fans around the world.

The public arc of their relationship has continued to unfold in affectionate moments and candid remarks. Last year, Teigen posted a tribute that highlighted the couple’s long history together: she described Legend as her “favorite person on this whole planet” as they marked 18 years together and 11 years of marriage, adding a playful list that included four babies, four dogs, two hairless cats, a bearded dragon and a house full of love and fun. The sentiments underscored a partnership that has remained a touchstone of stability amid a high-profile life and public scrutiny.

As they approach their 12th anniversary, Legend’s remarks at the gala reflect a broader narrative about marriage in the public eye: a partnership built on shared parenting responsibilities, mutual support through hardship, and a willingness to grow together through the highs and lows of life in the spotlight.