John Legend reflects on highs and lows of Chrissy Teigen marriage as they mark 12 years

John Legend, 46, offered a rare personal reflection on his marriage to Chrissy Teigen just weeks after the couple marked their 12th wedding anniversary. Speaking at the Black Music Action Coalition Gala, the EGOT winner told People that he and Teigen have “grown up together and been through all the highs and lows together.”

“I think being parents forces you to grow up, and it changes your priorities,” Legend said. “But also, [for] all the joy we've experienced together, we've also had tragedy together and challenges together.” He added that the experiences have helped cement the bond and the relationship, noting that you can weather tough times with a partner when you’ve faced them side by side.

The couple are parents to four children: Luna Simone, nine; Miles Theodore, seven; Esti Maxine, two; and Wren Alexander, two. Their family has endured heartbreak as well as joy: in September 2020, Teigen, then 39, faced a life-threatening partial placental abruption at 20 weeks, resulting in the loss of their son Jack. Legend has described the period as among the most challenging times the couple has faced together.

Last year Teigen publicly praised Legend as her “favorite person on this whole planet” as they commemorated 18 years together and 11 years of marriage. In her Instagram tribute, she wrote, “Thank you for loving me and our family so fully, 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’s storied history includes their wedding on September 14, 2013, at Villa Pizzo in Lake Como, one of Northern Italy’s premier wedding destinations. Stevie Wonder performed at the ceremony, and Legend sang as Teigen wore three custom Vera Wang gowns. They returned to Lake Como in 2023 to renew their vows, underscoring the depth of their commitment amid the public nature of their celebrity.

Teigen has often spoken about how she first connected with Legend. In a 2006 recollection shared years later, she recalled meeting when they worked together on a music video; she described their first get-together as spending about 12 hours together during that shoot. The couple would go on to publicly celebrate their evolving partnership over the next two decades.

In a 2020 interview with Spotify, Legend discussed the inspiration behind his breakout song All of Me, telling the platform that the track was written to express his feelings for Teigen as they prepared to commit to a lifetime together. He said the song’s meaning extended beyond their relationship, resonating with listeners who connected with its intimate sentiment. The couple’s ongoing story has been characterized by both public adoration and private resilience, as they navigate parenting four children and honoring the memory of Jack while continuing to build a life in the spotlight.