Like many parts of the lifestyles of the rich and famous, our position from afar can make their relationships seem almost perfect. But sometimes it feels like every other week, there’s a news report on another split or divorce that tears at our happy, somewhat unhealthily invested hearts. For those of us who dream of a happily-ever-after, or even just a life partner to fall asleep on in various places (cinema/public transport/in line to buy late-night snacks), this can be disheartening! As an antidote, here’s a selection of our favorite currently-still-together-and-(ostensibly)-happy couples—the duos who instill us with a hope that, one day, we may reach similar heights of loving, committed coupledom. (But maybe with fewer cameras around.) —Naomi
Beyoncé and Jay Z
How could anyone come before these two? Bey and Jay are the most iconic power couple of all power couples—the King and Queen of Hearts, if you will. As extremely gifted and successful musicians in their own right, they have combined their talents in song many times to celebrate each other: “Crazy in Love” instantly became the best song ever when it was released in 2003. 10 years later, they made “Drunk in Love,” and it’s clear that, be it crazy or drunk, their romance is a lasting one. This is further proven by their collaboration in baby format: Their daughter, Blue Ivy, born 2012. If they ever split up, millions would mourn. In fact, the world would probably end.Régine Chassagne and Win Butler
Imagine not only taking vows for life and cohabitating with a partner, but also being musical collaborators in an extremely successful band (a little group called Arcade Fire), which they co-founded. Working together and living and loving together—that means a LOT of time together. Win and Régine’s marriage has lasted as long as their band, and that I think in itself, is an achievement. When I saw Arcade Fire perform last year, my chest swelled every time Win looked at Régine, just because of the knowledge that their connectivity goes deeper than the magical way they play music together. The work they have accomplished, not only in their music but also in their raising funds and awareness for Haiti, where Régine’s parents were born, and where they regularly perform. My heart sings.David Bowie and Iman
Obviously, David Bowie is a cosmic hero and musical legend, and Iman, one of the world’s most famous models, is as stunning a human being as they come. Put them together, and you get a longstanding, perfect couple who seem to be ridiculously in synch. Married in 1992, they have sustained perfection for 22 YEARS. Once, the laces of Iman’s shoes came undone, and David went down on his knees in the middle of the street to tie them for her—that’s my kind of love. This type of romantic gesture was far from a one-time deal: Rumor has it that he still buys her flowers on the 14th of every month to commemorate the day they first met! Cue a universal, collective “awww.”Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi
Ellen, the queen of daytime TV, and Portia, an actress in the wonderful Arrested Development (among other things), have been together for 10 solid years. You just have to watch them in action to see how much they SEE NO ONE ELSE BUT EACH OTHER: Just look at them being perfect! In 2008, praise be, the ban on same-sex marriage in California, their state of residence, was overturned, and Ellen proposed to Portia with a PINK diamond ring. Now they live with three dogs and four cats, e.g., in domestic bliss.David and Victoria Beckham
I have lots of respect for the Beckhams. Not only are they a crazy-talented soccer player and a drop-dead gorgeous member of one of the most popular girl groups ever (the Spice Girls, duh), respectively, but their relationship has stood the test of 15 years, multiple children, and several career shifts on each of their parts. They’re basically royals in the UK: After being named “Posh and Becks” by the tabloids, their 1999 abode was unofficially dubbed “Beckingham Palace.”Kathleen Hanna and Adam Horovitz
These two are possibly THE coolest couple on this list (or in the universe, maybe). They married in 2006 after being together since the late ’90s. Both pioneers in their own right, Kathleen was at the forefront of the Riot Grrrl movement with her band, Bikini Kill, and become a feminist icon, and Ad-Rock found massive hip-hop success with the Beastie Boys. Basically, they’re all-around badass, politically aligned people who happen to look incredibly cute together, as well! Kathleen was reluctant to get married, marriage being a hella patriarchal institution, but stated that Adam was the love of her life. Also, he had health insurance.Elton John and David Furnish
The musician Elton John and filmmaker David Furnish (and their two gorgey sons) look like the picture of domestic bliss. Together since 1993, Elton and David were one of the first couples in England to be granted a civil partnership when they were legalized in 2005. Now that, as of March, gay marriage is allowed in the UK, they’ll have a quiet wedding this month. Yey! A love so strong, they’re celebrating it twice (and making history in the process).Bill and Hillary Clinton
The Clintons have the honor of sharing the longest relationship on this list—they’ve been married for a whopping 39 years. Sure, we all know about the very public scandal they went through when Bill was President, but, nearly two decades later, they’ve clearly survived. The main thing I appreciate about their relationship is the way they’ve respected and aided in each other’s ambitions. Though Bill, as President, clearly had a more prominent career for part of their marriage, he’s provided a supportive role as Hillary’s maintained her own political stardom as a senator, Secretary of State, and Presidential candidate in her own right. I invest myself heavily in my professional success, and being able to share career successes with a spouse, like these two do, seems like the best kind of marriage situation around.Maya Rudolph and Paul Thomas Anderson
The director Paul Thomas Anderson and funny lady Maya Rudolph have been together since 2001. There isn’t much publicity to their relationship—as a unit, they seem to mostly stick to a quiet home life. 13 years after first getting together, they have four children, and I swoon when I imagine what their dinner parties must be like. I also kind of like that they’re not married—YOU DON’T NEED A PIECE OF PAPER TO PROVE YOUR LOVE!Joanna Newsom and Andy Samberg
All of the women on this list are complete goddesses, but Joanna Newsom gets special mention for being an angelic, harp-wielding, Shakespeare-level lyrical genius. I don’t think I was the only one whose heart tore apart at the breakup songs on her album Have One On Me, which was rumored to be about her pained relationship with her labelmate Bill Callahan. But that’s in the past now! Joanna dated the actor, comedian, and Lonely Island member Andy Samberg for five years before they married in 2013, and who has a friendlier face than this dude? I can’t wait to hear Joanna ballads about a woman who’s happy in love (fingers crossed).Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally
Obviously, I love famous power couples, but my favorite happy couples are funny-people power couples. Not only do they look lovely when together, they’re entertaining, too! Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally have been married since 2003 after they met while acting in the same play. (You can read their whole lovely history here.) Back then, Megan was the star of Will and Grace. Nowadays, Nick is a huge favorite among Parks and Recreation fans (myself included). And they’re not only funny on their own—they’re also hilarious together.Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith
These two have lasted 17 years in the full-on Hollywood spotlight—that’s some good work! Will is deeply embedded in people’s hearts because of the Fresh Prince and his tight rap skills, while Jada is an actress, singer/songwriter AND businesswoman. They have created two equally inspiring children: the kick-ass Willow, whose determined individuality is truly inspiring, and Jaden, who has starred opposite his father and is also budding musician.Barack and Michelle Obama
This list wouldn’t be complete without the President and First Lady. Michelle and Barack met in 1989 when she was his advisor at a law firm. (She probably still is his advisor, let’s be real.) At first, she declined to date him since they were working together, but who could resist a young Obama’s charms? They became husband and wife in 1992. Now, they’re the parents of the Malia and Sasha, amazing role-models for their generation. Not only is their couple support inspiring, the whole Obama family (the intricacies of politics aside) is an image of excellency. ♦
adam horovitz andy samberg arcade fire barack obama beyoncé bill clinton david bowie ellen degeneres elton john hillary clinton iman jada pinkett-smith jay z joanna newsom kathleen hanna maya rudolph megan mullally michelle obama nick offerman paul thomas anderson portia de rossi power couples sly will smith
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24 Comments
YAY
Cool list, but one i would definitely add is Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter. If there is any couple that proves that there is someone out there for you, no matter how weird you are, it’s them. My parents are nice and all, but I swear if they were to adopt me…. it would probably be the greatest thing in the world.
I do love Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter, and I love their films as well (well his films, her acting) BUT I have to admit my perception of them really changed when I found out how close they were to David Cameron (the families are best friends) ://
i got SO excited when I realized a while back that Joanna Newsom and Andy Samberg are a couple!!
also Bowie and Iman <3 gorgeous alien-goddess couple
Loved the article, although I really feel like Jónsi and Alex, Matt and Kim, & Alex and Jade should be on there….
LOVED this list!!!! but one couple who should totally be there are NPH and david burtka, who have the most adorable family Halloween costumes!
yes to all of the above!!! i love all of these people. also I think Matt and Kim (“partners in music AND IN SEX” as they said when I saw them in concert) are super inspiring.
Awww this made me so happy
I love thisss! every time I hit the next button I was just hoping that it’ll not be the last, thanks Naomi & Caitlin!
Miss Piggy and Kermit. I know they truly love each other!
Nawwww, Win and Régine! The dream couple <3
Flawless list <3
How did I not know Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally are married???? I’m a terrible Parks and Rec fan…
This is a really great list, but I agree with the comment that suggested Tim Burton and Helena Bonham-Carter, and also feel like Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer could’ve been a cool addition :)
omg Beyoncé and Jay Z have made way more than two songs together!
That’s How You Like It
Upgrade U
Deja Vu
03 Bonnie and Clyde
On The Run (Part II)
Hollywood
and Lift Off with Kanye as third wheel!
Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield are currently my favourite celebrity couple!!!!!! im like in love with with them like they’re so funny and cute I CAN’T HANDLE IT
Every British person reading this found it completely adorable that you called Becks a soccer player.
hahaha YES
Thank you for highlighting successful marriages in Hollywood. We never really see that side often. The David Bowie & Iman story made me go “Awww!”
BECKINGHAM PALACE why have I not heard of this before????
Awww this is so cute but Angelina Jolie and brad Pitt definitely should be on this list!
This is so great because Ron Swanson and Tammy 2 are here.
Hayley Williams and Chad Gilbert
NPH and his husband (forgot his name, David something)
Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman
Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher (I’m usually not a fan of celeb gossip but I love that these two are together!)
Amy Poehler and Will Arnett (not anymore)
HEY! I really very love this post but also,
Lena and Jack
John (Krasinski) and Emily (Blunt)
Judd and Leslie
That’s all.
Thanks! xoxox