Catherine Zeta-Jones & Michael Douglas Pay Loving Tribute To One Another After 23 Years Together

Dec 15, 2023

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas continue to have one of the longest-lasting marriages in Hollywood, having been together for over two decades. And although they have a significant age gap of 25 years, Zeta-Jones and Michael have shown that age is nothing but a number between two adults who choose to love and cherish each other for life.

Beyond sharing their lives together, the couple also shares a birthday on September 25. While Douglas is nearing his 80s and Zeta-Jones is in her 50s, the two are supportive of each other despite being at different times in their lives. Just like every couple, Zeta-Jones and Michael have had a number of hardships and times when their relationship was not exactly rosy. In recent years, the couple has dealt with grief, health scares and personal turmoils, but the two have stayed together as a strong unit. 

Moreover, despite the difficulties that come with constantly being in the spotlight, the couple seems to have made every effort to keep their relationship and family strong. This includes their decision to move away from the United States for more than a decade to give their children a chance to grow up in a more normal environment.

In a November 2022 interview, Zeta-Jones reflected on her relationship with her husband, expressing just how much she loves being married to him, despite the “ups and downs” they have faced. She also hit back at critics of their 25-year age gap with a perfect explanation for why they’ve been able to weather storms together for so long and keep their romance alive.

In the early 1990s, Zeta-Jones soared to fame in the United Kingdom in “The Darling Buds of May,” a period drama in which she played the Larkin family's eldest daughter, Mariette Charlton. By the end of the decade, she gained significant recognition with her sword-wielding starring role in “The Mask of Zorro.” The “Oceans Twelve,” “The Terminal” and “No Reservations” actress eventually nabbed the coveted Best Actress Oscar with her role in “Chicago.”

Michael first laid eyes on Zeta-Jones in 1998 at the Deauville Film Festival in France after they were introduced to one another by mutual friends Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith. In tribute to his wife’s birthday in September 2021, Michael posted a throwback picture on Instagram of their first meeting and captioned it:

“My first night meeting Catherine at the Deauville Film Festival in 1998. I found out that she had the same birthday as me — tadaah! Then when I discovered she loved golf, I realized all my fantasies had come true. I've lucked out at this time in my life. I just lucked out. I'm so impressed by her intelligence, sense of humor and work ethic.” 

Upon meeting, the smitten Michael also chose to give Zeta-Jones a prophetic message. He told TODAY: “I probably made a big mistake. But I looked at her, and I said, 'I just want to tell you, I'm going to be the father of your children.' And she looked at me, and she said, 'I've heard a lot about you. … I guess it's all true! Good night.'" 

Nevertheless, the lovebirds overcame Michael’s initial misstep and tied the knot in November 2000. They had their first child in August 2000, a boy named Dylan Michael Douglas and their second child in April 2003 — a girl named Carys Zeta-Douglas.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Zeta-Jones shared some insight into her relationship with Michael a few weeks after celebrating their 22nd wedding anniversary on Sept. 25, 2022. She admitted their relationship, as most do, has had some good and bad times, but that in the end, they were committed to each other.

“It’s impossible for there not to be ups and downs if you live with the same person and wake up with them every day,” she said.

Zeta-Jones and Michael had a brief separation in 2013 after he had battled tongue cancer. Zeta-Jones also revealed her diagnosis with bipolar disorder II, a condition that saw her go through a brief stint at a psychiatric hospital in Connecticut in 2011.

Despite the trials and tribulations, Zeta-Jones said she still adored Michael.

“I’ve been waking up to Mike for nearly 25 years. I love being married but it’s a crazy thing when you really think about it. ‘Will you marry me?’ ‘Sure!’” she gushed before she added, “But then you think about the Chanel purse you spent a fortune on, and actually I don’t really like it any more — I'll put it up for resale.”

On why they have lasted so long in an industry not particularly known for relationships with longevity, Zeta-Jones explained she and Michael are “just very good with one another, we respect each other, and I never really feel that he’s 25 years older than me.”

On the note of age, Zeta-Jones had this to say about her critics: “I remember people saying, ‘When you’re 50, he’s going to be 75.’ Well, that’s just maths.”

As far as Hollywood couples go,  Zeta-Jones and Michael have been longer than many others. However, the pair have also been honest about the trials and tribulations they’ve faced. Zeta-Jones shared with Us Weekly:

“I think it’s just unfathomable to me that you would be with one person for 18 years, and things are not rosy every day. They’re just not. My mother and father were married for 52 years and they were a wonderful blueprint for me, because I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly with them, and they’re still going strong.”

Michael also expressed how important it is to “talk things out” with your partner. He said, “It’s taken me a long time, but resentment is an easy thing to keep under the surface. I think most of the times it’s really good to get things out sooner than later.”

On Nov. 18, 2023, the pair celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary. Both honored their significant other in loving social media posts that melted fans’ hearts. Zeta-Jones posted a carousel of photos from their years together, including during their magical wedding and trips together. She captioned the post:

“Today we celebrate 23 years of marriage❤️ Darling Michael, your Nobel Peace Prize awaits😂😘❤️ I love you…from your darling wife, a gold star Medal of Honor recipient😘”

Michael also posted a stunning photo of them dancing at their wedding more than two decades ago, with the caption:

“Happy 23 and Me, my darling @catherinezetajones! Can’t wait for 24! Happy Anniversary ❤️”

The sweet post spurred Zeta-Jones to reply in the comments, “Love you sweetheart, may our dance never end❤️”

The lovebirds look like they’re clearly on track to hitting 24 years of marriage, and we can’t wait to see how they pay tribute to one another again.

Does Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas’ relationship inspire you? What ups and downs have you gone through in your own relationships? Let us know, and don’t forget to pass this on to friends and family, too.