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Their Early Days
SGranitz/WireImage
JAY-Z(a.k.a. Shawn Carter) andBeyoncé Knowlesmet when the “Halo” singer was just 18 years old. They began dating roughly a year-and-a-half later after building a strong friendship.
02of 27Secret WeddingJAY-Z and Beyoncé.Beyoncé - All NightJay and Beygot hitchedin a top-secret ceremony on April 4, 2008.“It was a very emotional wedding — lots of crying — and really very spiritual,” a source told PEOPLE at the time of the soirée, held at the rapper’s 13,500-sq.-ft. Manhattan penthouse and decorated with 70,000 dendrobium orchids flown in from Thailand.
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Secret Wedding
JAY-Z and Beyoncé.Beyoncé - All Night
Jay and Beygot hitchedin a top-secret ceremony on April 4, 2008.
“It was a very emotional wedding — lots of crying — and really very spiritual,” a source told PEOPLE at the time of the soirée, held at the rapper’s 13,500-sq.-ft. Manhattan penthouse and decorated with 70,000 dendrobium orchids flown in from Thailand.
03of 27Going PublicBeyonce/InstagramBeyoncé finally talked about her marriage in her December-January 2008Seventeencover story.“I guess probably that we’re all human,” she said. “I don’t care if you’re picture-perfect on every magazine cover, and you’re the most handsome, successful, coolest guy — you still get sad, and you still get your feelings hurt, and you still get confused and vulnerable and nervous and scared. You have to find a person you can make it through the tough times with.”
03of 27
Going Public
Beyonce/Instagram
Beyoncé finally talked about her marriage in her December-January 2008Seventeencover story.
“I guess probably that we’re all human,” she said. “I don’t care if you’re picture-perfect on every magazine cover, and you’re the most handsome, successful, coolest guy — you still get sad, and you still get your feelings hurt, and you still get confused and vulnerable and nervous and scared. You have to find a person you can make it through the tough times with.”
04of 27
Presidential Date Night
Jay and Bey attended PresidentBarack Obama’s first inauguration in 2009, with Beyoncé singing “America the Beautiful” at his swearing-in ceremony, then the Etta James classic “At Last” for POTUS andMichelle Obama’s first dance at his inaugural ball.
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Kristian Dowling/Getty
06of 27Welcome, Blue!Broadimage/REX/ShutterstockBeyoncé and JAY-ZwelcomeddaughterBlue Ivy Carterin New York City on Jan. 7, 2012. The proud parents' friends and family — from sisterSolangetoGwyneth Paltrow,RihannaandRussell Simmons— offered their congratulations on social media.
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Welcome, Blue!
Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock
Beyoncé and JAY-ZwelcomeddaughterBlue Ivy Carterin New York City on Jan. 7, 2012. The proud parents' friends and family — from sisterSolangetoGwyneth Paltrow,RihannaandRussell Simmons— offered their congratulations on social media.
07of 27Art Imitates LifeGeorge Pimentel/WireImageBeyoncé’s 2013Life Is But a Dreamdocumentaryaired on HBO, giving fans a rare glimpse into her private life with JAY-Z, from celebrating her pregnancy and singing Coldplay’s “Yellow” to each other to enjoying a secluded, exotic vacation (on a yacht!) and her toasting him at a birthday party.
07of 27
Art Imitates Life
George Pimentel/WireImage
Beyoncé’s 2013Life Is But a Dreamdocumentaryaired on HBO, giving fans a rare glimpse into her private life with JAY-Z, from celebrating her pregnancy and singing Coldplay’s “Yellow” to each other to enjoying a secluded, exotic vacation (on a yacht!) and her toasting him at a birthday party.
08of 27Passionate PerformanceLarry Busacca/PW/WireImageJay joined Bey onstage at the 2014 Grammys in L.A., where they gave a redhot performance of “Drunk in Love.”
08of 27
Passionate Performance
Larry Busacca/PW/WireImage
Jay joined Bey onstage at the 2014 Grammys in L.A., where they gave a redhot performance of “Drunk in Love.”
09of 27Elevator-GateGetty(2)JAY-Z, Beyoncé and Solange attended the annual 2014 Met Gala on May 7 in N.Y.C. Five days later, video footage of Solange seeminglyattacking Jay in an elevatorat an afterparty leaked online.Days after the incident, the trio released a statement: “There has been a great deal of speculation about what triggered the unfortunate incident. But the most important thing is that our family has worked through it. Jay and Solange each assume their share of responsibility for what has occurred. They both acknowledge their role in this private matter that has played out in the public. They both have apologized to each other and we have moved forward as a united family. The reports of Solange being intoxicated or displaying erratic behavior throughout that evening are simply false. At the end of the day families have problems and we’re no different. We love each other and above all we are family. We’ve put this behind us and hope everyone else will do the same.”
09of 27
Elevator-Gate
Getty(2)
JAY-Z, Beyoncé and Solange attended the annual 2014 Met Gala on May 7 in N.Y.C. Five days later, video footage of Solange seeminglyattacking Jay in an elevatorat an afterparty leaked online.
Days after the incident, the trio released a statement: “There has been a great deal of speculation about what triggered the unfortunate incident. But the most important thing is that our family has worked through it. Jay and Solange each assume their share of responsibility for what has occurred. They both acknowledge their role in this private matter that has played out in the public. They both have apologized to each other and we have moved forward as a united family. The reports of Solange being intoxicated or displaying erratic behavior throughout that evening are simply false. At the end of the day families have problems and we’re no different. We love each other and above all we are family. We’ve put this behind us and hope everyone else will do the same.”
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Split Rumors
Splash News Online
“Word around the industry has been that things are rocky at home,” a music source who has worked with JAY-Z told PEOPLE at the time. “If they split, no one would be surprised.” But a JAY-Z friend insisted: “They are a great couple. They are soulmates and perfect for each other.”
11of 27
A United Front
SolangemarriedAlan Ferguson in New Orleans on Nov. 16, and the whole family was in attendance. One year after elevator-gate, the trio all returned to the Met Gala without incident.
12of 27Sweet SupportAKM-GSIBeyoncé performed withBruno MarsandChris MartinandColdplayduring the Super Bowl halftime show in 2016, while JAY-Z and Blue Ivy watch from a private box with Martin’s ex Gwyneth Paltrow and their kids Apple and Moses.
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Sweet Support
AKM-GSI
Beyoncé performed withBruno MarsandChris MartinandColdplayduring the Super Bowl halftime show in 2016, while JAY-Z and Blue Ivy watch from a private box with Martin’s ex Gwyneth Paltrow and their kids Apple and Moses.
13of 27Making LemonadeJason Miller/GettyBeyoncé’sLemonadespecial aired on HBO in 2016 and the album went on sale after a mysterious, week-long promo campaign. The lyrics in songs like “Hold Up,” “Don’t Hurt Yourself” and “Sorry” hinted at infidelity and a marriage in crisis, while “Sand Castles” and “All Night” are about redemption, forgiveness and a renewed bond. Critics and fans flooded social media with commentary on the visual album, many interpreting it to be autobiographical while others thought it a was a self-promotional creative endeavor.Days later, Bey kicked off her Formation World Tour in Miami. Despite reports that their marriage was still on the rocks, the pair were photographed — with Jay’s arm around his wife — at the concert venue, and she closed the show dedicating her hit “Halo” to her “beautiful husband.”
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Making Lemonade
Jason Miller/Getty
Beyoncé’sLemonadespecial aired on HBO in 2016 and the album went on sale after a mysterious, week-long promo campaign. The lyrics in songs like “Hold Up,” “Don’t Hurt Yourself” and “Sorry” hinted at infidelity and a marriage in crisis, while “Sand Castles” and “All Night” are about redemption, forgiveness and a renewed bond. Critics and fans flooded social media with commentary on the visual album, many interpreting it to be autobiographical while others thought it a was a self-promotional creative endeavor.
Days later, Bey kicked off her Formation World Tour in Miami. Despite reports that their marriage was still on the rocks, the pair were photographed — with Jay’s arm around his wife — at the concert venue, and she closed the show dedicating her hit “Halo” to her “beautiful husband.”
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Bey’s Big Night
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
15of 27Birthday BashSplash News OnlineIn December 2016, Beyoncé threw JAY-Z a private surprise bash in L.A., where they celebrated withKelly Rowland, Tina Knowles Lawson and more.
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Birthday Bash
In December 2016, Beyoncé threw JAY-Z a private surprise bash in L.A., where they celebrated withKelly Rowland, Tina Knowles Lawson and more.
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Twins on the Way
Lester Cohen/Getty Images for NARAS
17of 27Embracing Her BumpHagop Kalaidjian/BFA/REX/ShutterstockAfter announcing her pregnancy, the couple attendedboth the Grammys(where Bey put on a show-stopping,goddess-inspired performance) and a pre-Oscars party, where the singer showed off her growing bump in multiple fitted ensembles.
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Embracing Her Bump
Hagop Kalaidjian/BFA/REX/Shutterstock
After announcing her pregnancy, the couple attendedboth the Grammys(where Bey put on a show-stopping,goddess-inspired performance) and a pre-Oscars party, where the singer showed off her growing bump in multiple fitted ensembles.
18of 27Wedding AnniversarySource: Beyonce InstagramOn April 4, 2017, JAY-Z and Beyoncécelebrated nine years of marriagewith the mom-to-be sharing a series of photos and a sweet montage video — set to her song “Die with You” — to mark the occasion.“I don’t need air in my lungs. If I can’t sing your song,” one image read — showing the couple’smatching ring finger “IV” tattoos(Beyoncé was born on Sept. 4; JAY-Z on Dec. 4;they tied the knoton April 4).
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Wedding Anniversary
Source: Beyonce Instagram
On April 4, 2017, JAY-Z and Beyoncécelebrated nine years of marriagewith the mom-to-be sharing a series of photos and a sweet montage video — set to her song “Die with You” — to mark the occasion.
“I don’t need air in my lungs. If I can’t sing your song,” one image read — showing the couple’smatching ring finger “IV” tattoos(Beyoncé was born on Sept. 4; JAY-Z on Dec. 4;they tied the knoton April 4).
19of 27Welcome, Rumi and SirBeyoncé InstagramBeyoncémade her super low-key public debutsince welcoming the twins for an event alongside JAY-Z celebrating Roc Nation artist Vic Mensa July 13 in L.A. Hours later, the mom of three shared the first photo of the couple’s new additions, confirming they welcomed son Sir and daughter Rumi the previous month.
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Welcome, Rumi and Sir
Beyoncé Instagram
Beyoncémade her super low-key public debutsince welcoming the twins for an event alongside JAY-Z celebrating Roc Nation artist Vic Mensa July 13 in L.A. Hours later, the mom of three shared the first photo of the couple’s new additions, confirming they welcomed son Sir and daughter Rumi the previous month.
20of 27Nesting at HomeKevin Mazur/GettyOn Sept. 14, 2017, the couple made theirfirst red carpet appearance since welcoming their twinsat pal Rihanna’s Diamond Ball in N.Y.C.Later in the year, the rapper opened up about their marriage in a deeply personal interview withT: The New York Times.“You know, most people walk away, and like divorce rate is like 50 percent or something ‘cause most people can’t see themselves. The hardest thing is seeing pain on someone’s face that you caused, and then have to deal with yourself,” he told the outlet, revealing therapy helped him in tough times. “So, you know, most people don’t want to do that. You don’t want to look inside yourself. And so you walk away.”
20of 27
Nesting at Home
Kevin Mazur/Getty
On Sept. 14, 2017, the couple made theirfirst red carpet appearance since welcoming their twinsat pal Rihanna’s Diamond Ball in N.Y.C.
Later in the year, the rapper opened up about their marriage in a deeply personal interview withT: The New York Times.
“You know, most people walk away, and like divorce rate is like 50 percent or something ‘cause most people can’t see themselves. The hardest thing is seeing pain on someone’s face that you caused, and then have to deal with yourself,” he told the outlet, revealing therapy helped him in tough times. “So, you know, most people don’t want to do that. You don’t want to look inside yourself. And so you walk away.”
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On Jan. 27, 2018, Jay and Bey attended Clive Davis and the Recording Academy’s annual pre-Grammys gala in N.Y.C., where the rapper was honored with the 2018 Salute to Industry Icons Award. In his acceptance speech, Jay revealed heended his six-year boycott of the Grammysto support Bey in 2004, “when a beautiful young lady, whom I love dearly, had a solo album, and it was the breakout — she was nominated.”
The next day the pair attended the Grammys at Madison Square Garden, where they sat front-row with Blue. Blue stole the show throughout the night, whether she wasadorably shushing her parents— ornoshing on snacks and a juice box.
22of 27Touring TogetherJAY-Z and Beyonce.Courtesy BeyonceOn March 12, 2018, the couple announced they’d behitting the road together(again!) this summer for the On the Run II tour.A source previously told PEOPLE that the musicsuper-couple planned to return to the stage together. “They are incredibly excited. It took a lot of work to make this happen. It’s the best choice for their family.”
22of 27
Touring Together
JAY-Z and Beyonce.Courtesy Beyonce
On March 12, 2018, the couple announced they’d behitting the road together(again!) this summer for the On the Run II tour.
A source previously told PEOPLE that the musicsuper-couple planned to return to the stage together. “They are incredibly excited. It took a lot of work to make this happen. It’s the best choice for their family.”
23of 27
Bidding with Blue
24of 27Jamaican JauntSplashWork hard, play hard. In late March of 2018, the coupleheaded to Jamaica with their children, reportedly shooting promos for their upcoming tour.“It was a work trip, but they also got to enjoy the island,” a source told PEOPLE. “Beyonce is preparing for Coachella. Together they are rehearsing for the tour. It’s a lot of work for them, but they are very excited. Things are great.”
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Jamaican Jaunt
Splash
Work hard, play hard. In late March of 2018, the coupleheaded to Jamaica with their children, reportedly shooting promos for their upcoming tour.
“It was a work trip, but they also got to enjoy the island,” a source told PEOPLE. “Beyonce is preparing for Coachella. Together they are rehearsing for the tour. It’s a lot of work for them, but they are very excited. Things are great.”
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On The Run II
Jay and Bey kicked off their On the Run II tour in Cardiff, England, on June 6, 2018. Throughout the two-hour set, the couple performed 37 tracks — and gave fans a rare glimpse into their private world.
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An Oscars Grand Slam
Though the pair stayed fairly under-the-radar during the COVID-19 pandemic, save for a handful of premieres and the 2021 Grammys, where Blue Ivy won her first, Beyoncé and JAY-Z made it a date at the 2022 Academy Awards in L.A., where Bey was up for her first-ever Oscar for Best Original Song for “Be Alive.”
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Who Run the World?
Beyoncé and JAY-Z.Kevin Mazur/Getty for The Recording Academy
source: people.com
