Chip and Joanna Gaines had chances to divorce each other early on in their marriage, but the popular TV couple has found the secret to keeping their imperfect marriage strong despite their problems.
In an interview with Access Hollywood, the home design and renovation experts revealed that they had marital bumps around 2006 to 2010, triggered by the real estate crisis. Chip said that they had several opportunities to throw in the towel on their marriage, but they never decided to quit.
The Gaines couple said that it's not in their DNA to give up on each other. According to the pair, while their marriage is not perfect and they have many trials and errors, they both believe that "divorce is not option" for them.
After 18 years and five children, Chip and Joanna still believe in forever. They have not only been partners in marriage but also their careers as home experts and reality TV stars. Chip said that the secret to their partnership is working hard and showing up every day to support each other.
Launching a New TV Network
The interview comes as Chip and Joanna are preparing to launch Magnolia Network, their new TV venture with Discovery, on July 15. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, the pair said that they chose "magnolia" based on a beautiful memory of their first date years ago, where they saw a striking 150-year-old magnolia tree as they drove around Baylor. Chip climbed the tree to pick a flower for Joanna, which became his very first gift for his future wife.
As network bosses, Chip and Joanna decide on which shows to curate for Magnolia Network, but they will also have their TV programs, such as Fixer Upper: Welcome Home and Magnolia Table With Joanna Gaines. The couple filmed the episodes of their new shows amid a COVID-restricted set, and they released a special preview of the new Fixer Upper in the spring.
The couple said that they didn't think they'd come back to TV after their contract with HGTV ended but they love their work so much they didn't close the chapter on their TV stints. What's more, they got some help from Oprah Winfrey about launching a network, who shared bits of advice about her experience as a TV mogul.
Celebrating Anniversary and Family Life in Texas
Chip and Joanna celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary in May by going on a trip to Mexico. The husband said that he never needs a break from his wife because he loves spending time with her 24/7, but Joanna needs to go on her short trips with her girlfriends.
These recent months leading up to their anniversary were mostly about work, but they always looked forward to coming home to their kids and their farm in Texas. Joanna said that when they are all together, connecting with their five kids is the priority, and they do chores together, including gardening and feeding their farm animals.
Chip said coming home to Texas helps him and Joanna recharge their batteries, and when they step outside for their next round of work, they feel more inspired to take on the world.
