Hill—who amid a round of trouble-in-paradise rumors for the couple mused to People in 2013, “I don’t know why ‘happy’ can’t be a story”—may be the gorgeous glue holding it all together, but still likes it, loves it and wants some more of it after all these years.
“The greatest gift we have ever been given in life are our children,” Hill said when she and McGraw were both inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017. “There’s not a day that goes by that I do not thank God above for the pleasure and honor of Gracie, and Maggie, and Audrey.” Being their mom made her want to be the best person she could possibly be, she continued, as the speech turned a bit rowdy. “And because of their dad—that’s you,” she gestured to McGraw, who chimed in as the crowd started laughing, “We have blood tests.”
The couple dissolved into giggles. “I don’t want to get all sappy,” Hill pressed on, “because it’s kinda like [gagging gesture]. But I do love this guy. He is spicy like Tabasco sauce, times one thousand. He is spicy, and he’s a handful, and it’s awesome. And he’s just taught me to be spicier, all the time.” She turned to her husband, adding, “And thank you for my babies, I love them and I love you.”
And “happy” can be the story.
Keep reading to see their inspiring romance in pictures: