Joanna Gaines Shares Inspiring Love Story Of Her Parents, Jerry And Nan Stevens

Let’s talk about one of the most beloved couples in the world of home design and television—Chip and Joanna Gaines. Their marriage is nothing short of legendary, but have you ever wondered where they learned the art of staying together through thick and thin? Well, it turns out that Joanna has some pretty incredible role models in her life: her parents, Jerry and Nan Stevens. These two have been married for an astonishing five decades, and their story is as inspiring as it gets. So, buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the heartwarming tale of how they met, how they overcame challenges, and how they’ve kept the spark alive all these years.

Scroll down to learn more about Joanna’s upbringing and the amazing family that shaped her into the person she is today.

Love at First Sight: How Joanna Gaines’ Parents Met

Here’s something straight out of a romantic movie—Joanna Gaines' parents, Jerry and Nan Stevens, met in 1969. At the time, Jerry was serving in the U.S. Army and stationed in South Korea, Nan’s home country. Picture this: a bustling party where destiny decided to throw them together. Nan spotted Jerry sitting quietly in a corner, and boom—she knew instantly that he was the one for her. Crazy, right? But sometimes, love just knows what it’s doing.

Read also:

Robert Redfords Family Life A Closer Look At His Kids And Legacy

In her book The Magnolia Story, Joanna recounts her mom’s bold move. "My mother tells the story with such confidence. She said to a friend, ‘That’s the man I’m going to marry.’ Her friends thought she was nuts, but she just knew it in her heart," Joanna writes. That kind of certainty doesn’t come around every day, and it’s one of the reasons their story is so captivating.

But love isn’t always easy, even when you know it’s the real deal. When Jerry returned to the U.S. in 1971, he didn’t want to let go of the connection he’d built with Nan. For six months, they kept their romance alive through letters, a testament to their commitment and devotion. Can you imagine the anticipation of waiting for those letters in the mail? It’s a beautiful reminder of how love can transcend distance and time.

Joanna shared this incredible story during a November 2022 episode of her podcast, The Stories We Tell With Joanna Gaines. She marveled at her mom’s bravery, saying, "I can’t even fathom the idea of a 19-year-old girl getting on a plane and flying all the way to America. Dad picks her up in his VW Bug in San Francisco. They get married on the courthouse steps, dressed in cutoff jean shorts and tank tops. Then they drive all the way from there to Wichita to start their life together." Talk about a whirlwind romance!

Of course, not everything was sunshine and rainbows at the beginning. Like many couples, Jerry and Nan had their fair share of ups and downs. "From what they’ve told me, they actually had a rocky marriage for several years," Joanna revealed in her memoir. "There were times when they didn’t think they would make it because all they did was fight." But here’s the thing about true love—it’s resilient. After Jerry’s mother passed away, he had a moment of clarity that changed everything.

"He envisioned himself in a casket, surrounded by his family, and it hit him just how wrong he was living his life," Joanna explained. "He didn’t want to leave my mom alone to fend for herself. So, he made a change. He landed a job at a Firestone tire store in Waco, Texas, where Joanna would eventually meet Chip." It’s a powerful reminder that love often requires growth, effort, and a willingness to change for the better.

Jerry and Nan celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in June 2017, and Joanna marked the occasion with a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. "All the odds were against them, but they fought through and became an example of how to love, fight for, extend grace to, and honor each other amidst all their many differences," she wrote. "Here’s to many more years!" On their 50th wedding anniversary in June 2021, Joanna once again took to social media to celebrate her parents’ beautiful love story.

Read also:

Was Willie Garson Ever Married A Heartfelt Look At The Late Stars Love Life

Who Are Jerry and Nan Stevens Today?

Building a Life Together

Fast forward to today, and Jerry and Nan are still living their best lives in Waco, Texas. Nan often leads prayer groups at Magnolia Market, continuing to inspire those around her with her faith and kindness. And let’s not forget about their growing family! Joanna and Chip are proud parents to five children: Drake, Ella Rose, Duke, Emmie Kay, and Crew. Joanna’s younger sister, Mary Kay “Mikey” McCall, is also a mom of six, while her older sister, Teresa Criswell, is a mom of one. It’s clear that Jerry and Nan’s legacy of love has been passed down through generations.