From friends to marriage and everything in between and beyond.

Jay-Z and Beyoncé have been married for 16 years and together for more than 20. The couple share three 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren: Blue Ivy, 12, and twins Rumi and Sir, 6.

The duo have collaborated on multiple projects together, like their 2018 joint album, “Everything Is Love,” their 2014 “On The Run” tour, and hits like “Crazy in Love.” Most recently, Jay-Z is credited on multiple songs from his wife’s new album, “Cowboy Carter,” which debuted March 29. He’s also credited on three songs, “Break My Soul,” “Alien Superstar” and “America Has a Problem,” from her 2022 album, “Renaissance.”

Beyoncé’s relationship has informed her art and she’s spoken about it sparingly over the years.

“I would not be the woman I am if I did not go home to that man. It just gives me such a foundation,” Beyoncé told Oprah Winfrey in 2013 during an episode of “Next Chapter.”

“(He’s helped) on so many levels,” she added.

For a window into each level, keep reading for Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s relationship in their own words.

Jay-Z and Beyoncé were ‘friends first’

During a 2013 conversation with Winfrey on “Oprah’s Next Chapter,” Beyoncé said she and Jay-Z were “friends first for a year and a half” before they even went on a date. Beyoncé noted that having that foundation was so “important” for their relationship.

That same year, Jay-Z confirmed to Vanity Fair that he pursued his wife and that they were “just beginning to try to date each other” when they appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair’s 2001 Music Issue.

Explaining what “try” meant in this context, Jay-Z said, “Well, you know, you’ve got to try first. You got to dazzle … wine and dine.”