From City Dreams to Ranch Life: Ree Drummond's Enduring Love Story with Ladd Drummond

Ree Drummond, widely known as The Pioneer Woman, has captivated audiences with her authentic portrayal of ranch life, delicious recipes, and relatable family moments. Central to her public persona and personal journey is her enduring and deeply rooted romantic relationship with her husband, Ladd Drummond, affectionately known to her readers and viewers as "the Marlboro Man." Their love story, spanning over two decades, is a testament to unexpected connections and shared commitment, forming the bedrock of her life and public narrative.

Ree's romantic journey began in an unexpected setting, far removed from the bustling city life she had envisioned for herself. After graduating from the University of Southern California and planning a move to Chicago for law school, Ree made a temporary stop in her hometown of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. It was during a casual night out at a local dive bar around Christmas that she first encountered Ladd Drummond. He was a tall, strong cowboy, sipping bottled beer, and his hands immediately caught her attention.

Despite an instant connection and a long conversation that evening, Ladd surprisingly did not call her the next day, or even for several months. Ree, preparing to embark on her Chicago adventure, had moved on. However, nearly four months later, the morning after her brother's wedding, Ladd finally called. This belated call led to their first official date, a dinner that concluded with a memorable kiss on her parents' front porch. The encounter fundamentally shifted Ree's life trajectory, as she soon abandoned her Chicago plans in favor of a future with the cowboy.

Their courtship progressed quickly, with Ladd reportedly telling Ree he loved her just two weeks after their first date, while on the back porch of his ranch. Their bond deepened, and on September 21, 1996, Ree and Ladd exchanged vows in an Episcopal church ceremony. Ree, in a classic white dress, and Ladd, in a tuxedo paired with his signature cowboy boots, began their married life. A memorable detail from their reception, as Ree often recounts, was Ladd and his college friends celebrating Arizona State's football victory over Nebraska in the locker room.

Following their wedding, the newlyweds embarked on a honeymoon in Australia. Their family quickly grew, with their first child, daughter Alex, arriving just nine and a half months after their marriage. Daughters Paige (born 1999) and sons Bryce (2002) and Todd (2004) followed, completing their biological family of six. Years later, their family expanded further when they welcomed Jamar as a foster son, who became an integral part of the Drummond household.

The Drummonds' relationship is characterized by mutual respect, shared faith, and a strong partnership, both personally and professionally. Ladd, a fourth-generation cattle rancher, manages the sprawling Drummond Land & Cattle Co., while Ree built her media empire from her blog, "The Pioneer Woman," which later expanded into a Food Network show, cookbooks, and a retail brand. Ladd has been a constant source of encouragement, even inspiring Ree to start her blog by taking the children off her hands so she could write.

Their life on the ranch is often depicted as traditional, yet Ree emphasizes its unconventional aspects. They have navigated the challenges of raising five children, managing a vast ranch, and building multiple businesses together, including The Pioneer Woman Mercantile, The Boarding House hotel, P-Town Pizza, and Charlie's Sweet Shop in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Ladd took the lead on many of these business renovations, showcasing their collaborative spirit.

The couple has faced public challenges, notably Ladd's serious accident in March 2021. While responding to a wildfire, Ladd and his nephew Caleb were involved in a head-on collision. Ladd broke his neck in two places, requiring surgery. Ree publicly shared the harrowing experience, expressing profound gratitude for his recovery and highlighting their resilience as a couple.

Over the years, Ree has often shared insights into their marriage, emphasizing the importance of humor and shared simple pleasures. They enjoy quiet evenings on the couch, watching old Westerns and '80s movies. Ree often jokes about making Ladd laugh, stating, "I need my husband to think I am funny, and if he doesn't laugh the first or second time, I will ramp it up until he does." This playful dynamic underscores the deep affection and understanding they share.

In December 2024, Ree and Ladd celebrated a new chapter in their lives, becoming grandparents for the first time. Their eldest daughter, Alex, welcomed a baby girl named Sofia Marie Scott, further cementing the family bond that has been central to the Drummonds' story. Ree and Ladd's enduring partnership, built on a foundation of love, family, and shared purpose, continues to inspire their vast following.