John Legend's Harmonious Love Story: From Early Encounters to a Decade of Marriage with Chrissy Teigen

John Legend, the acclaimed singer, songwriter, and EGOT winner, has captivated audiences not only with his soulful music but also with his enduring and very public romantic journey. While his most celebrated relationship is undoubtedly with his wife, Chrissy Teigen, his romantic history includes earlier, more fleeting connections that paved the way for his lasting love story.

Before his relationship with Teigen, John Legend was linked to several women, primarily models, though many of these were brief or unconfirmed. In 2005, he was rumored to be romantically involved with Jessica White, a Victoria's Secret model, after they reportedly connected during the making of his music video for "So High." They were seen together at the MTV Video Music Awards, but neither publicly confirmed a relationship.

The following year, in 2006, reports linked Legend to socialite and musician Wafah Dufour, the estranged niece of Osama bin Laden. Their public appearance at a New York City birthday party sparked speculation, but details of their rumored romance remained private. Around the same time, Legend was also photographed with Nigerian model Tayo Otiti in June 2006, though the nature of their connection was never clarified by either party.

Later in 2006, Legend was reportedly dating Brazilian model Danielle Abreu. They were seen together at the release party for his album Once Again, and sources hinted at a growing seriousness. However, Legend himself downplayed the relationship in an interview, acknowledging the difficulties of sustaining relationships in the music industry due to constant travel and temptations. This period marked a time of exploration before a more significant connection emerged.

John Legend's life took a definitive turn in September 2006 when he met Chrissy Teigen on the set of his music video for "Stereo," in which she starred as his love interest. Teigen famously revealed that they "hooked up" that very first night, sharing In-N-Out burgers in his hotel room. Despite the immediate chemistry, their early relationship was casual, with Legend often on tour.

Their connection deepened through frequent texting and phone calls, with Legend reportedly falling in love with Teigen's wit and humor over the phone. In 2007, during a trip to Lake Como, Italy, Teigen made a wish to marry him, a wish that would later come true. Legend did attempt a brief breakup in 2007 while on tour, but Teigen famously rebuffed him, saying, "No," and they quickly reconciled.

Their relationship became more public with their first red carpet appearance together at the Grammy Awards in February 2008. After approximately four years of dating, Legend proposed to Teigen in December 2011 during a holiday vacation in the Maldives. The surprise proposal almost went awry due to airport security checks, but ultimately, the ring was presented in a plate of arugula, leading to her joyful acceptance.

Legend's hit ballad "All of Me," released in August 2013, was famously dedicated to Teigen, with its lyrics clearly referencing her personality. She starred in the song's music video, which was filmed in Lake Como and incorporated actual footage from their wedding. This song became an anthem for their love, further cementing their public image as a devoted couple.

Chrissy Teigen officially became Chrissy Teigen-Stephens on two separate occasions in September 2013. They first legally tied the knot at a New York City courthouse on September 10, 2013, realizing their Italian ceremony wouldn't be legally recognized on its own. Just four days later, on September 14, 2013, they celebrated their union with a lavish ceremony at Villa Pizzo in Lake Como, Italy, a place holding special significance from their early dating days.

The couple openly shared their journey to parenthood, including their use of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Their family began to grow with the birth of their daughter, Luna Simone Stephens, on April 14, 2016. Two years later, their son, Miles Theodore Stephens, arrived on May 17, 2018, also conceived through IVF.

In September 2020, the couple faced a profound tragedy with the pregnancy loss of their third child, a son they named Jack, at 20 weeks. Teigen shared raw and emotional photos and messages about their grief, which resonated deeply with many. This difficult experience brought them even closer, as Legend later stated their shared grief fortified their relationship.

Their desire to expand their family continued, and in January 2023, they welcomed another daughter, Esti Maxine Stephens, also conceived via IVF. Just five months later, in June 2023, they surprised fans by announcing the arrival of their son, Wren Alexander Stephens, via surrogate. Teigen expressed her long-held wish for four children and shared the profound gratitude they felt for their surrogate.

In September 2023, John and Chrissy returned to Lake Como to renew their wedding vows, celebrating their 10th anniversary in the same romantic setting where they first married. Teigen described the event as deeply emotional and a beautiful way to express gratitude to those who had supported their 17-year relationship. Their journey has been marked by public openness, mutual support, and a visible commitment to each other through life's joys and sorrows, making them one of Hollywood's most admired couples.