Senator Marco Rubio and his wife, Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio, joyfully celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary on October 17, marking the occasion with a reflection on their enduring love, shared laughter, and cherished memories. Married in 1998, the couple has spent nearly three decades building a life together grounded in faith, family, and mutual support. Their anniversary offered the perfect opportunity to revisit the story of their unforgettable Valentine’s Day proposal — a moment inspired by a classic romantic film and seasoned with humor, nerves, and the breathtaking view of New York City from above.
Jeanette commemorated the day with a heartfelt message on Instagram, posting a photo of the two of them smiling warmly together at home. She wrote, “Happy anniversary to my best friend and my everything! I thank God for you, and I am truly blessed to be your wife. I love you with all my .” Her words reflect the deep bond that has carried them through nearly three decades of marriage, from their college days in Florida to their current life in West Miami. The couple’s love story began long before their engagement, dating back to their time as college students in Florida.
However, it was on Valentine’s Day 1997, during a visit to New York City, that Rubio decided to propose, setting the stage for a moment that would become legendary in their family’s history. Inspired by Jeanette’s love for the romantic film Sleepless in Seattle, Rubio meticulously planned to propose atop the Empire State Building, envisioning a cinematic moment worthy of the classic movie. Convincing Jeanette to go up to the observation deck proved to be more challenging than he anticipated. “It was freezing that day,” Rubio recalled in a previous interview with Parade. “She didn’t want to go to the observation deck, so I had to lure her there. I told her, ‘I love King Kong. I’ve always wanted to climb the Empire State Building!’”
Jeanette remembers the moment with laughter, saying, “I was like, ‘Seriously, Marco?’” Despite her initial reluctance, she agreed to follow him, and soon they were standing 102 stories above Manhattan, shivering in the cold wind. Rubio then got down on one knee and proposed. “The moment was perfect,” Jeanette recalled, “until he took the ring back.” Rubio chuckled as he explained the reason behind his unusual move: “I was afraid she would drop it over the edge of the building. I said, ‘Let’s wait until we’re on the ground. Then I’ll give it back to you.’” That combination of romance, spontaneity, and humor set the tone for a marriage built on shared joy, trust, and resilience.
Today, the Rubios live in West Miami, where they raise their four children: Amanda, Daniella, Anthony, and Dominic. Their home is described as lively and warm, a place where family time, faith, and humor are prioritized above all else. Jeanette, often referred to by those close to the family as the heart of the household, balances the demands of her husband’s political career with a calm, steady presence that keeps their family grounded. Friends and colleagues note that her support has been essential throughout Rubio’s journey — from his early days as Speaker of the Florida House to his ongoing work in the U.S. Senate. “She’s my anchor,” Rubio has said in interviews. “No matter where politics takes me, she keeps me grounded.”Family games
For the Rubio children, growing up with parents who navigate both public service and private life has been an example of dedication, faith, and love. Family dinners, Sunday church attendance, and shared routines have provided structure and connection amidst the busy schedule of political life. These traditions, combined with humor and open communication, have helped maintain a strong bond among the Rubios, ensuring that their family remains close despite the demands of public office.
This year, the couple’s anniversary celebration was both intimate and meaningful. Their children surprised Jeanette with handwritten letters and a video montage filled with family memories — from Rubio’s swearing-in ceremony to home videos of their youngest child, Valentina, taking her first steps. These personal touches underscored the enduring love and mutual respect that have defined the Rubios’ marriage for nearly three decades.Love stories collection
Even 27 years after that windy day in New York, the couple still laughs about the near-mishap with the engagement ring, a story that has become part of their shared family lore. The Empire State Building proposal was not just a romantic gesture; it marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership defined by humor, faith, and unwavering support. Rubio and Jeanette have shown that love thrives when built on shared values, patience, and the willingness to face life’s challenges together.
From their early days in college to their present life as a devoted family in West Miami, the Rubios’ story is a testament to the power of love, laughter, and faith. The couple has demonstrated that true partnership involves both celebrating the highs and supporting each other through the lows, all while maintaining a strong sense of humor and mutual respect. The Empire State Building proposal, filled with both romance and lighthearted moments, perfectly encapsulates the journey that has defined their marriage — a journey of devotion, joy, and commitment that continues to grow stronger with each passing year.
For Marco and Jeanette Rubio, 27 years of marriage is more than a milestone; it is a living reminder of the promises they made to each other that Valentine’s Day long ago, the moments that followed, and the family and life they have built together. Their story illustrates that a marriage grounded in love, laughter, and faith can endure time, distance, and the challenges of public life, all while remaining deeply personal and profoundly meaningful.
