For nearly four decades, Joel and Victoria Osteen have stood side by side—not only as husband and wife but as partners in ministry, parents, and examples of steadfast love anchored in faith. This year, they celebrate 38 years of marriage, a journey that began in 1987 and has since touched millions around the world.
Their love story started in Houston, Texas, where a young Joel Osteen—then working behind the scenes at Lakewood Church—met Victoria Iloff, a woman whose warmth, compassion, and unwavering faith would soon capture his heart. They were married on April 4, 1987, in a ceremony filled with family, friends, and the belief that God was writing their story.
Through the years, Joel and Victoria have walked through seasons of joy, challenge, growth, and ministry expansion. When Joel stepped into the role of senior pastor of Lakewood Church in 1999 following his father’s passing, Victoria was right there beside him. Her grace and strength during that transition helped shape the church’s global reach, offering encouragement not only to their congregation but to viewers in over 100 nations.
The couple credits their enduring marriage to three pillars: faith in God, commitment to each other, and a shared mission to serve others. They often remind couples that love is more than a feeling—it’s a daily choice, strengthened by prayer and mutual respect.
At home, Joel and Victoria’s greatest joy is their family. They have two children, Jonathan and Alexandra, and speak openly about the importance of nurturing a Christ-centered home. For them, family dinners, open conversations, and shared prayer are just as important as the global ministry they lead.
Reflecting on their journey, Joel once said, “Marriage works best when you see it as a covenant, not a contract. Contracts can be broken; covenants are built to last.” Victoria echoes this sentiment, encouraging couples to focus on what brought them together and to keep God at the center of their relationship.
As they mark 38 years together, the Osteens see their marriage not just as a personal blessing, but as a testimony. It’s a reminder that love rooted in Christ can withstand storms, grow stronger over time, and inspire others to believe in the beauty of lifelong commitment.
In a world where lasting marriages can seem rare, Joel and Victoria Osteen’s story shines as an example of what’s possible when two people commit—heart, soul, and spirit—to walking life’s journey together. Their prayer is that their union continues to reflect the love of God to all who see it.