A Look at Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s Relationship as the Long-Term Couple Marks Their 48th Wedding Anniversary

Stephanie SengweWed, September 2, 2026 at 10:30 AM UTC

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Gloria Estefan with husband EmilioCredit: Alamy

Gloria Estefan and husband Emilio Estefan are marking 48 years of marriage today!

The long-term couple first met shortly after Gloria’s graduation in 1975 and became official not long after. They formed their band, Miami Sound Machine, in 1977 and would build a musical empire that would later expand to several other lucrative businesses. The couple, who wed on Sept. 2, 1978, welcomed son Nayib in 1980, followed by daughter Emily in 1994.

Through all the highs and lows of showbiz and the trials and tribulations that come with life, Gloria and Emilio’s union has stood the test of time.

In 2018, they shared the secret to their long-lasting love. “We’ve been together [for] 43 [years], I met him when I was one,” Gloria joked with Entertainment Tonight. “Respect and love and, more than anything else, being Latino, you say, ‘Yes, baby, whatever you want,’” joked Emilio.

“That is such a crock. You know what?” the “Mi Tierra” singer teased. “He makes me laugh every single day of my life.”

Below, see Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s relationship through the years.

01 of 15

Early Days

Gloria Estefan and husband Emilio Estefan in 1989Credit: Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s love story dates all the way back to the ‘70s. The two met in 1975 at a jam session in Miami and Gloria was immediately taken. “In comes Emilio. He’s playing the accordion in very short shorts, and he looked like he was naked, so that was the first impression that I got,” the “Conga” singer told PEOPLE in March 2017.

Though things didn’t become romantic until a little later, their working relationship bloomed soon after their meeting. “My mom [dragged] me to a wedding a few months later, and I walk in the door, and there [he is] playing ‘The Hustle.’ He tracked me down two weeks later,” she revealed.

They soon began working in a wedding band together. “We had chemistry for sure. But he had an older girlfriend, and he was my boss,” Gloria said.

02 of 15

Two Become One

The pair went on their first date shortly thereafter, and that was pretty much it for Gloria.

Emilio asked Gloria to go see Young Frankenstein for their first date, and she later told PEOPLE that she was sold by the end of the evening. “I knew I was going to marry this man,” she said.

And she did. The two got married on Sept. 2, 1978, and have been together ever since.

03 of 15

Way Back When

Gloria Estefan and Emilio EstefanCredit: Gloria Estefan/Instagram

The young couple was pictured at a dinner in this throwback Gloria shared of their early days. “50 years after our first Valentine’s Day and you are still and will always be my forever love…” the singer wrote on Instagram. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Nene, @emilioestefanjr 🥰 I love you más! ❤️🎶❤️”

04 of 15

Baby Makes Three

Gloria Estefan with son Naybi, husband Emilio and Donna Hanover GiulianiCredit: Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty

On Sept. 2, 1980, exactly two years after saying “I do,” the musicians welcomed their first child together, son Nayib. Above, the proud parents pose with the then-15-year-old and Donna Hanover Giuliani at Fashion Cafe in New York.

05 of 15

Super Cool

Gloria and Emilio EstefanCredit: Emilio Estefan JR/Instagram

There’s no denying that these two were ultra-cool. Emilio posted this throwback with the caption “Memories of Paris! 💛” back in 2023.

06 of 15

Happy in Love

Gloria Estefan with husband Emilio at homeCredit: Alamy

“Happy birthday baby! From the first of your birthdays that we shared as a couple when you turned 23 to this momentous one at 65 I’ve treasured each moment we’ve spent together, been thankful for each of the hardships that have made us grow stronger, wiser and closer and have thanked the universe for putting you on my path,” Gloria wrote for her husband’s 65th birthday in 2018.

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“Here’s to the birthdays to come and all the love in our future! I love you, mi morito!”

07 of 15

Welcome to the Family, Emily!

Gloria and Emilio Estefan, EmilyCredit: Gloria Estefan/Instagram

In 1994, the Estefans added another bundle of joy to their family. Daughter Emily Marie Consuelo was born on Dec. 5, after the singer underwent surgery and treatments for fertility, following a 1990 near-death accident, caused by a semi-truck that rear-ended her tour bus on a snowy Pennsylvania highway.

08 of 15

Family Business

Gloria and Emilio Estefan with daughter EmilyCredit: Vinnie Zuffante/Getty

Like Nayib, who had toured and traveled with his parents in his early years, Gloria and Emilio brought baby Emily everywhere with them as well.

Above, the musicians are pictured with their daughter at an EMI Latin Records release party at Capitol Records Studios in Hollywood.

09 of 15

Night on the Town

Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan with their daughter, Emily at the GrammysCredit: Getty Images

And while most people would be thrilled to be at the Grammys, little Emily was clearly not impressed as she sat on her dad’s lap in this hilarious shot which also featured Celine Dion and her husband Rene Angelil.

10 of 15

Honoring Gloria

Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan and Emilio EstefanCredit: Vinnie Zuffante/Getty

Through all the highs and lows, Emilio has always been by Gloria’s side, so it’s no surprise he proudly stood by her (along with the legendary “Queen of Salsa,” Celia Cruz) when she got her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1993.

11 of 15

Supporting Emilio

Gloria and Emilio with their kidsCredit: Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

And when Emilio got his own star in 2005, Gloria was also by her man’s side, along with their two kids.

12 of 15

Matching Bling

Emilio and Gloria with President ObamaCredit: Kris Connor/WireImage

Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame aren’t the only accolades these two share. The Grammy winners also received matching Presidential Medals of Freedom from Barack Obama in 2015.

13 of 15

Business and Pleasure

Gloria Estefan and Emilio EstefanCredit: John Parra/WireImage

Throughout their careers, Gloria and Estefan have never shied away from working together. The pair have partnered in opening hotels, restaurants, foundations, as well as their musical On Your Feet and children’s books.

In 2009, the couple were among other celebs who invested in the Miami Dolphins and showed off their custom gear.

14 of 15

Everlasting Love

Emilio Estefan and Gloria EstefanCredit: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

In 2012, the couple also became grandparents for the first time as Nayib welcomed a son named Sasha Argento Estefan Coppola with wife Lara Coppola. “My heart was already full and now it runs over!,” Gloria revealed on X. “There’s a new man in my life! Sasha Argento Estefan, our first grandson, was born at 8:04! I’m in love!”

Now 48 years into their marriage, with a happy family, thriving businesses and many hits later, the couple is still going strong. Earlier this year, they attended the 2025 American Music Awards looking better than ever.

15 of 15

Happy Birthday, Emilio!

Gloria Estefan and EmilioCredit: Gloria Estefan/Instagram

“So blessed to share yet another #HAPPY BIRTHDAY with you, mi morito bello! I love you more each day!,” Gloria wrote for her husband’s birthday back in March.

on People

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”