Catherine Zeta-Jones has left her fans in shock by disclosing that there’s another man she’s head over heels for – and she claims that her husband, Michael Douglas, is perfectly okay with it.
For over twenty years, Catherine Zeta-Jones, 56, and Michael Douglas, 81, have been one of Hollywood’s most lasting couples, managing to juggle fame, family, and the relentless scrutiny of the public eye in a way that few celebrity unions can endure.
“I met her in the bar and was a total gentleman,” Douglas recounted to People about his first encounter with the Wales-born actress, who caught his eye after her role in the 1998 film The Mask of Zorro. Later that night, while they were enjoying a “nightcap,” he told her, “You know, I’m going to be the father of your children.”
While walking the red carpet with her husband in 2019, Zeta-Jones reflected on his earlier statement:
“You know what the worst thing is? He was right,” she joked during an interview with Access.
The couple, who tied the knot in 2000, are proud parents to two children: son Dylan (born 2000) and daughter Carys (born 2003).
Catherine Zeta-Jones & Michael Douglas
Even though they experienced a short separation in 2013, they have continued to demonstrate a level of affection that is seldom seen among long-term Hollywood couples.
“I’m crazy about her. And yes, I believe every couple faces their challenges. The only issue is, as you know, we’re all in the public eye, and it tends to be a bit more exposed than usual,” he mentioned during a 2015 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
He added, “We’re back stronger than ever.”
Over the years, the couple has openly discussed the realities of marriage under constant public scrutiny, while proving that their connection has withstood every obstacle that has come their way.
In November 2025, Zeta-Jones marked their 25th wedding anniversary with a touching Facebook post that highlighted the effortless chemistry they still possess after all these years.
“25 years ago today, I walked down the aisle. The intoxicating scent of flowers, the warm glow of the candles, the beautiful harmonious Welsh choir, and you waiting for me at the end of the long walk, looking at me in a way only you can. I love you today just as I did then. Thank you, sweetheart,” she wrote in the post that featured photos of the couple throughout the years.
Age is merely a matter of numbers.
Their relationship has frequently ignited conversations due to their 25-year age difference, a topic the actress recently discussed in an interview with The Telegraph.
“We can stroll around a golf course for four hours at a time. We share many serious similarities as well,” remarked the star of Ocean’s Twelve. “We were born on the same day, just 25 years apart. We get along wonderfully, we have mutual respect, and I never truly feel that he’s 25 years my senior.”
She continued, “I recall people saying, ‘When you turn 50, he’ll be 75.’ Well, that’s just basic math.”
This level of comfort in their relationship might also shed light on why her husband is perfectly okay with her celebrity crush.
During the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Zeta-Jones openly declared her affection for Lionel Messi as Argentina battled France in one of the most thrilling matches in the tournament’s history.
The intense game ended in a 3-3 draw before Argentina triumphed in a heart-stopping penalty shootout, finally granting Messi the World Cup title that many fans felt was the missing piece in his illustrious career.
Catherine Zeta-Jones mentioned that her husband is “fine” with her admiration for another star.
As the festivities began, Zeta-Jones posted a video on Instagram showcasing her heartfelt response to the game’s final moments.
“This is the best match I have ever witnessed, ever!!! Look, I support Paris Saint Germain, and I love the French, I even speak their language, my heart goes out to you,” the Wednesday actress wrote in the caption. “But you must understand, I adore MESSI and the best part?…my husband is completely okay with it. (Heart emoji) no need to…so Don’t cry for me or anyone else, Argentina!!!! OLE!!!”
In another post, Zeta-Jones shared a picture of the iconic footballer kissing the World Cup trophy, adding, “And God created Messi.”
