Emily Flores
Love stories that begin in high school hallways have a special magic. Some of those couples stay together for life—even under Hollywood’s bright lights. These extraordinary partnerships prove that sometimes your first love really can be your last. Here are 12 inspiring stories of famous figures who found their soulmates between classes and stayed committed through fame, fortune, and everything in between.
Patrick Mahomes
NFL star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, said ‘I do’ to his high school darling, Brittany Matthews, in 2022. Their journey of love commenced at Whitehouse High School in Texas, where they both shone in football and soccer, respectively. Mahomes picked the turf he had conquered many times—Arrowhead Stadium—to propose to Matthews. In 2021, the couple welcomed their first child, Sterling Skye, followed by son Bronze in 2022 and daughter Golden in 2025, filling their lives with endless joy.
Jon Bon Jovi
Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley have a love story that started at Sayreville War Memorial High School in New Jersey. They’ve built a beautiful life together, raising four children in their decades-long marriage. The couple has a whimsical tale of eloping in 1989 and getting married in Las Vegas by an Elvis impersonator. Despite the sea of Bon Jovi’s fervent fans, Dorothea remains unfazed.
Ron Howard
Ron Howard and Cheryl Alley’s love story could be a movie script. They turned from high school sweethearts to life partners when they tied the knot at 21. Cheryl has been at Howard’s side for over 50 years now. Their daughter, Bryce Dallas Howard, known prominently for her role in “Jurassic World,” is the apple of their eye. Despite skepticism, Howard says, “It’s crazy—we were teenagers, it shouldn’t have worked.”
LeBron James
Basketball superstar LeBron James has a love story that’s as sweet as a layup. He met his now-wife, Savannah Brinson, back in high school in Akron, Ohio, where Savannah wasn’t even aware of LeBron’s rising fame. The lovebirds wedded in 2013 and are now doting parents to three kids. Ever the romantic, LeBron often addresses Savannah as his “queen” across his social media accounts.
Heather Morris
From a high school in Scottsdale, Arizona, to the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, Heather Morris’ story is truly enchanting. After playing the sassy cheerleader Brittany on “Glee,” she married her high school love, Taylor Hubbell, in 2015. Their union has blessed them with two precious boys, Owen and Elijah.
Thomas Rhett
The love story between Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins has its roots in first grade. They didn’t start to date until they were teenagers, though. Even after almost marrying others, they reunited, and Rhett swiftly “moved in for the kill.” Exchanging vows at 22, they’re now proud parents of four girls.
Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Broadus, found his one true love at Polytechnic High School in Long Beach. It was there that he met Shante Taylor, his future wife. They exchanged wedding vows in 1997 and went on to have three children. Despite ups and downs, their bond remained solid, leading them to renew their vows in a glamorous event in 2008. Snoop’s love for Shante is a recurring theme in his music and social media posts.
Anthony Mackie
Marvel Superstar Anthony Mackie’s love life is as enthralling as his role as Falcon in “Captain America.” As young as in the second grade, he was captivated by Sheletta Chapital and her ‘skinny legs and ratty pigtails’. Their friendship blossomed over time, leading to marriage in 2014, though they later separated in 2018, cherishing their school-origins bond through co-parenting.
Catelynn Lowell
A sentimental journey commenced between Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltiera during their high school years. At merely 16, they placed their first daughter up for adoption—an emotional event documented on MTV’s “Teen Mom OG.” Tyler had to propose twice before they finally married in 2015. Today, the couple rejoices in parenthood with three more daughters.
Kendrick Lamar
In the world of fame, Kendrick Lamar and his high school love, Whitney Alford, have managed to keep their relationship mostly under wraps. Fast-forwarding years past their teen rendezvous, the couple revealed their engagement in 2015 and have since welcomed two children while maintaining a strong, private bond. Whitney, in Kendrick’s words, is not only a lover, but his “closest friend.” Their love story adds a special touch to each of Kendrick’s performances at ESSENCE Festival.