OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton have never been shy about their love story, but the pop superstar recently pulled back the curtain on the unique element she credits for keeping their relationship rock-solid: a “third party” that’s always present in their marriage. The catch? That third party is God.
During a candid appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show on April 23, 2025, Stefani, 55, didn’t hesitate when asked about the best advice she’s received about love. “Best advice would probably be, make sure you have a third party,” she said, gesturing upward as the studio audience erupted in applause. Stefani, a lifelong Catholic, has made no secret of the central role faith plays in her life—and it’s clear the same holds true for Shelton.
Faith as the Foundation
Stefani and Shelton’s relationship blossomed in the spotlight after they met as coaches on The Voice in 2014. Both were weathering the aftermath of high-profile divorces—Stefani from Gavin Rossdale, Shelton from Miranda Lambert—when their friendship turned romantic in late 2015. “Meeting my husband felt like a second chance at life. God put this other person there to love me,” Stefani reflected in a November 2024 interview with The Guardian, calling their union a “miracle.”
Faith has always been a guiding force for the couple, who wed in July 2021 at Shelton’s Oklahoma ranch. In interviews, Shelton has echoed Stefani’s sentiments, crediting her with helping him through personal turmoil. “Gwen saved my life. Who else on earth could understand going through a high-profile divorce from another musician?” he told Billboard in 2016.
Life at Home: Low-Key and Faith-Filled
Despite their star status, Stefani and Shelton’s idea of a perfect evening is refreshingly simple. Stefani described their date nights on The Drew Barrymore Show: “I’m literally like—couch, blanket, cookies, chips.” She joked that she and the 6’5” Shelton sit on separate couches (“we don’t fit anywhere!”), usually surrounded by their dogs. This quiet life at their Oklahoma ranch marks a deliberate shift for Shelton, who stepped back from The Voice in 2022 to focus on family, including his role as stepdad to Stefani’s sons Kingston (18), Zuma (16), and Apollo (11).
Weathering Rumors with Humor and Hope
Even as the couple’s faith-driven approach draws praise from fans online—many lauding Stefani’s candor about religion—it’s also helped them weather the tabloid storm. Stefani addressed persistent divorce rumors in a September 2024 interview with Nylon, saying, “The truth is I am in love with my best friend… I’m overthinking.” The duo’s recent duets, including the hopeful “Purple Irises” and the upcoming (but fictional) breakup-themed “Hangin’ On,” have only fueled speculation. Shelton, for his part, has been quick to clarify that the songs are about storytelling, not their real-life relationship.
Fans Weigh In
Reactions on social media have largely been positive, with many applauding Stefani’s willingness to discuss her faith openly. “Gwen has ALWAYS been a religious person. This is nothing new,” one user posted. Despite occasional criticism over her endorsements—like the Catholic prayer app Hallow—supporters argue that her faith has long been the bedrock of both her identity and her marriage.
Building a Life on Shared Values
Stefani and Shelton’s journey, from heartbreak to healing, has unfolded under the watchful eyes of fans and media alike. But through it all, their humor, authenticity, and shared spirituality have kept them close. As Stefani’s latest revelation makes clear, the “third party” in their marriage isn’t a secret—just a source of strength as they continue to write their love story together.