In this deeply moving conversation, Gena and Mathew Knowles open up about their 12-year marriage, a relationship built on love, resilience, and intentional growth.
Gena and Mathew met in Houston, where their journey began. Over the past 12 years, their marriage has blossomed into a beautiful partnership grounded in mutual respect and commitment.
Their marriage has been tested in profound ways. Six months after Gena’s sister passed away from breast cancer at just 48 years old, Mathew was diagnosed with male breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy. The experience forced him to confront his own mortality and the emotions he had long avoided.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Mathew’s fear of getting sick resurfaced and added strain to their marriage. He shared how this period led him back to his male therapist, helping him process grief and fear in a healthy way. Gena and Mathew both emphasize the importance of mental health, sharing that they each had therapy and even went through marriage counseling before they got married — a decision they credit with laying a strong foundation for their relationship.
Today, Gena and Mathew split their time between California and Houston, prioritizing quality time together and intentionally nurturing their marriage. They discuss what keeps their love alive and how they create space for each other’s personal growth while staying deeply connected.
Despite Mathew’s public connection as the father of Beyoncé and Solange, Gena is clear that their marriage stands on its own. She shares that Beyoncé and Solange have always been lovely to her, but their lives are focused on building their own path as a couple, one that is rooted in love, not celebrity.
Why You Should Listen
This episode is a raw and inspiring look at love, resilience, and emotional growth. Gena and Mathew’s story is a reminder that challenges, from grief to health scares, can become opportunities for deeper intimacy and stronger connection when faced with honesty, faith, and commitment.