Deborah Cox says nearly three decades of marriage has taught her a simple but intentional lesson: connection requires effort.
Cox, known for chart-topping R&B hits and a long-running stage career, recently opened up about her relationship with her husband, Lascelles Stephens. The couple has been together since the 1990s and married in 1998.
Their enduring bond, she said, is rooted in one consistent practice.
“We make time for each other,” Cox said in a recent interview. “You have to be intentional about it.”
Prioritizing Time Together
Cox emphasized that scheduling regular date nights has been key to maintaining closeness. She described it as a non-negotiable habit rather than a luxury.
The couple, who share three children and business ventures, including a wine company, work to separate professional responsibilities from personal time.
“We have to carve out space that’s just for us,” she said.
That separation allows them to reconnect beyond daily obligations. It also helps preserve the emotional foundation of their relationship.
Cox noted that laughter and conversation play a central role during those moments. The goal, she said, is to remain present with each other.
Relationship experts often echo similar advice. Intentional time together can strengthen communication and reduce stress in long-term partnerships.
A Love Story Decades in the Making
Cox and Stephens first met as teenagers before reconnecting years later. Their relationship evolved alongside Cox’s rising music career in the 1990s.
The singer, born in Toronto in 1974, went on to become one of Canada’s most successful R&B artists.
Despite the pressures of the entertainment industry, she said their shared history has helped sustain their marriage.
Their journey has included raising a family, building businesses and supporting each other’s careers. Stephens has also worked closely with Cox professionally.
Cox said maintaining a long-term relationship requires adaptability. Life changes, but commitment must remain steady.
“You have to grow together,” she said.
She added that staying connected is not about grand gestures. Instead, it comes down to consistency and mutual respect.
As Cox continues her work on stage, including recent performances in musical theater, she credits her husband as a constant source of support.
For couples navigating long-term relationships, her advice is straightforward.
Make time. Stay present. Keep choosing each other.
“It doesn’t just happen,” she said. “You have to nurture it.”