Dondré Whitfield and Salli Richardson-Whitefield are two recognizable titans in the entertainment industry – both behind the scenes and in front of the camera. It is only fitting that their almost 30-year love story started on the set of the sitcom “Between Brothers.”
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“At the end of the week, I said to her, ‘Hey listen, this went about as good as it could get and you really surprised me because you were the opposite of everything I thought you could have been. If you ever want to hang out. Let me know, I’d love to,’” Whitfield recounts at the Black Love Live event in Los Angeles.
About a week later, they reconnected and the rest was history. The love story between the pair is full of ups and downs and twists and turns, but at its core, there’s only pure, everlasting love. Here’s 10 times the Whitfield’s gave us marriage and friendship goals.
Dondré is the Orator
When it comes to telling the story of their love, Whitfield always takes the lead. The reason why was made clear at Black Love Live in Los Angeles.
“I’m going to let him tell the story because he always says I tell it too short,” Richardson-Whitfield tells the audience, as she playfully waves her hand. She continues to deliver a quick overview of their origin before passing the torch to her husband. “He’s going to tell a much better story. See this is why I don’t tell the story. Go ahead, darling.”
Simply put, Whitfield includes all of the seemingly small, minute details that lead them to where they are today, while Richardson-Whitfield skips over them, exclusively hitting the major points. Regardless of whether the retelling is long or short, the one thing that shines is their love for each other.
The Way to a Man’s Heart is Through His Stomach
The age-old mantra holds true in the pair’s relationship. On the Black Love Live event stage, Whitfield revealed that when they first started their relationship, they spent five days straight together. Whitfield remembers feeling a connection with her deeper than anything superficial. Every day, they would wake up, get breakfast and go to the mall, so he could buy new clothes.
The relationship bliss almost came to a full stop, when Richardson-Whitfield offered to make him breakfast. “I said, ‘Please don’t make me breakfast,’” he tells the audience. “My family is from the South. I have Black women in my family that cook, and I’m like, ‘As fine as you are. Don’t mess this up for me. I’m going to take you to breakfast.’”
Despite his apprehensions, Richardson-Whitfield insisted on making him salmon croquettes. Needless to say, that meal was the start of their long lasting relationship and a pinnacle moment in Whitfield seeing her as his future wife.
Salli Knew Dondré Was Her Man
Richardson-Whitfield knew from early on that she was with the person she would marry. In fact, she was the first to say that they would get married and to utter those three magical words.
“I just was in love,” she recalls with a shy smile. “I said, ‘You don’t have to say nothing. I just want you to know how I feel.’”
After spending over 25 years together, it is safe to say that the feeling was mutual.
Dancing to the Beat of Their Own Drum
There’s something about being around the person that you love that makes you feel light and airy. It is no mistake that that feeling of great joy and bliss is often described as cloud 9. In a 2020 birthday post, Richardson-Whitfield shares a video of the pair dancing to Charlie Wilson’s “Forever Valentine.” It’s a simple, yet powerful moment that exudes the love and happiness they share.
“You are definitely dancing to your own tune now, and the kids and I will follow you were ever that takes us,” Richardson-Whitfield wrote in her caption. “Not only are you a inspiration to your family but you are now an inspiration to hundreds of thousands of young men and women looking for a better future.”
The Talented Twosome Never Stop Dating Each Other
People are constantly evolving into newer, better versions of themselves throughout life. The key to a long lasting relationship is the ability to allow your partner the opportunity to grow. Whitfield acknowledges that him and his wife are different people than they were before; however, the beauty in the longevity is relearning that person and maintaining the same affection.
“If you are constantly evolving, then you are constantly changing, so the person I was in a relationship with 22 years ago is not even here,” Whitfield explains. “All I know is this, I have to constantly redate my wife.”
Vulnerability is a Strength
For both of them, Whitfield showcasing his vulnerability was a game changer in their relationship. He didn’t have a man’s presence in his life in the beginning to show him how to be a husband. Instead, he had to come to his own realization and learn how to be more vulnerable with his family.
“A lot changed with us when he started being more vulnerable like that,” Richardson-Whitfield admits. “I’m not the most vulnerable person in the world, and I had to learn to accept … what he really is supposed to be. I’ve had to learn how to accept being loved.”
Salli’s Gilded Age Birthday Celebration
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Richardson-Whitfield is a force in the industry. The actress, producer and director is known for her work on various movies and shows, like the Will Smith-lead movie “I Am Legend” and Andrew Cosby’s “Eureka.” In celebration of her work on HBO’s “The Gilded Age,” Whitfield surprised her with a themed birthday party.
“So my husband completely outdid himself this weekend and surprised me with a Gilded Age themed 55th birthday party,” Richardson-Whitfield wrote. “The love and thoughtfulness that was taken to achieve such a beautiful night was felt by all. @alldondre you are such a beautiful thoughtful husband and I love and appreciate you more as the years go on. #husbandgoals.”
Their Annual Anniversary Photo Dump
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Each year on their anniversary, the couple shares a collection of photos across their social media pages, in recognition of their love. Usually accompanied by a heartfelt caption, the photos show the pair together on different occasions.
“I could not have asked for anyone with a bigger and more beautiful heart to be in helpmate partnership with,” Whitfield wrote in his photo dump for their 19th wedding anniversary. “Everyday, in everything we do, we beat more and more of the odds. We have defied every nay sayer. We have defied every negative statistic and trend. I truly could not be more blessed and more proud of our mutual commitment to each other and this union.”
Family Sits at the Center of Everything
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Parenting is a selfless, never-ending job. It is one that the Whitfields welcome with wide, open arms. They pour everything they have into their children, Parker and Dré. Whether it’s a family vacation, birthday celebration or a college move-in, the Whitfields are alway happiest in the presence of their children.
Salli and Dondré Are Never Giving Up
When the Whitfields said “I do,” they committed to a lifelong commitment. Two decades later, nothing has changed. Their journey together hasn’t always been easy, but the one thing that remains true is their love for and commitment to each other.
“You are going to have to forgive each other for huge things,” Richardson-Whitfield says, thinking back over their tenure as a couple. “If something happened … after all these years, we are going to have to figure it out.”
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