R&B and soul legend Anita Baker can add “matchmaker” to her extensive list of accolades, as she sits at the helm of Grant and Tamia Hill’s love story.
Almost 28 years ago at the 1996 Soul Train Music Awards, Baker sowed a seed in Tamia that would blossom into an everlasting love. The couple, both single and at the onset of their careers, couldn’t have imagined the impact the “Sweet Love” singer saying Grant’s name during her first interaction with Tamia would have on their lives.
Still, with this year marking their 25th year of marriage, Grant and Tamia continuously express their gratitude to their matchmaker. The pair have forged an unbreakable bond, resulting in a loving marriage complete with their two daughters, Myla Grace and Lael Rose.
People often use the phrase “couple goals” on the internet, but the reality of marriage is that no couple is perfect. When we think about why we admire certain couples, we think about the moments they share with the world and how they make us feel. These 10 moments from the Hills give us all those feels and remind us to prioritize the simple things in relationships.
Grant and the Magical Wonders of Tamia’s French Toast
Some men say that they knew they’d marry their wives when they first laid eyes on them. Others say that it was his woman’s actions and love that he couldn’t live without. However, for Grant, it was the magic of Tamia’s french toast that sealed the deal for him.
“One day, in the morning, she made this bomb french toast,” Grant recalled, happily retelling the story on “Black Love.” “I was like, ‘I could marry her.’ She’s strong, she’s beautiful, she’s a fighter, we’re compatible, and she could cook! And, so I knew I could marry her, but the thing about it, I haven’t seen the french toast since.”
Fully embodying the phrase “a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” Grant’s retelling of that story will warm our hearts each time.
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Happy Anniversary @realtamiaworld…
I thank God for the enduring love in our marriage..
I thank God for guiding us to where we are today..
I thank God for us 😘… #Still #21YearsLater pic.twitter.com/YBZuEQRru8— grant hill (@realgranthill33) July 24, 2020
On July 24, 1999, Grant and Tamia officially tied the knot. The pair were overjoyed, as they celebrated their nuptials, danced and enjoyed the evening. In fact, they were so swept up in the event that they forgot to eat.
“I don’t think we realized we hadn’t eaten until we got in the limo after the reception to drive two hours from Battle Creek, [Michigan] to Detroit because we had an early flight out the next morning for our honeymoon,” the couple said in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine. “That’s when we stopped at a 7-Eleven on the way for chili cheese dogs and Slurpees.”
The Duo’s Unapologetic Prioritization of Time Together
At the core of Grant and Tamia’s relationship, friendship and love exists. The couple’s priority is each other, and it’s the little things, like texting each other in front of their children, that matters the most. “Whether we’re together or apart, we always start the day with “good morning” and say “goodnight” to each other before the end of the day,” Tamia told ESSENCE.
One afternoon in June 2019, Tamia posted a video of the two listening to Khalid’s “Talk,” as they rode electric scooters together. The caption simply read “#weekendmood” with two red heart emojis. It was a simple post that reminded us, yet again, of pure friendship and marital bliss.
“We have fun, and I can still sometimes make her laugh,” Grant said on Black Love Live. “I do enjoy her company, just like I enjoyed it when we first started dating.”
The Hills Conquer the Tamia Shuffle
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After 21 years of marriage, the couple proved that they are still in love, happy and dancing. Tamia shared a video of her and Grant doing the viral Tamia line dance.
Originally posting the video in 2020 for their anniversary, the couple is grooving to Tamia’s “Can’t Get Enough.” However, after one missed turn and a couple of missteps from Tamia, Grant jokingly points out that she messed up on her own song.
Their Baecation Adventures
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For Tamia and Grant, there’s no shortage of vacations. They are constantly posting photos and videos exploring the world with each other.
In December 2019, Grant shared one of those invaluable moments on Instagram. The couple both look like they are in full vacation mode at a bar in Jamaica. The simple post, along with its caption, “Posted up at the bar with a baddie..#R&R #Jamaica,” reminds us all how great it is to find your person and experience the world with them.
Grant’s Questionable Singing Abilities
There’s no debate that Tamia is an immensely talented singer with her numerous singing awards and accolades. However, that doesn’t stop Grant from bellowing the lyrics to his favorite songs.
“It’s interesting how athletes love music, and musicians want to be athletes,” Tamia said, in a special edition of Inside Stuff for Mother’s Day. “Grant likes to sing lead though, so Grant will sing lead in every song, and I’m like not everyone is meant to sing lead.”
Tamia shared one of those elusive moments in an April 2020 post with the pair singing along to Jon. B’s “They Don’t Know.” Grant ends the video trying to steal the lead, before the couple erupts into laughter.
A Pianist and a Vocalist
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What Grant lacks in vocal talent, he makes up for in his piano playing abilities. The couple share some of their musical sessions, with Grant on the keys and Tamia singing lead.
“Often, I look at the kids [during those moments], and their face just lights up, when they see their parents being silly, just singing and brought together by music,” Tamia said in the Inside Stuff Mother’s Day special. “Those are the best times in our house.”
A Surprise Guest at the 2008 Soul Summer Series
During Tamia’s performance of “Still” at the 2008 Soul Summer Series, Grant made an appearance that surprised the crowd. As Tamia sang the song’s final high note, Grant walked behind her, engulfing her in an embrace. Tamia brought the song to a close, holding the hand of the person who inspired those very lyrics.
Grant’s Awe Over Tamia’s Resilience
Tamia was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2003. Grant admits that he felt “scared” at the time because they didn’t know much about the disease. However, throughout it all, he was in awe of Tamia’s resiliency.
“Watching her deal with her health situation and not feeling sorry for herself, and fighting, and wanting to resume her career, inspired me,” Grant said in Black Love Season 2. “But also, it scared the crap out of me at first because you’re thinking, you don’t know what this is.”
Grant further explained his feelings about Tamia’s illness in an interview with Tamron Hall, saying, “When you go through your own stuff that’s one thing, but when you see a loved one, your family member, your wife go through something that’s tough,” Grant said to Tamron Hall. “But, she inspired me because not only did she overcome it, but she fought, she resumed her career, she’s an incredible mother, she’s active, [and] she plays tennis. You forget that she actually has this.”
The Building of Their Empire
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Grant and Tamia operate as a team in everything that they do. Both of them continue to grow together, embarking on new business ventures and advocating for their community.
Recently, the pair became partners in the Orlando City SC and the Orlando Pride ownership group. “The future is very promising for both teams,” the couple shared in a statement. “We are excited to support Orlando City, as well as the opportunity to be a part of the Orlando Pride and elevate women in sports.”
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