Harry Connick Jr. & Wife Jill’s Secret to Happy Marriage Might Not Suit All

When it comes to lasting love, Harry Connick Jr. and his wife, Jill Goodacre Connick, have one rule—there are no rules.

“We trust each other, we love each other, we communicate,” Harry shared during a conversation with People. “But when you say it’s a rule, it’s almost like we got to adhere to this. We don’t really roll like that.”

“We just wake up every day, and we’re thankful for each other and try to be good parents and good spouses to one another,” he continued.

Celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary this year, the two-time Emmy winner and his wife show that their relationship is stronger than ever. They prioritize each other and their three daughters—Georgia, 28, Kate, 26, and Charlotte, 22. Maintaining their unique “way of life” takes precedence over following what works for others.

“It’s different for everybody,” he said about love and marriage. “Certain things that work for us may not work for other people, but we’re not too big on rules.”

Because of this mindset, Harry Connick Jr. tends to avoid giving his daughters excessive advice as they search for their life partners.

“I think that we’ve tried to lead by example … I’m not an advice giver,” he remarked. “‘Hey, what do you think about this?’ I might tell them, but I’ve always found that giving advice, especially unsolicited advice, tends to make people shy away.”

The Independence Day star explained that he and Jill have raised their girls “to have self-worth” and to “make good decisions.” He hopes this has given them the confidence to live their lives with minimal external input.

“I think they will [make good decisions],” he shared. “So, if they need us, they’ll come [to us]. But, it’s not like, ‘Make sure you communicate,’ or, ‘Find someone you can always laugh with.’ That’s just not my thing.”

This story’s featured image is by Noam Galai/Getty Images for New York Magazine.