Dr. Phil McGraw, 75, and his wife, Robin, are nearing their 50th wedding anniversary on August 14, and they are sharing insights into the enduring success of their marriage. The couple, who met in 1973, married in 1976 and have two sons, Jay and Jordan. Their relationship has weathered significant challenges, including health crises their children faced when they were young.
Dr. Phil's primary advice for marital longevity is to focus on small, consistent acts of kindness. "Just ask yourself, what can you do today to make their life a little better? It doesn’t have to be a big thing, but those little things add up," he told Us Weekly. He elaborated that these small behaviors accumulate to significant positive results over time by shifting focus from oneself to one's partner. "A lot of people would be well served if they got out of themselves and focused on your partner more," he added.
Robin expressed deep emotion when contemplating their upcoming golden anniversary. "I hope I don’t cry through this entire process because it’s been it’s very, very beautiful time for us right now," she said. Dr. Phil noted the surreal feeling of reaching such a milestone, stating, "I don’t feel like I’m old enough to be married 50 years. I don’t feel any different than I felt when I was 50. So how could I be married 50 years? It’s really flown by."
Navigating Health Crises
The most challenging periods for the couple involved their children's health. Dr. Phil recalled the intense fear when their younger son, Jordan, was diagnosed with a rare cancer in his leg at age 12. "That was probably the most scared and helpless I’ve been in the 75 years of my life," he shared, describing the necessary surgery and implantation of artificial bone.
Robin echoed these sentiments, recounting a difficult time when their first son was only three weeks old and required surgery because his stomach was closing, preventing him from nourishing properly. "There’s nothing more challenging than to face an ordeal or a trauma with your children," she stated.
Their shared Christian faith has served as a cornerstone during both difficult and joyous times. "It’s very important to us to have our faith with us. I’ve always believed that whatever we’re going through — good or bad — it is because of God’s love. That’s part of a plan and so we question nothing," Robin said.
The Beginning of Their Romance
Phil, then 23, met Robin, 19, in 1973, shortly after his first marriage ended. Robin was a friend of Phil's younger sister, Brenda, and had gone to the McGraw household to prepare for a double date that ultimately fell through. Phil's initial greeting was a blunt, "Who are you?" Despite the unceremonious introduction, Robin sensed a gentle nature beneath his gruff exterior.
They married on August 14, 1976, in Texas, the same day Phil earned his master's degree in psychology. The wedding ceremony was modest, reflecting their financial circumstances at the time. Robin's wedding dress cost $100, paid for weekly, and Phil wore a white tuxedo. Their reception consisted of punch and cookies, with photos taken by friends and family. Their honeymoon included a night in Juarez, Mexico.
Reflecting on their humble beginnings, Dr. Phil noted the contrast with modern extravagant weddings, "I see people spend millions on weddings and they last a year. We spent less than $500 bucks on everything and it’s stuck for 50 years. So pretty good Return on Investment."
Phil's first marriage to Debbie Higgins McCall, whom he met in high school, was annulled after three years. McCall later cited his alleged infidelities as the reason for the annulment.