Ina Garten’s Husband of 53 Years Still Sends Her Love Texts — She Was 15 When They Became Inseparable

• Ina Garten and her husband, Jeffery, have kept their tradition of writing love letters for nearly six decades.

• Ina Garten’s husband had been her inspiration for almost six decades.

• The couple made a crucial decision that influenced their entire life, but they have no regrets.

Food Network star Ina Garten has been married to her husband, Jeffery, for over 50 years. People gave us a glimpse of the food connoisseur’s upcoming interview with Drew Barrymore on the “Drew Barrymore Show,” and they spoke about everything love!

Garten and Barrymore spoke about the author’s secret to their loving marriage. Communication is one the most critical parts of the couple’s relationship, but Graten shared a story of Jeffery’s texting mishaps.

Ina Garten and Jeffery Garten in New York 2011. | Source: Getty Images

Since the beginning of their relationship, Garten shared that they always wrote letters for each other, but with the evolution of smartphones and instant messaging, Jeffery has now adapted “love texts.”

But Garten revealed that her husband sometimes sends those love messages to the wrong people. One time Garten said he sent a steamy text to her publicist.

Out of curiosity, Barrymore asked what the text said, and Garten did not hold back. She said her publicist showed her the message, and it read, “you are gonna be delicious tonight.”

Garten’s publicist immediately knew the text was not meant for her. But Barrymore still asked if she turned red, and the Food Network star was not sure of those details, but she said she “imagined so.”

However, the couple has kept this tradition for 59 years, one of the most significant contributors to the strong love they share for one another.

Ina Garten and Jeffery’s Love Story

According to Garten’s interview with People, she first met Jeffery when visiting her brother at Dartmouth College. Garten was 15 at the time and Jeffery 17, but the “Food Network” star left a lasting impression because Jeffery sent a letter and picture of himself to her house.

The “Barefoot Contessa” star remembered running to her mother, gushing over how “cute” this boy was and showing her the picture.

That letter was the beginning of many more. Jeffery’s love for writing was why the couple stayed in contact while she was in the Army.

Jeffery was deployed to Thailand for a year, and he sent her letter every single day. He told People that he was able to have one phone with her during his time away.

According to a Food Network article, Jeffery was attracted to Garten because he thought his wife looked like a nurturer that would take care of her.

Their wedding day also has an adorable story behind it. Garten and Jeffery tied the knot on December 22, 1968. The author told People that the day was perfect. During the ceremony, it started snowing, which made everything feel romantic.

Although everyone had to dig their cars out of the snow by the end of the ceremony, the moment was beautiful, and that was what mattered.

Garten credits her husband for her success; in fact, she said Jeffery was the first feminist she had ever encountered. The food connoisseur recalled that she had always loved cooking despite not knowing how to then, but Garten Jeffery encouraged her to find a career she loved.

In 1969, Garten confessed all a girl wanted was to be married, but to her surprise, Jeffery told her to be independent and figure out what to do with her life.

Garten also dedicated a cookbook titled “Cooking for Jeffery” to her husband and expressed her appreciation for Jeffery’s impact on her career.

The Reason Ina Garten and Jeffery Decided Not to Have Children

Garten loves to share meals with her friends and her beloved Jeffery, but the cook has not thought of extending that to her own children.

The “Barefoot Contessa” star confessed that she made she and Jeffery made the decision not to have children early on in their relationship,

Ina Garten on “Today” in 2017. | Source: Getty Images

However, the “Food Network” star admitted that the conversation about kids came up several times, but the couple could never decide when to start a family so they never brought it up again.

Even though they are older and have watched their friends and family have children, Garten said she does not regret not having kids.

A married couple without children finds a way to raise eyebrows in this society, but fortunately for Garten, she said her friends and family never judged her and Jeffery for their decision.

She is happy connecting with her friend’s children, but Garten admitted that life without children has helped her and Jeffery focus on one another, giving them all the freedom they want.

Jeffery and Garten’s jobs keep them apart during the week, but there is never a moment she does not feel like a priority to her husband.

According to People, Jeffery is the Dean of Yale Business School in New Haven, Connecticut, and Garten works from home in East Hampton, New York.

Ina Garten and Jeffery Garten in New York 2011. | Source: Getty Images

The author told People that Jeffery calls and texts daily, which always makes them feel connected. When they eventually get to spend their weekends together, it’s always bliss, said Garten.

Over 50 years of being together, Garten and Jeffery only have the sweetest things to say about one another. Their love story has survived a lot and continues to inspire many people.