Michael Douglas Took Catherine Zeta-Jones on ‘Amour’ Trip: His Bond with Her Changed after Beating Cancer

• Michael Douglas still takes his wife of 22 years, Catherine Zeta-Jones, on dates, and they share beautiful photos.

• Michael and his son made peace because of Zeta-Jones.

• His relationships with his spouse and kids are different following his cancer battle.

Hollywood couple Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have been through a lot together. Since his cancer diagnosis, Douglas has devoted most of his time to his wife.

A-list actor Michael Douglas took his wife of 22 years, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones on a romantic trip to Paris. On October 8, 2022, he posted a video showing the Eiffel Tower on Instagram and told his 1 million fans that he and his beautiful spouse were having a blast in the city of love.

Actor Michael Douglas and actress Catherine Zeta-Jones speak onstage at the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Rainbow Room on February 28, 2021 in New York, New York ┃Source: Getty Images

“Well, guess where I am? Yes, you got it! Trying to keep that a surprise, but we’re having a wonderful time here in Paris, France. Working hard, but life is good! I hope everybody enjoys their weekend, and I will see you soon! MD,” Douglas wrote.

In another post, the producer shared a clip-on from a rooftop and captioned it: “Hey guys! Happy #TGIF! Have a good one! Lots of love! MD.”

In November 2022, Douglas posted a photo of him kissing Zeta-Jones on her forehead during their time in the fashion capital of the world and penned alongside the snapshot: “Paris… Amour. J’adore.”

The two-time Academy Award winner has never taken off his wedding band. Douglas adores his wife very much as she is the woman who turned his life around.

How Did Zeta-Jones Manage to Reconcile Douglas & His Son from the Beginning?

The lovebirds, who have a 25-year age gap, met in 1998 at the Deauville Film Festival in France. Zeta-Jones was 29 years old then and was in close age with Michael’s first child, son Cameron Douglas whom he shares with his ex-wife, Diandra Luker.

Despite their age difference, Michael and Zeta-Jones tied the knot in 2000 and welcomed two children, a son named Dylan and a daughter named Carys.

At the time, the family patriarch was estranged from his eldest son Cameron who was troubled. That changed when Welsh native, Zeta-Jones stepped in to help the father and son duo repair their broken relationship.

Cameron Douglas, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones attend Kirk Douglas’ one man show “Before I Forget” at The Kirk Douglas Theatre on March 6, 2009 in Culver City, California ┃Source: Getty Images

Cameron candidly spoke about his stepmother’s efforts in reuniting him and his dad during an interview with the Daily Mail in February 2009. The actor stated he only had good things to say about the BAFTA Award winner:

“In private, she is warm and someone who puts family above everything else. When she is away from the spotlight, she’s down to earth and totally into bringing the family together at every opportunity.”

Cameron explained that when Zeta-Jones joined the family, things could have ended differently because of her age. However, she quickly made their new norm much more comfortable by extending an olive branch.

Michael Douglas attends the ‘Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps’ press conference at the Palais des Festivals during the 63rd Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 14, 2010 in Cannes, France ┃Source: Getty Images

“From the first day I met her, she said, ‘I want us to be friends, and I want you to know that you are a huge part of our family and are welcome anytime,” the California native recalled. Cameron added that the doting mom has kept her word ever since and that she helped bring the blended family together:

“She has been as good as her word. Dad and I have had our ups and downs over the years, but Catherine is someone who has cemented the family together.”

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones shelter from the drizzle while playing golf at St. Andrews on October 11, 2000 ┃Source: Getty Images

He mentioned that he had “never seen my father as happy as he is with her,” which is delightful to witness.

Sadly, Michael and Zeta-Jones’ happy life was shattered by his diagnosis. In his book, “Michael Douglas: A Biography,” the father of three revealed that he learned he had throat cancer during its advanced stage four.

Why Does Michael Treat His Wife & Children Differently Now?

Fortunately, the New Jersey native beat the disease with his wife by his side and has since changed how he sees his life and family.

In January 2011, Michael took Zeta-Jones and their children on a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida for Thanksgiving.

The family man expressed that since his diagnosis, he had come to “value the love and support” of his loved ones, adding the daunting experience had made him more appreciative of what he had:

“It gave me a new appreciation of just how valuable, how precious good friends and family are. There’s a much deeper feeling. That you appreciate what’s important in life.”

Michael added that cancer made his marriage to Zeta-Jones more solid than before and somehow salvaged it. They had had a rough patch before, and since his recovery, he wanted to “make it work” with her.

The “Basic Instinct” star has also managed to strike “a balance” between spending enough time with the Tony Award winner and the kids and supporting them.

Michael said that cancer made him re-evaluate his life in that he realized his priorities, which are his family, and that he is grateful to have his wife and kids.