These two just can’t seem to let each other go. First they have a very public break up, then after some time apart, they announce they are back together- then a filing for divorce is is in the news , and a few months later a reconciliation is in the works following some productive counseling sessions. This is a star couple who not only stands out for how long they have been together, but also for how strong their bond appears to be, especially compared to their celebrity peers.
Their star offspring, Miley, says that they are a fabulous couple and a close and loving family and she very much wants them to work it out and stay together. Maybe after 20 years, a couple like Tish and Billy Ray have a stronger glue that holds them together. They have a history that goes back to when they were practically kids, they have children together, they have a lot to lose if they break-up- all good reasons for hanging in there and doing the work that is necessary to successfully address their issues.
Do these factors matter when it comes to deciding whether to divorce or not? I believe they most certainly do. After all, if someone is trying to make a decision that would involve giving up so much they value- wouldn’t it be harder for them than for someone who has invested much less time and stands to gain more than they would lose by leaving?
Wouldn’t it be useful to have these long married celebrity couples offer their thoughts on what keeps a relationship strong and together? Certainly they have many temptations and a lifestyle that is filled with time apart, competing egos, other men and women just waiting for their chance- and a culture of divorce that says it’s normal and OK to leave when it’s just not fun anymore. If they can make it work under these circumstances, they definitely are doing something right.
Here’s to Tish and Billy Ray- may they have a long and happy union.
