28 Years of Marriage and Ree Drummond FINALLY Spills the Truth About Her Cowboy Husband!

The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, has captivated millions with her recipes, TV shows, and books, but the cornerstone of her life is her enduring marriage to her husband, Ladd Drummond.

After 28 years together, their relationship remains a testament to love, resilience, and shared purpose.

While Ree has become a household name through her blog and Food Network career, Ladd has quietly supported her every step of the way, earning admiration as both a steadfast partner and a devoted father.

Their love story began in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, when Ree spotted Ladd across a dive bar during a holiday visit home.

The cowboy with strong hands sipping a beer immediately caught her attention, but after their initial conversation, Ladd didn’t call her back for months.

Just when Ree was ready to move to Chicago for a fresh start, Ladd showed up, taking her out to dinner and sharing their first kiss on her parents’ porch.

Two weeks later, he confessed his love, and within a year and a half, they were engaged.

The couple married in September 1996 in a ceremony filled with personal touches, including Ree’s brother Mike singing and a football game that had guests cheering in the locker room during the reception.

From the start, their marriage was anything but traditional—despite appearances.

Ree once noted that while their relationship might seem conventional, it is rooted in mutual support, adaptability, and shared faith.

Faith has been a cornerstone of their marriage, with Ree crediting their weekly church visits as a grounding ritual that keeps them connected.

Even during exhausting times, the couple prioritizes attending services, believing it strengthens their bond and helps them navigate challenges.

Over the years, they’ve faced plenty of ups and downs, from raising five children to managing a sprawling cattle ranch and overcoming personal health scares.

Ladd, often affectionately referred to as the “Marlboro Man,” is a fourth-generation rancher who co-owns Drummond Land and Cattle Co. with his brother.

The ranch spans 400,000 acres, making the Drummonds one of the top landowning families in the U.S.

While Ree has brought their family life into the spotlight, Ladd has remained the backbone of their operations, ensuring the ranch runs smoothly and instilling a strong work ethic in their children.

Their five children—Alex, Paige, Bryce, Todd, and foster son Jamar—grew up working on the ranch, often appearing on Ree’s cooking shows and blog posts.

Ree credits Ladd and the ranch for keeping the kids grounded, noting that their upbringing emphasized responsibility over fame.

Even as the children have grown and left home, the Drummonds continue to prioritize family, with Ree often stepping in to help Ladd with ranch duties now that they’re empty nesters.

In March 2021, tragedy struck when Ladd and his nephew Caleb were involved in a head-on collision while battling a wildfire near their ranch.

Neither was wearing a seatbelt, and Caleb suffered serious injuries, while Ladd broke his neck in two places.

Despite his injuries, Ladd drove himself to the hospital, refusing immediate medical attention so paramedics could focus on Caleb.

Ree later wrote on her blog about the terrifying ordeal, expressing gratitude that both men were fixable despite the severity of the accident.

The couple’s resilience extends beyond personal challenges to their business ventures in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.

Together, they’ve launched multiple successful enterprises, including The Pioneer Woman Mercantile—a bakery, restaurant, and retail store—and The Boarding House, an eight-room boutique hotel.

Each business reflects their shared vision, with Ladd overseeing renovations while Ree crafts menus and ensures guest satisfaction.

They also own Charlie’s Sweet Shop, a candy and ice cream parlor named after their beloved Basset Hound, and P-Town Pizza, where they occasionally enjoy date nights.

One of their most notable projects is The Lodge, where Ree films her Food Network show.

Located on their ranch, the Lodge has been opened to the public, attracting visitors from across the country.

Ree credits Ladd for encouraging her to start her blog in the mid-2000s, giving her the time and space to write while he managed the ranch.

What began as a way to stay connected with her mother soon blossomed into a career that includes cookbooks, a lifestyle magazine, and a line of home goods.

As they approach the next chapter of their lives, Ree and Ladd are preparing to become grandparents for the first time.

Their eldest daughter, Alex, announced in June 2024 that she and her husband Mauricio Scott are expecting a baby in the winter.

Ree shared her excitement on social media, calling the news a “priceless gift” and expressing her joy for Alex and Mauricio as they begin their own parenting journey.

For Ree and Ladd, their marriage has been a partnership built on mutual respect, shared goals, and unwavering love.

Whether overcoming the difficulties of ranch life, expanding their businesses, or celebrating milestones with their children, their relationship remains the foundation of their success.

As grandparents-to-be, they look forward to adding another layer of joy to their lives, proving that the best adventures are those shared with the people you care about most.

The Drummonds’ story is more than just a tale of romance; it’s a testament to perseverance, faith, and the enduring power of family.

Ree and Ladd’s ability to adapt, grow, and support each other through life’s challenges is an inspiration to anyone seeking a meaningful partnership.

Their legacy—rooted in love, hard work, and community—continues to thrive, showing that true success is measured by the relationships we build and the lives we touch.