Barbra Streisand and James Brolin have reached a milestone this year—25 years of marital bliss! These two lovebirds have always been forthright about their relationship, sharing how beautiful it is to find love later in life.

Now, they’ve shared a charming little secret about their romance that they’ve kept under wraps for years. Intrigued? Read on to discover what they’ve revealed!

The love story of Barbra Streisand and James Brolin began like many great romances—with a blind date. Unbeknownst to Brolin, Streisand had a certain image in her mind of what her date might look like.

Expecting to meet a man with a full head of hair and a beard, she was taken aback when she saw that Brolin was actually bald.

Being the honest woman she is, Streisand didn’t hold back and candidly told Brolin that his hair was a bit of a mess. Far from being offended, Brolin was charmed by her frankness and knew right then and there that she was the one for him. Unlike Brolin, Streisand needed a few more dates to be certain of her feelings. But soon enough, they were deeply in love and tied the knot in 1998.

This wasn’t the first trip down the aisle for either of them. Streisand was previously married to Elliot Gould from 1961 to 1973, and they share a son, Jason. Brolin had also been married twice before—first to casting agent Jane Agee for 20 years and then to Jane Smithers for nearly a decade.

Brolin has three children from his previous marriages: Josh, Jess, and Molly. He’s also a proud grandfather to four grandchildren: Eden, Trevor, Westlyn, and Chapel. Brolin often gushes about his wife, once saying, “Every night is a new adventure. Sleeping is a waste of time. I can’t wait to see her again in the morning.”

As they celebrated 25 years of marriage this summer, the couple revealed a rather surprising secret. During an interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings, Brolin shared something not many people knew. Before meeting Streisand, he had been celibate for three years.

“I had been—literally it’s a wild word—but I had been celibate for three years, saying, ‘Who needs this?’” Brolin disclosed during the interview with King. Streisand playfully scolded him, saying, “You’re not supposed to tell that.” A stunned King repeated, “For three years?”

Brolin explained, “I had not wanted to get involved in a lousy situation.” King, intrigued, asked, “After three years, that must have been a hell of a night then?” Brolin confirmed with a smirk, “Wild!”

Brolin had chosen celibacy due to his two previous failed marriages. He didn’t see the point in entering another relationship that might not work out.

But all that changed when a friend persuaded him to meet Barbra. His outlook shifted, and he knew he had to marry her. For Streisand, it took a bit more convincing. It was only after Brolin asked her for the third time that she finally said yes.

Isn’t it amazing to learn these behind-the-scenes details? The fact that James Brolin remained celibate for three years is quite surprising! But it’s heartwarming to see how it all led to a beautiful love story. What do you think about their romance? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Ask your friends what they think about this touching love story.