Ashley Tisdale and Christopher French are celebrating over a decade of marriage, a milestone that has been built on love, understanding, and strong communication.
Despite the changes that come with time, the couple remains grounded and united in their relationship, sharing two daughters, Jupiter, 4, and Emerson, 10 months.
Staying on the Same Page
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Tisdale revealed that the key to her successful marriage lies in staying aligned with her husband, Christopher. “No matter what in life, things change,” she said, reflecting on how their relationship has evolved over the years. She emphasized the importance of staying on the same page through all of life’s ups and downs.
The actress, known for her role in Phineas and Ferb and as the CEO of the wellness brand Being Frenshe, also highlighted the importance of communication in their marriage.
Communication is key on everything. That’s a big one for us,” she shared. Tisdale and French’s ability to openly talk about their feelings and needs has been a central part of their bond.
Building a Strong Foundation Before Having Children
Before becoming parents, Tisdale and French spent nearly six years living together as a married couple. Tisdale believes this foundation of mutual understanding and growth was crucial before welcoming their first child, Jupiter, in 2021.
She shared how important it was to spend time learning about each other before having kids, as parenthood brings its own challenges.
“When you have kids, it brings out the flaws more in each other,” Tisdale admits. “The flaws that you’ve always known about your person, you’re like, ‘Oh, it’s fine.’ But then when you have kids, it is, ‘Oh my God.’ It bothers you more for some reason.”
Despite this, Tisdale acknowledges that every relationship is different, noting that she knows couples who thrive after marrying and having children right away.
Timing is Everything
Tisdale believes that timing played a significant role in the success of her marriage. “The best thing is that me and Chris, I think, found each other at the right time,” she says, suggesting that the right circumstances and maturity can help a relationship flourish.
A Sweet Birthday Tribute
In addition to discussing their relationship, Tisdale recently celebrated her 40th birthday on July 2. Christopher French took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to his wife, posting a series of sweet photos of Tisdale with their children.
His message reflected his admiration for her: “Happy Birthday to the most amazing, beautiful, kind, smart, sexy, talented woman in the world. It’s such an honor to walk beside you, and see your growth into such an incredible mom.”
French’s touching words were a reminder of the strong foundation the couple shares and the love they continue to nurture for one another.