As the illustrious power couple commemorates a decade of marital bliss, let’s take a retrospective glance at the enduring love story of Rick Ross and his longstanding companion, Cristina Manckey.

“I live so I can die with you.”

This heartfelt declaration, immortalized in song, marked the celebration of Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s wedding anniversary just a year ago. Beyoncé’s soul-stirring lyrics dedicated to her partner, confidant, and husband, Jay-Z, eloquently expressed the depth of their connection. “I don’t have a reason to be if I can’t be with you,” she crooned, capturing the essence of a love that goes beyond the superficial.

The public’s heartstrings were tugged as they witnessed this public display of affection, especially considering the challenges the couple had weathered in their nearly decade-long marriage.

On the brink of welcoming twins Sir and Rumi, and already parents to the then-5-year-old Blue Ivy, Beyoncé and Jay-Z had not just built a family but a musical dynasty.

A decade ago, in a quiet ceremony witnessed by close friends and family, the couple formalized a romance that had long captivated public interest.

The intrigue surrounding the Destiny’s Child songstress and the celebrated rapper had sparked when they collaborated on Jay-Z’s hit single “’03 Bonnie & Clyde” in October 2002, following an initial meeting when Beyoncé was just 18. The song not only climbed the charts but also served as an unofficial anthem for one of the most influential couples in modern music.

Their friendship had evolved into something more, as evident in the lyrics “All I need in this life of sin is me and my boyfriend” or “me and my girlfriend,” performed on various stages. Beyoncé later revealed to Oprah Winfrey that they were friends first for a year and a half before embarking on a date, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation in a relationship.

Their musical collaboration “Crazy in Love,” which topped the charts in 2003, solidified them as the pair to watch musically and otherwise. Beyoncé, in a birthday speech to Jay-Z in 2006, expressed, “You taught me how to be a woman. You taught me how to live. You taught me how to be a friend. You’ve given me so much in life.”

As each year passed, Beyoncé’s love for Jay-Z deepened, and she openly declared, “Every year, I’m even more in love with you, and I want to spend every day of my life with you.”

Their high-profile life together continued to unfold, marked by professional evolution and joint ventures. Beyoncé, now a musical powerhouse beyond Destiny’s Child, credited Jay-Z with teaching her about artistry and instilling in her the importance of fighting for her beliefs.

Maintaining a degree of mystique around their personal lives, the couple chose not to disclose every detail to the public. Beyoncé explained to Winfrey in 2013 that she believed in preserving some mystique, emphasizing that there are aspects of their lives they preferred to keep private.

Their music, however, offered a glimpse behind the curtain. On Beyoncé’s eponymous 2013 album, she provided unexpected insights into her love life with Jay-Z. Songs like “Partition” and “Drunk in Love” delved into the intimate moments and passionate connection they shared.

Despite their global fame, the couple has managed to keep a certain level of privacy, allowing their music to narrate their love story. As Beyoncé and Jay-Z celebrate a decade of marriage, their journey remains a testament to enduring love and shared success.