With a new duet, a fresh album, and a decade of love behind them, Shelton opens up about life, music, and finding joy in the everyday with Stefani.
Blake Shelton Opens Up About His Relationship with Gwen Stefani and Their Duet on Upcoming Album
As Blake Shelton gears up to release his new album For Recreational Use Only on May 9, the country music superstar is also celebrating another major milestone: nearly a decade of love with Gwen Stefani. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Shelton reflects on his enduring romance with the pop icon, crediting their sense of newness and shared passion for music as the heart of their happiness.
“It honestly does feel like time is flying by,” Shelton, 48, says of their relationship, which began in 2014. “Some of the things that we talk about, we’re to the point in our relationship that it’s like, ‘Oh, remember what happened…’ and you realize, ‘Oh my God, that was eight years ago!’ It’s like, how did this happen so quickly?”
Yet, despite the years, Shelton says their connection still feels fresh. “Ten years is a long time,” he admits, “but it still feels new for me. I feel like that might be the key to happiness — it feels just as exciting and new and happy.”
That joy spills over into their work together as well. The couple teamed up for a new duet on Shelton’s upcoming album — though, interestingly, they actually recorded two songs. “We were both so fired up about both of them that we ended up holding one back for the next project,” he reveals.
Their featured track, “Hangin’ On,” offered a welcome vocal challenge. “It was definitely a challenge,” Shelton says. “We love to push ourselves as vocalists.”
Working together comes naturally for the duo. “We live together, so we walk around the house singing these songs all the time,” Shelton explains. “We have months to talk about, ‘Hey, maybe you jump on that part.’ By the time we get to the studio, we’re normally really prepared.”
When it comes to songwriting, Shelton praises Stefani’s deep lyrical instincts. “Gwen is way more particular when it comes to a lyric. I’ve never been as much of a stickler as she is,” he says with a smile. “It’s really important for her to be able to see herself in the lyric that she’s singing. Me — I’ve sung about going to prison, and there’s never really been a debate,” he jokes.
Beyond the spotlight, the couple is looking forward to a peaceful summer. Shelton, who is stepfather to Stefani’s three sons — Kingston, 18, Zuma, 16, and Apollo, 11 — says he’s excited for school to be out.
“Gwen and I pretty much have our summers wide open,” he shares. “We both have a few shows here and there, but nothing that’s tying us down to keep us from going and doing something fun. We don’t have any plans — which is our favorite plan.”
As Shelton’s album release nears, his outlook remains grounded in gratitude and love — not just for his music, but for the simple, shared moments with Stefani that make it all worthwhile.
