Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of a picture‑perfect celebrity marriage? The spotlight catches the smiles, the anniversaries, the red‑carpet poses. But what about the late-night talks, the doubts, the seasons where things feel like they might fall apart? That’s what Candace Cameron Bure is opening up about. In a candid revelation, the longtime star recalls “times of deep brokenness” in her nearly 29‑year marriage to Valeri Bure. She talks about faith, work‑life balance, the pandemic’s toll, and even how their son stepped in. Let’s explore the ups, downs, lessons, and hope in this journey.
Who Is Candace Cameron Bure?
For many, Candace Cameron Bure is the girl next door turned TV star: best known for her role on the hit sitcom Full House, and then the revival Fuller House. She’s also an author, host, and faith‑driven voice in the public sphere. Her marriage to Valeri, a former NHL athlete, has been in the spotlight too—so when she speaks about real struggle, people listen.
The Marriage: 29 Years Together
Candace and Valeri married full of hope nearly three decades ago. Over that time they’ve shared three children, career changes, parenting milestones, and shifting roles. While from the outside things may have looked strong, Candace reveals that even a long-term marriage isn’t immune to seasons of vulnerability, confusion, and difficulty.
“Times of Deep Brokenness”: What She Meant
In a recent interview, Candace admitted: “There were times of deep brokenness that I felt.” She elaborated that these weren’t fleeting moments but full seasons in their marriage where things felt fractured, unsteady, and raw. It’s striking because we rarely hear this kind of honesty from public figures. And it matters—because brokenness isn’t failure. It’s part of the journey.
The Role of Faith & Restoration
Candace framed the story not just as one of struggle, but of restoration. She said: “God is in the restoration business… [He] loves to restore and make all things new, and He certainly has.” For her and Valeri, faith wasn’t just a background detail—it became the lens through which they viewed their marriage, their crisis, and their comeback.
Why the Struggle Happened: Work, Family & Life Balance
One of the key stressors she pointed out: juggling work and family life. “I think that’s always been a struggle… so many women experience that.” It’s a reminder that even well-known celebrities face the same balancing acts that everyday people do—the pressure to be present, productive, successful, and connected.
The Rough Season: 2020 and Beyond
During the pandemic and its ripple effects, Candace revealed that their marriage hit what she described as a “really, really rough season.” They questioned whether they would make it through. The kind of stress most couples never disclose publicly. The pandemic didn’t just affect outer routines—it exposed fractures, shifts, and truths.
When Your Child Becomes the Unexpected Helper
Here’s a twist you might not expect: their son, Lev Bure, stepped in with a 45‑minute talk on marriage—just by opening his Bible on the couch and speaking to his parents. A young adult helping save his parents’ marriage flips the script on who holds power or perspective. It shows that sometimes wisdom comes from unexpected places.
Rebuilding from the Broken Pieces
Candace said it like this: “Sometimes within relationships, we have to break it down, like, into just what seems like so many broken pieces, but then when you put them all together, you really can build it even better.” The imagery resonates—think of cracked pottery that’s stitched back with gold. The cracks don’t disappear—but they become part of the beauty.
The New Season: Marriage Reimagined
Today, Candace says she’s “more in love” with her husband than when they met. With grown children, new rhythms, and another chapter, their relationship is shifting from parents raising kids to partners rediscovering each other. That transition isn’t always easy—but it can be meaningful.
What We Can Learn from Their Story
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Honesty is strength: Admitting brokenness doesn’t mean failure.
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Faith and purpose matter: They didn’t rebuild in a vacuum—they rebuilt on values they chose.
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External help helps: Even if unconventional (like a child’s talk), recognizing help is critical.
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Seasons evolve: Marriage isn’t static. What saved it once might look different later.
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Balance is ongoing: Work vs home vs self isn’t a one‑time solve—it’s ongoing.
Why This Story Resonates with So Many
Because hidden behind most social-media perfect marriages are the same questions: Am I enough? Are they enough? Can this survive? Candace’s story gives permission to be real, to hurt, to rebuild. It says: you’re not alone—even when it feels like you are.
Overcoming the Shame Around Marital Struggles
It’s common for couples to keep the tough seasons private out of shame or fear. But secrecy can deepen the pain. Candace choosing to speak openly helps destigmatize the idea that “if your marriage falters, you failed.” Instead, maybe it’s just part of the terrain.
The Role of Communication & Vulnerability
In their rebuild, communication—honest, raw, faith-based—played a major role. Vulnerability wasn’t weakness—it was the gateway to reconnection. That’s a lesson for all relationships.
From Celebrity to Real Life: Why the Pressure Is Higher
When you’re married in the limelight, expectations amplify. Candace and Valeri had the public’s eyes on them. That pressure can magnify the cracks, but also the healing. Sharing their journey publicly might help others feel seen.
What’s Next for Them?
With decades behind them and chapters ahead, the couple seems to be moving into a new phase—where parenting recedes a bit, partnership advances, legacy becomes more about impact than prestige. Candace’s new devotional book is part of that—saying “this is what I learned; maybe it can help you too.”
Final Thoughts: A Marriage Story Worth Holding On To
So there you have it. Candace Cameron Bure’s story isn’t just Hollywood headlines—it’s the kind of real-life narrative a lot of folks can resonate with: love, hurt, rebuild, hope. She and Valeri show that even after nearly 30 years together, marriage isn’t “arrived”—it’s a journey. Through valleys and peaks. Through work, faith, communication, and yes—“deep brokenness.” Because sometimes the cracks are where the light gets in.
FAQs
Q1: What did Candace Cameron Bure identify as the hardest season in her marriage?
A1: She said the hardest stretch came around 2020 during the pandemic, a time when she and Valeri went through a “really, really rough season” and feared they might not make it.
Q2: How did faith play a role in saving her marriage?
A2: Candace emphasized that her commitment, belief in restoration, and the understanding that “God is in the restoration business” helped frame their crisis as something that could lead to renewal—not just collapse.
Q3: Did the couple ever consider divorce?
A3: While she didn’t explicitly say “we filed,” Candace admitted they hit a breaking point and questioned whether the marriage would survive.
Q4: How did their children play a role in their marriage journey?
A4: Their son Lev delivered an impromptu talk on marriage for his parents, which she describes as pivotal in changing their perspective and helping them recommit.
Q5: What is Candace’s message for couples who are struggling?
A5: Her message: Struggles don’t mean failure. Breakdowns can become breakthroughs. Embrace honesty, lean on values you believe in, communicate openly, and allow the possibility of rebuilding. Even “broken pieces” can become something beautiful.
