Ina Garten Opens Up About Marriage to Jeffrey, Childhood Trauma & New Memoir | PEOPLE

Culinary icon Ina Garten opens up about her latest memoir, ‘Be Ready When the Luck Happens,’ sharing deeply personal insights into her life, including the childhood trauma she faced and the resilience it took to overcome it. Ina reflects on her difficult home life in the 1950s, revealing how her controlling and physically intimidating father shaped her early years, and how she found determination to build a better life. She discusses how meeting Jeffrey transformed her, and how their relationship thrives on mutual support, with each prioritizing the other above all else. Ina also shares the serendipitous moment she was discovered by the Food Network, which catapulted her into fame, and why, despite her success, she has no plans to retire.
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Ina Garten Opens Up About Marriage with Jeffrey, Childhood Trauma & New Memoir | PEOPLE
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[@CaliMel184]

I love how supportive and kind Jeffrey and Ina are to each other.

[@anbacooks]

After hearing her talk about her unhappy childhood and the way she and her husband approached their relationship as equals, I love her (and him!) even more! Such respect. ❤❤

[@lisanester3338]

@@anbacooks with Ina what you see is the truth.

[@sheenamcguire5225]

I love their relationship. There’s something so beautiful about two ppl who are there for one another 100%.

[@ninaferraro5173]

@sheenamcguire at first I thought you were talking about Ina & Jennifer Garner 😂🎉😂 Xx

[@stephanieann622]

Such a lovely couple. I used to watch her show many, many years ago and the love that her and Jeffrey shared was beautiful beyond words. Ina, you get more beautiful as you age❤❤❤❤

[@gardenroom65]

So you opted out of children. You missed out. Also a long distance marriage is never easy.

[@deborah5261]

Absolutely!

[@BethyKable]

Ina and Jeffrey are so in love, it’s beautiful to watch. They are so solid and authentic

[@catherine3904]

Her childhood made me so sad! It makes me extra happy at her success.

[@muek]

She mentioned in a different interview her reason why she decided not to have kids is because she did not want to repeat her childhood. And even then that was the only hint she ever gave about how bad her childhood was.

[@CaliMel184]

@@muek That's so sad. I bet she would have been an amazing mom because she would have known everything what not to do. But kudos for her for not feeling like she HAD to have them. That must have been so so hard especially in the time frame she was growing up in.

[@stardustgirl2904]

Many people don't have the childhood that they wanted! But that never stopped me! I met my husband through my Dad, and we got engaged after four months, and we had 4 children and it's been 32 years and we're still in love ❤️

[@karenlehn2351]

Her childhood,was actually a very common upbringing at that time,she didn’t go through anything different then most children of that era experienced. I know,because,I’m older than her.

[@evam4536]

@@karenlehn2351 So true, we just accepted it back in the day. Ina calling out the fear and loneliness at a very young age within her family enables us to empathise if not identify with her. Bless her.

[@Poodlemama2]

Ina and Jeffrey! Can’t get enough of those two. The interview here was very well done because it seemed like Ina was being herself and that intimate quality rarely comes across during segments like this. Now onward to find her book! Congrats, Ina! 💐💕

[@TheSmallSpoon519]

I love how Jeffrey adores her. She's one of my favorites

[@maryallore478]

This is so uncanny....I am listening to Ina speak and she is reiterating my childhood. I am also a product of the fifties. I was fearful of my father. My mother did not allow us in the kitchen. I am grateful every single day that I grew up surprisingly well adjusted, married, had a family and became a nurturing loving individual and also an amazing cook! So very happy that you shared these memories.

[@pollytiks3885]

I grew up in that environment also. There was such a culture clash between the parents of the fifties and the children of the sixties.

[@kristakowalski7954]

Wow! Can I relate!

[@lisathomas6724]

I love a woman who lives outside society’s “norms”. Ina has always been an inspiration to me.

[@becky-in3tw]

How could anyone hate this woman? She is so lovely. And everything she says is making complete sense.

[@Seashellsontheseashore123]

"Be ready when the luck happens" love it!! 💕

[@katysummer9418]

I am sure if couples support each other in what they want in life they will be happy.

[@bkm2797]

Really admire Ina, she is herself and loves sharing what she enjoys when it comes to food. Ina is a beautiful human being!💕👍

[@DetroitTea23]

I miss her show so much. My husband and I loved watching her cook.

[@tammylemoine3019]

Classiest lady I have ever seen. She doesn’t even have to try. So sorry about her difficult childhood 😢. She sure is a positive person despite that. Her marriage is enviable. How wonderful to be married to your best friend❤

[@gwynwellliver4489]

My mom and aunt went to high school with Ina, but didn't run in the same friend groups. Stamford high was a big school! We love Ina's books and recipes.

[@barbaraschain9260]

Ina is such a natural and down-to-earth person. She is so lucky to have found a wonderful person like Jeffrey, and he to have found Ina. What a beautiful inspiring story. I love watching Ina cooking...she makes everything so easy❤❤❤❤

[@elizabethann9152]

I feel as if I just found out my parents separated briefly during the 70s. Why wasn't I told? How do I even process this? Bless you, Ina, for all the beauty you spread. Thank you for teaching me to cook. And to love flavor. We love you, you know.

[@pbj0815]

When I was a kid I would watch her show now I have two kids and they watch her with me. We love you Ina! ♥️

[@EdelweisSusie]

It’s fascinating how people who had Ina’s childhood (like I did) don’t have children - the mental and emotional wounds run so deep that no matter how well you do in life the memories never leave you.

[@Familylawgroup]

As she describes her relationship with her Husband I kept imagining the subtitle of “An idiot’s guide to love and a genius’ guide to a serious, living marriage.” I am a generation younger than she, but her life story could be a part of my story in many ways, with the exception I never learned how to cook. I share the befuddlement of others when people mock kitchen idiots like myself who love to watch Food Network and cooking shows. I always found the sounds of cooking and chopping to have very meditative qualities - before ASMR became a “thing.” I think Ms. Garten’s shows have some of the best ASMR qualities. Her show is my “Matzo Ball Soup for the soul.”

[@julsjewels3185]

She is an inspiration as well as Jeffrey. A deeply childhood does not write your whole history. Well done Ina!!

[@ecampbell5837]

I think she’s more down to earth than she comes across sometimes.

[@_DerekHaley]

She is a national treasure and I absolutely adore the memoir title!!

[@joycestepancevich6591]

I've always admired women born in the fifties, that generation of women, smart, well educated collectively wanted and could see and also demanded that their lives could be lived differently than the majority of women that went before them. It's impossible not to love Ina!!

[@candacejourdan-u8j]

I met Ina in East Hampton in the '90's --- she was lovely then and is only more so now! ❤ Thank you, Ina, for all the gorgeous cookbooks you've written since. They provided the delicious recipes for many, many special and fondly remembered meals with friends. May God bless you tenderly as you do NOT retire! ❤

[@Lisamarievalerio]

She seems to be the sweetest soul. ❤ I absolutely love how she opened up about her childhood trauma. I have so much respect for her and she clearly knows she’s not that same scared child. Life is about making a difference and she’s accomplished that

[@Rory-bt5cd]

I will always remember watching an episode where she serves her husband asparagus and he asked "what are these?" And she replied "asparagus" and he says "my mom served asparagus, but it didn't look like these, hers were a green mush"😅😢

[@TheMocao]

I didn’t eat asparagus for the longest time because my mom made them like his mom did 😂

[@teresakoren5987]

I loved watching Ina's shows, I always thought the best part was when Jeffrey made an appearance, their love and caring for each other is beautiful. I'm looking forward to reading her memoir.

[@patriciaenglund2740]

Just love being authentic and sharing it. Ina, you’re very relatable as a woman, a wife, and achiever in doing what you love and loving what you do.

[@theyummyvegan]

I could listen to her all day!

[@Teaally1913]

They both are so interesting and seem to be so kind hearted.

[@evelynpasqua6968]

My sister loves her shows, she has a several cookbooks. She always cooks something and asks me to taste them. We love to try something new. I am grateful that Ina really enjoys doing something like this. It is important to have fun and learning. Ina is a happy lady and loves her husband.

[@JulesG-xu2vw]

Good afternoon dearest Ina!! Listening to your wonderful story, I was so touched by your tenacity. I applaud you for listening to your inner child and never settling for less. Everyone has dreams and we are all very unique and distinctive aren't we?? I am sorry that you were not taken seriously. I'm sure your parents did the best that they could, however, it was not an ideal situation. Now look at you!!! You are a delight and a treasure and seeing you create such amazing dishes is such a gift. You and Jeffrey are enchanting together. It is indeed a process----a life long commitment. We all enjoy your lovely personality and laughter, but most of all we love watching you do something that you really enjoy!!! Much love, Jules

[@kkpenney444]

No, her parents did not do the best that they could. They were abusive. How is that 'best'?

[@SuperC888]

Did her parents ever see her success?

[@loveisall5520]

Though I don't watch TV, don't even remember the last time, I do know her. I've enjoyed seeing her because unlike some others on TV, she really knows how to cook. Definitely not my style, but that doesn't matter. She's a joy.

[@tamimaher6092]

I miss Barefoot Contessa😢. I used to watch her all the time and have one of her cookbooks. She has inspired so many of her viewers. I love the way she was so soft spoken and not hyper running around her kitchen. Thanks for this video, as I was curious about her whereabouts.😊

[@yolandasilverio1205]

Both you and Jeffrey are a lovely couple, it is so admirable.

[@patj5330]

It's never been only about her cooking, it's her whole demeanor. She represents, calm, peace, serenity. She is the kind of person that you feel could be your best friend, that will listen and never judge. Although she had a difficult childhood, she has brought so much love, joy and comfort to so many. She and Jeffrey are so lucky to have found each other. I've written down and will pass on, "Be Ready When the Luck Happens". Thank you Ina. You are a treasure.🥰🥰❤❤

[@latebloomerabroad]

Ina's been popular because her "realness" comes across on the screen. Plus, her recipes are fantastic and usually surprisingly simple! Make Julia Child's boeuf bourgignon and then Ina's, and you'll see why Ina's famous! (Ina's is much simpler and tastes the same!)

[@marclegarreta]

This was raw and real. Watching her cook, you think she has everything. And she is pretty darn lucky! But like most people, she’s so much more interesting and complex. This really touch me and reminded me that life isn’t always glamorous and that’s ok!

[@ShawnGreenwell-l9j]

So happy she has jeffrry and he showed her how to live! They are each others support systems

[@annemaher-hauck7466]

This felt so authentic I have every cook book she ever wrote Plus I loved her shows

[@lindajones8895]

I love Ina and Jeffrey. I love how personable Ina is. I love her recipes. Be blessed. ❤❤

[@user-yy9wh5im4p]

I remember seeing her on several different yearly Thanksgiving shows..Sometimes it seemed the other chefs were competitive with her for one reason or another She really came across as down to earth and gracious. She lets you know that she appreciates her success but she doesn’t let it go to her head Just an amazing creative person who happen to love cooking . Thank you Ina 😀

[@laukeys1]

I noticed that also about the Thanksgiving shows. I remember thinking that they don't need to compete with her because she has nothing to prove. Just a gracious, happy woman.

[@cynhanrahan4012]

I adore Ina. I've always watched her show, but thought some of it was unrealistic for my family. The family grew up and I've been single for about 10 years. Then the pandemic came along and I open KZbin to Ina making a HUGE cosmo just for herself. It was hilarious. And then an interview with her about all she discovered without having her back up kitchen team, like learning you do not defrost a chicken overnight in the refrigerator. She almost shouted, "It took 3 days!" That was when I realized what a fangirl I was becoming.

[@loisbruce]

Who didn't grow up in the 60's and not have a difficult childhood? Parents are friends to their children these days - it's a very strange time. I was scared of my dad because he was the disciplinarian and mum was the one who nurtured us. When I turned 14, I started to appreciate my dad and was able to have conversations with him about things that happened in school. He passed when I was twenty and I miss him dearly, especially as I had less time with him than I did with my mum.

[@claudiaonstad1071]

I'm so thankful that I discovered Ina so many years ago. She is my comfort when I need a break from life. I love listening to her voice and getting cooking ideas from her. I even saw her live in her stage event. Every year for my birthday I am gifted something from Ina. This year I've strongly hinted to my family that Ina has a new book out. So guess I know what I'm getting for my birthday.

[@lisamcinnes7970]

Ina's childhood sounds a lot like mine but the parent situation was in reverse - a narc mother (couldn't cook to save herself) and a kind but distant (but could cook) father. I have a library of cookbooks and had to think deeply why - because my mother would not and could not cook! I have all of Ina's cookbooks the only other entire collection apart from Donna Hay. My library has moved around with me and are very precious.I love you Ina.

[@moniquemckenna6795]

Thank you, for this wonderful interview, in so many ways each of us have felt the way you do, in how our childhood has affected our grew up years. The one thing that jumped out at me was the fact that all your books are not displayed for all to see. This shows how humble you are. You are so open about your journey, it is not always a piece of cake, in relationships and you truly got the icing. Deservedly so ❤

[@printmeacoupon7974]

Ina makes recipes that always works. Easier to find ingredients, easy to follow instructions. Foods I’ve tried and wanted to eat at home.

[@SuperKathio]

Thanks for helping me to understand my parents. Much like yours.

[@robyoung9968]

She is one of those great cooks who makes cooking more fun, easy and elegant. I idolize her. She’s lovely. I admire her telling her story..

[@mra2010]

I wish to meet Ina Garten one day, I hope she flies to Japan for a book tour - will go there

[@susansmith493]

"Luck" is when preparedness meets opportunity. Most people think "luck" includes only the latter. They ignore the "preparedness" part.

[@palomino5223]

Just love Ina and Jeffrey! You can't fake that. Ina is such an inspiration, who would have known she spent such an isolated childhood? Gives so much hope for those in the same situation.

[@pollytiks3885]

This was such a beautiful interview. Ina Garten is an amazing person.

[@houston5568]

I think she is lucky in marriage; I say this because it is obvious they have never had financial problems apparently; when you have that ability or financial freedom to travel when they were young; to be become educated and to be able to buy the Barefoot Contessa when she did. Luck and being extremely talent is her key.

[@meeks1201]

She definitely married a 1 of 1 man, they are both God’s favorites 😭

[@msr1116]

I love Ina and Jeffrey's early photos. Such an adorable couple. Ina continues to be very photogenic, and reminds me of a young Sally Field a little bit.

[@carmarasmussen8118]

I think she looks very much like Ali MacGraw when she was younger.

[@msr1116]

@@carmarasmussen8118 ... Yes, I can see that too. Ina's features are familiar but I'm having trouble going through all the dark haired possibilities she could, in varying degrees, resemble.

[@tashatopalakis2035]

So grateful you love what you do, Ina! We love it, too!! Best Wishes to your future books. 🙏🏼💝

[@nathalieandparis]

Ina just exudes class and beauty. What a beautiful woman. Love her and Jeff. Such a wonderful couple. Such a sad childhood though.

[@Clutching.My.Pearls]

Don't stop Ina, we love you and your cooking ❤

[@debbienossavage7419]

Ina Garten and Jeffrey are the bomb! i love, love them❤️❤️❤️

[@alwaysbekindlove]

Wow, this is a very vulnerable interview and I respect you for that. We never really know a person as cliché as it may seem by just their cover, and it makes me feel more human, knowing that I used to watch a woman during vulnerable stages of my life. To help fantasize about the world outside of the one I was living. Thank you again thank you.

[@glg6069]

God I love Ina. I love who she is, her principles and her quiet, classy way of saying No. I love that her husband supports everything she is and I love how Jeffrey still surprises her. Amazing relationship! ❤

[@bobinabuddy]

Design book sounds great, your bouquets are always stunning, enjoy all your books 🥰

[@j.m.1806]

I heard a lot of repeated generalizations while never hearing anything more. Always nice to hear things are well. Continued happiness!

[@nancypurdy5878]

Ina, I think you were wise at a very young age. You’re truly a gift o all of us. Thank you for sharing. Look forward to reading your book.

[@millsykooksy4863]

love her and love Jeffrey, they're adorable. I would love to see more healthy marriages portrayed on television

[@alwaysbekindlove]

Their marriage always seem to be the marriage that we all aspire to have. And the truth is, it’s wrapped up in love we just have to sacrifice and love one another. And love does require sacrifice. And Jeffrey would’ve missed out on some good chicken and brownies. It’s a good thing he stayed.

[@minniegirl175]

I've always wondered why she didn't have children. She'd be a great mom, I think

[@wendywheeler8925]

I can absolutely identify with Ina’s childhood. I too was physically afraid of my father

[@nancybarta8167]

I had an abusive Mother and husband........we survive. Dont let anyone tell you if their family you have to put up with it!My mother never apologized and pretty much disowned me so she didnt have to face up to her behavior.Jeffrey is so wonderful!!!My ex came back a different person after Viet Nam.

[@davidrigsby4828]

Fascinating interview. Ina’s a great person!

[@tammyrexroad8020]

She’s so lovely.

[@wendyhauman8320]

So many of us love you! Thank you for being an inspiration!

[@pattyterry6432]

Love this. Thank you for sharing your story ☺️.

[@pebbleshore2731]

Can't wait for the design book!

[@highpsi11]

Gosh - she looked like such a kid when she met Jeffery!

[@traceystoneman1922]

Love theses two so much ❤❤

[@deedled4879]

I love Ina ❤ and respect her

[@Arlene-e2g]

I'm confused. Jeffrey expected a traditional marriage while married and they seperated for a few months where they both thought about what they wanted. When Jeffrey, much earlier in their marriage Ina thinks he was "the first feminist." I really enjoy Ina and what she does, but I have thought for a very long time that jeffery and she have a great friendship where they simply enjoy each others company. Jeffrey was away for a full business week for years and years and only was home for the weekend. They aren't in each others faces physically or emotionally. Nothing wrong with their relationship, but very much doubt it is the greatest love affair of all kind. Favourite brother, favourite sister rel'ship.

[@susansimmons4134]

We ALL love and admire Jennifer Garner's "Queen." You are such a source of strength and commitment to that which you were created to be, and again, we all are the better for your presence here amongst us with your love and creativeness. You and Jeffrey are the BEST as well. Every day of life is a gift, and we should cherish every aspect of those hours with loved ones, and above all things by golly "be ready when the luck happens. Love You!!

[@elizabethharrell8707]

My absolute favorite person on the planet

[@Chrisgraww]

Hello 👋Beautiful Lady 🌹..How are you and the weather condition like ?

[@markbeggs2256]

what a beautiful story . . . thank you for sharing . . .

[@AngePurelove-q2w]

What a beautiful interview love her

[@nancyfarkas3592]

This is how marriage is supposed to be. It’s about compromise and making each other happy. Not just about making one person hqppy

[@angelirohival6270]

I have a friend who could absolutely be Ina’s twin because they look so much alike. The hair. The body shape. Uncanny!

[@marilynvickers3545]

Thank you Ina for being so honest it will have helped many many people ❤❤

[@PageHallock]

This makes me feel little better about how young she was when they met. She found her family in Jeffrey!

[@rl3045]

Ina is the best. I learned so much from her about cooking when I was younger, I loved her cooking show.

[@everythingisIAM]

I remember watching all her shows, loved them & couldnt wait to see what she was cooking!

[@starsatnight3058]

I would totally buy your design book! Seriously though - it is SO helpful to hear you tell about your childhood as the 50s era WAS a different time. I too had a less-than-ideal immediate family situation - but also think about the enormous pressure that women were under back then. They were supposed to look perfect, keep the perfect home, their work era outside the home was just beginning & often times...their children were extensions of themselves. Ina - you have always been an inspiration to me & I love learning more about you.

[@71suns]

WE'RE NOT GOING BACK.

[@meeks1201]

I love you, Ina! You are such a huge inspiration and the kind of woman I want to be ❤

[@brittanycaraway2699]

I relate to her childhood so much. I've been scared of my parents my entire life

[@EagleArrow]

Thank you Ina. I learned to 'really' cook & cook well in my early 20s because of you.

[@dinkohrvat344]

Ina was beautiful when young. Amazing and stunning. .

[@fiorenzaattanasio4796]

I love you Ina. You are the best not crazy just brave. Thank you ❤

[@kathrynkildow3743]

Lovely lady! My Dad liked her, too. She has such a calm manner.

[@barbaralowe3729]

Love love love Ina and Jeffrey watch all her programmes from Bolton England ,,🥰🥰🥰

[@DebraSaks-u5c]

Ina has a beautiful speaking voice.

[@normabrien8331]

I really liked her wedding pictures, she is so pretty.