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

[@OceanLover1188]

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

[@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.🥰🥰❤❤

[@angelmardi4335]

💯 ❤

[@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!

[@lisathomas6724]

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

[@Vid7872]

She got all her room and board paid for and debt free business start up money in exchange for making dinner. Only we women get that deal and ain't it great!

[@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.😊

[@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.

[@VHangout]

I was just thinking that.

[@anoodono1841]

When u dont feel safe at home as a child -why wld u want t run the risk of repeating the situation. Also it takes alot of energy t make sure you are safe as an adult.

[@truelife974]

It's actually a sign of high intelligence. The ability to use your upbringing as a point of reference to shape and create a desired outcome for your future isn't easy for the average person. Especially when we're often taught and given so many tools to just "simply adapt".

[@danadelaplante6797]

No children for me. Knew I did not want the responsibility. The world is sure changing.

[@anoodono1841]

​@truelife974 wow never looked at it like that but always knew I had a good brain-and you hve confirmed it!!

[@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! ❤

[@BethyKable]

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

[@ameliastelmach148]

Of course they are however you would like to see the relationship had they had children. It's easier to stay in love when children are not around.

[@erzsebethyoung]

​@@ameliastelmach148... Ina loves what she does and it makes her happy and that makes Jeffrey happy ... They bring the best out in each other and it enhances and strengthens their marriage, they also have trust.

[@coyritahickerson4000]

Of course it is easy to be in love when you don't have children, and your husband does everything that you want.

[@becky-in3tw]

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

[@Samson-b1z]

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

[@JojiN-xv9ld]

I binge watched Ina this couple of months and she is by far, my number 1 TV cook host/chef. .. admire her..... reminds me of my mum.... school teacher by profession and cooks the best meals for us at home... and she had her collection of cook books as well...won't be surprised if ina was one of those cook books. Rest high Mum. ❤

[@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! 💐💕

[@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.

[@OceanLover1188]

@@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.

[@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! ♥️

[@MichelleBrown-mh5ze]

I will go to bat for Ina…she personifies grace, dignity, class, and so many wonderful traits I aspire to have. She is one of the most lovely people on this planet, and I hope to one day meet her. She is a gift to my heart and soul, and by exchange of her cooking shows, I eternally adore and love her 🥰♥️ Thank you for touching my heart, sweet Ina ♥️

[@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.

[@Sisteryoda1440]

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!

[@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

[@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❤

[@Jii-z6s]

Yes, she is so amazingly confident and a total people person, was at the time of her childhood abuse as a popular high schooler....incredibly fascinating and a n endlessly admirable human being. With massive style and creativity...altogether awesome!

[@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.

[@conniemeyer6186]

I often wondered why she married at an early age. I am glad Jeffrey and Ina met through her brother. What a life well lived looks like. Many thanks Ina.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@TheSmallSpoon519]

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

[@lindajones8895]

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

[@Teaally1913]

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

[@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 touched me and reminded me that life isn’t always glamorous and that’s ok!

[@Jii-z6s]

Nor what the exterior public side shows... there is an amazing side to Ina that you would never guess. How she overcame a before now unrevealed dysfunctional homelife as a child is heartrending...and beyond valorous...what courage.

[@nathalieandparis]

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

[@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!!

[@randisweet]

So wonderful that her life blossomed into fulfillment and happiness. Love the concept of being ready when luck happens. Many blessings!!

[@julsjewels3185]

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

[@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.

[@bkm2797]

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

[@purselady7323]

Not what I’ve heard.

[@erzsebethyoung]

​@@purselady7323... Such as ?. Do tell. Do you think she is bossy? Do you think Ina thinks she is the most important woman on TV? Ina entertains and teaches with kindness.

[@purselady7323]

@@erzsebethyoung no I’ve heard off the camera is the problem. Do you really think her true self is on camera? Is anybody’s?

[@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! ❤

[@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.

[@PatD-user-td7xh2ms2z]

Me too.... she's so sweet

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@LSTEdD1]

Ina is beautiful in all ways!! We all love Ina around here!! ☀️☺️

[@_DerekHaley]

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

[@annemaher-hauck7466]

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

[@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❤❤❤❤

[@Sisteryoda1440]

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

[@marlenehall1125]

Thank you Ina so much for sharing your story. You moved on from a bad situation, and created your best life. 🎉❤

[@marilynvickers3545]

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

[@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 ❤

[@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.

[@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.

[@variousJnames]

Love this childless and highly talented and accomplished woman!!❤

[@MeganWall1019]

I’m sure Ina treasures her success and the journey getting there more than you’d see or know because of trauma. You can tell she is proud of how far she has come and that inspires me looking at her. In relationships, home and career. She’s brilliant! PS She’s so warm too. That probably stems from making it a point to not yell or overreact, but to be loving more, smile more, hug more, making home a safe beautiful as cozy as it can get kind of place (lessons from her father) where she has welcomed so much of us to be apart of!

[@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.

[@MiamiCoffee2023]

I luv Ina forever and would consider it an absolute pleasure to meet such a very special lady! Thanks Ina Garten, you’re a true blessing to us all! 😊☕️

[@Amanda11118]

Such a beautiful, beautiful woman! Has contributed much to us all, but as a woman of the fifties also, I especially appreciate her gifts, grace and her genuine goodness that shines through everything she accomplishes. Have been a fan for years! Thank you Ina. . . Hubby and I are celebrating our 55th this year. . . Feel so blessed.

[@RightPhalanges]

Looking at Ina and Jeffrey, it is as if they were meant to be! what a lovely story to share; even with the struggles, love and commitment was always there for each other! how awesome is that!

[@clairecross3364]

You go girl! You have way ahead of your time. I am reading your memoir and am laughing and crying. It’s quite a journey you’ve had but in writing it down I’ve learned about myself too

[@Jii-z6s]

Never cared for her til this interview....like everyone , knew nothing about the cruelly abusive childhood...have nothing but awe, admiration and total respect. Extraordinary woman!

[@FrancescaLD]

I could tell it wasn’t a conventional marriage. They were far too polite with each other 😂

[@debbienossavage7419]

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

[@yolandasilverio1205]

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

[@ecampbell5837]

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

[@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 😂

[@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..

[@ShawnGreenwell-l9j]

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

[@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.

[@70foolio]

What a wonderful interview. I so love Ina and with her sharing this story I can say I love her more. ❤

[@lig8817]

Such a lovely lady! Asked her for a recipe some years ago and she emailed me! I was so surprised and grateful. Love you Ina and so thankful for you.

[@tashatopalakis2035]

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

[@SuperKathio]

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

[@bonicacooke9432]

Miss Ina, I love your cooking shows. I now love you when I hear you speak so honestly about life.

[@theyummyvegan]

I could listen to her all day!

[@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?

[@wendywheeler8925]

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

[@susanevans3865]

She was lucky to find her husband. I wish i had met someone like him.

[@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.

[@nicolerichter-smith2573]

Thank you Ina for sharing. I truly appreciated you honesty and about marriage as a partnership. That really speaks to me. My husband and I just celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary on the 18th of September.

[@josephrocha142]

Nigella and Ina are both amazing. I never really cooked before. Watching both of these cooks inspired me. I've made many of their recipes. It changed how I eat.

[@AnaMaria-cz3sy]

Always admired her! The way she cooked and arranged the tables, so much taste!

[@Clutching.My.Pearls]

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

[@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.

[@Dnn411]

❤❤❤❤. Ina is the queen of good taste, tasting good and ❤️ of the good things of life and that is Good.

[@dfcart01]

I just love them... I have been a huge fan of her show for over Years!!!!

[@Naturedrawn]

I’ve loved Ina Garten for 20 years. I fondly refer to her as my cooking diva.

[@susansmith493]

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

[@pattyterry6432]

Love this. Thank you for sharing your story ☺️.

[@jodybrand3076]

So happy that you and Jeffrey have each other. ❤️

[@traceystoneman1922]

Love theses two so much ❤❤

[@darlacarter441]

I love Ina. Makes it look so easy to cook on her show. I have one of her cookbooks as well!

[@Yazi1390]

I admire her and her life so much, and I love her show ❤

[@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!)

[@wendyhauman8320]

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

[@mra2010]

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

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Ina is a woman you’d love to have in your life. She’s so charming to listen to.

[@ArtHistoryProfessor]

Great interview, Ina. We love you tremendously.

[@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.

[@davidrigsby4828]

Fascinating interview. Ina’s a great person!

[@KatZiser-ze2dr]

I love this story.

[@kellyknights1783]

I love her. Everyone wants to be her friend- just like me.

[@meeks1201]

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

[@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.