Watch: Wayne Gretzky's wife Janet Gretzky turns back the clock on couple's 36th 'Royal Wedding' anniversary
Wayne and Janet Gretzky have just celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary. The power couple remains one of the most iconic pairs in the hockey world and Janet took the opportunity to share a compilation of nostalgic moments from their wedding and beyond.
Wayne Gretzky married American actress Janet Jones on July 16, 1988, in a ceremony many dubbed "Canada's Royal Wedding." The event took place at St. Joseph's Basilica in Edmonton which went on to become one of the biggest public spectacles that year.
Reminiscing the occasion, Janet posted a reel of special moments from their wedding and married life together in an Instagram post. In the caption she wrote,
“36 years Strong! We are so blessed with 5 children 5 grandchildren our health their health our family and our friends We love you all and Let's Keep on Dancing !!!!♥️🙏🏻🇺🇸♥️ I Love you Wayne Happy Anniversary!!”
The couple’s wedding in 1988 was a big fan spectacle. Wayne Gretzky wore a black tuxedo with tails and Jones stunned in a $35,000 white gown adorned with hand-beaded crystals and a 30-foot train.
Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones’ “Royal Wedding” was a fan spectacle
The wedding, attended by more than 700 guests, including politicians, movie stars, and sports celebrities, was held in the city's largest church to accommodate the crowd.
Among the 22 wedding attendants were hockey stars Mark Messier, Kevin Lowe, and Paul Coffey. Former Oilers goalie Eddie Mio served as best man, while Jones' sister Jeannette was the maid of honor.
Speaking of his wedding to Janet a year after tying the knot, Wayne Gretzky made an honest admission about how such a high profile match had impacted his professional career.
“If anything, it’s helped my career,” Gretzky said. [H/T Arsenio Hall Show]
The Great One credited his wife for her continuous support ever since the days of their courtship and mentioned how she had helped him become a better person.
“She made me much more calmer and I think I’m a better person for her,” he added.
Prior to their wedding, Janet Jones had an interview with CBC where she admitted the pressure that comes with dating such a high sportsperson. However, she mentioned that the couple had superb understanding and it did eventually work out for over three decades and counting.
“I mean it’s not that easy in relationships, especially the situation Wayne and I are in and the lives we lead. It’s a little more difficult to make everything work and it seems like we understand each other’s pressures,” Janet said.
Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones went on to share five children, Paulina, Ty, Trevor, Tristan and Emma.