Through various challenges, Maria Menounos and her husband, Keven Undergaro, have remained steadfastly supportive of each other.
They first crossed paths in the late 1990s during their involvement in a small film project in Boston. Menounos, then a college student from the local area, captured the heart of the Hollywood writer, who quickly recognized her as his soulmate.
"When I initially encountered Maria, she stood out from anyone I had ever met," Undergaro reminisced in a December 2018 interview with Yahoo Lifestyle. "Our farewell was filled with intense emotions, even though we had only been acquainted for a few days. Both of us felt the urge to shed tears, without understanding the reason behind it."
Their separation didn't last long, as they soon embarked on a romantic relationship and eventually decided to cohabit. This decision was made despite Menounos' father initially disapproving of their relationship.
"Both Keven and I experienced family dramas, which brought us closer together," shared the Chasing Maria Menounos alum with the outlet. "We immediately recognized our unwavering support for each other."
Following almost twenty years of dating, the AfterBuzz TV creator proposed on the Howard Stern Show in March 2016, while the anchor was by his side.
"Down on one knee, Undergaro expressed the significance of the show to both of them. It held a special place in their hearts as it was the first thing they experienced together 19 years ago, huddled in a basement on a single twin mattress. Undergaro had foreseen Menounos' future success on the show and now, looking at her as a star, he proposed the idea of making their relationship official right then and there.
After the heartfelt proposal, they exchanged vows on live TV on New Year's Eve in 2017, just moments before the ball dropped in Times Square. Menounos' parents were present to witness the special occasion. In October 2018, Undergaro and the Kicking Old Skool star had a second wedding ceremony in Greece, a celebration that was diligently organized by her father."
"It's going to be an adventurous ride," Menounos revealed exclusively to We in anticipation of her wedding. "Attempting to organize an international event when your dad is in charge feels like being in a reality show."
During their time together, the former One Tree Hill star has been open about her difficulties with fertility. Menounos shared in February 2023 that she and her spouse are anticipating their first child through surrogacy.
Keep scrolling to see Menounos and Undergaro’s relationship timeline:
Credit: Matt Baron/Shutterstock
Maria Menounos and Husband Keven Undergaro’s Relationship Timeline
Maria Menounos and her husband, Keven Undergaro, have stood by each other unconditionally. Their journey began in the late '90s when they crossed paths on a Boston film set. Despite Menounos being a young college student at the time, Undergaro, a Hollywood writer, recognized that he had found his soulmate.
"When I first encountered Maria, she was unlike anyone I had ever met," Undergaro recounted to Yahoo Lifestyle in December 2018. "Our farewell was intense, despite our brief acquaintance. We were both overcome with the desire to cry, without understanding the reason behind it."
Their parting was short-lived as they soon embarked on a romantic relationship and ultimately decided to live together, despite Menounos' father initially disapproving of their union.
"Both Keven and I had experienced family dramas which brought us closer together. We formed a strong bond and quickly realized that we could always rely on each other. After dating for almost twenty years, Keven proposed to me while we were guest on the Howard Stern Show in March 2016."
Undergaro expressed the significance of the show to both of them, reminiscing about their early days together in a basement, listening on a single twin mattress. He recalled predicting her future success on the show, and now, here they are, ready to make it official. The heartfelt proposal was followed by a live TV wedding on New Year's Eve in 2017, just moments before the ball dropped in Times Square. Menounos' parents were present for this special ceremony. Subsequently, Undergaro and the Kicking Old Skool star had a second wedding in Greece, organized with the help of her father, in October 2018.
"It's going to be an adventurous ride," Menounos shared exclusively with We prior to her wedding. "Managing an international event while my dad is in charge feels like a reality show in itself."
During their time together, the former One Tree Hill star has been open about their fertility difficulties. Menounos disclosed in February 2023 that she and her spouse are anticipating their first child through surrogacy.
Keep scrolling to see Menounos and Undergaro’s relationship timeline:
Credit: Courtesy Maria Menounos/Instagram
1990s
The couple's first encounter took place during their collaboration on a movie set in Boston. Back then, Menounos was pursuing her studies at Emerson College. As soon as the filming concluded, their romantic journey commenced.
Credit: Kristina Bumphrey/Starpix/Shutterstock
March 2016
Undergaro proposed to the journalist during their joint appearance on the Howard Stern Show.
Expressing heartfelt sentiments, he knelt down and shared, "This show holds immense significance for both of us. It was here, 19 years ago, in that basement on a single twin mattress, that we first listened to it together. I told you then, 'One day, you'll be on that show, shining as a star.' And today, as we stand here, why not make it official?"
Credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock
December 2017
The couple got married in Times Square live on air during Fox’s live New Year's Eve broadcast and the ceremony was officiated by Steve Harvey.
Credit: Dimitris Lampropoulos/Athena Pictures/Shutterstock
October 2018
Menounos and Undergaro tied the knot for a second time in an Orthodox ceremony in Akovos, Greece.
"This is our official ceremony and reception in Greece, so we're thrilled to celebrate our marriage again. For those who didn't know, we actually got married on New Year's Eve. But this event is like a big celebration for us," shared the talk show host on her Instagram Stories.
Credit: Courtesy Maria Menuonos/Instagram
January 2021
After hinting at her intention to start a family during their show "Better Together," the native of Massachusetts clarified that she is not pregnant at the moment.
"We are still working towards it, but I'm not expecting yet!" Menounos informed Us at that time. "That is the plan, and we will share any good news when the time is right."
Credit: Matt Baron/Shutterstock
February 2023
The correspondent revealed she and her husband are expecting their first child via surrogate after trying to conceive for nearly a decade.
“So we had a multitude of plans. Our intention was to travel to Greece during the summer. However, due to the impending arrival of our baby, we have to accelerate our timeline," Menounos divulged during her appearance on Live With Kelly and Ryan.
Credit: MICHAEL SIMON/startraksphoto.com/Cover Images
April 2023
"We are thrilled to announce that we are expecting a baby girl," Menounos shared during an episode of her podcast, "Heal Squad x Maria Menounos". "After nearly a decade, this journey has led us to this precious moment. We have pondered names for years, and we believe we have finally discovered the perfect name for our little one."
Credit: Stewart Cook/Shutterstock
May 2023
Before unveiling that they were expecting their first child through a surrogate, Menounos encountered a stage II pancreatic cancer diagnosis. In light of this revelation, the journalist candidly shared that she underwent an operation to eliminate the tumor, which involved the removal of a portion of her pancreas, spleen, 17 lymph nodes, and a fibroid.
Credit: Photography by John Chapple/MEGA
July 2023
Menounos and Undergaro joyfully announced the birth of their daughter, Athena, through a surrogate. Menounos shared that it was an incredibly special moment in her life as she held Athena close to her chest while exchanging blissful glances with Keven. The doctor's gentle handling of their precious bundle only added to their overwhelming happiness.