Former NSYNC member Justin Timberlake is making headlines this week as his ex-Britney Spears prepares to release her bombshell new memoir, The Woman in Me.
Timberlake and Spears – two of the biggest stars at the time – dated from 1999 to 2002.
One such revelation about their relationship revealed in her book, which drops October 24, is that they fell pregnant but she claims she had an abortion as Timberlake was “so sure that he didn’t want to be a father”.
And while Spears has had a rocky road to love – and numerous marriages – Timberlake, now 42, has been happily married to actress Jessica Biel, 41, since 2012.
However, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. In 2011 the pair briefly broke up. And in 2019, the Bye Bye Bye singer made headlines when he was photographed holding hands with his co-star Alisha Wainwright in what he later called a “strong lapse in judgement”.
9Honey Celebrity takes a look back at Timberlake and Biel’s romance and how they weathered the storm to have one of the most rock-solid marriages in Hollywood.
January 2007: Rumours were rife the pair were dating as they were spotted snowboarding with friends in Utah.
However, Timberlake had just split from ex Cameron Diaz, with a source telling People he was happy to be single.
“He is in no way looking to be in a relationship. He’s single and he’s happy,” the source said at the time.
May 2007: Despite the source saying he was happy to be single, Timberlake eventually fell madly “in love” with the 7th Heaven star.
An insider told People: “He wants to be with her all the time. He’s ready to be serious.”
December 2008: Biel briefly touched on her new romance with Timberlake but said she wanted to keep it under wraps.
“It’s the one part of my life that is my own and not for anyone else,” she told GQ about their relationship.
She compared her relationship to “one sparkly present” and added: “And I don’t want to open it in front of strangers.”
September 2009: There were whispers the pair had broken up, but a source told People they were still on but had been spending time apart due to their respective work commitments.
But the insider said they were “re-evaluating” their romance.
March 2011: A representative confirmed the pair had split but insisted they were on good terms.
“Addressing the media speculation regarding Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake’s relationship, we are confirming that they mutually have decided to part ways. The two remain friends and continue to hold the highest level of love and respect for each other,” the statement read.
June 2011: Timberlake called Biel the “most significant person in my life” during an interview with Vanity Fair.
“In my 30 years, she is the most special person, OK? I don’t want to say much more, because I have to protect things that are dear to me – for instance, her.”
He then spoke about the idea of marriage and said: “I think the mistake is that people commit to who that person is right then and not the person they’re going to become. That’s the art of staying together, is changing together.”
August 2011: The former couple were seen having brunch at a diner in Toronto.
November 2011: Biel told Elle magazine about their relationship, saying: “A girl doesn’t kiss and tell.”
December 2011: The pair get engaged. She later said on the The Late Late Show that he proposed in the snow in Montana at a property they owned.
“And we go up to the property to just check out how the foundation is looking. And all of a sudden, he gets down onto his knees and just sinks into the snow.”
October 2012: The pair tied the knot in Italy. Biel told People she had “butterflies” on their big day.
“I was about to stand up in front of my friends and family and bare my soul for the person I love. It was terribly emotional.”
The likes of Jimmy Fallon and Beverley Mitchell were in attendance.
“It was a really special evening,” Timberlake said.
February 2015: The singer reveals they were expecting their first child together.
“Thank you EVERYONE for the Bday wishes! This year, I’m getting the GREATEST GIFT EVER. CAN’T WAIT. #BoyOrGirl #YouNeverKnow #WeDontEvenKnow #WeAreTakingB
April 2015: The couple announce the birth of their first child, son Silas Randall Timberlake, with their rep confirming the news to People.
Timberlake was reportedly “ecstatic” about the birth. The first pictured the pair shared of the tiny tot was as they prepared for a sports match.
August 2015: Biel spoke about motherhood and told E News! about the “magical moments”.
“Probably the moment he wakes up from a nap,” she said.
“He’s sort of looking around and you sort of creep up and look over the crib and he looks up and he goes [Biel lets out a big sighing sound]. Just a gummy mouth, no teeth, just a big smile, happy that you’re alive and you’re just looking at him. That’s probably the most magical.”
But she jokingly added: “But you quickly move on from it because there is a dirty diaper in your palm.”
April 2018: Biel told People that “communication” is the key to a strong and healthy relationship and marriage.
“Communication, communication, communication,” she said.
“The ability to be really honest about how you’re feeling and what your needs are. Just be able to communicate really honestly with your partner. That’s worked for us so far.”
November 2019: Timberlake was the subject of cheating rumours after he was spotted by The Sun holding hands with then co-star Alisha Wainwright and she was seen touching his knee on a night out in New Orleans. He didn’t have his wedding ring on at the time.
December 2019: US Weekly claimed Biel forced Timberlake to issue a public apology on Instagram.
“Jessica encouraged Justin to put out his statement on Instagram because she felt embarrassed by his actions and wanted him to take accountability,” a source claimed at the time.
The source said the pair were “still united” despite the scandal.
That same month, Timberlake offered a public statement on Instagram as the “rumours were hurting people I love”.
”A few weeks ago I displayed a strong lapse in judgement. But let me clear – nothing happening between me and my costar,” he wrote.
“I drank way too much that night and I regret my behaviour. I should have known better. This is not the example I want to set for my son. I apologize to my amazing wife and family for putting them through such an embarrassing situation, and I am focused on being the best husband and father I can be. This was not that.”
He finished, “I am incredible proud to be working on Palmer. Looking forward to continuing to make this movie and excited for people to see it.”
After photographs emerged, Wainwright’s representative released a statement to Us Weekly, confirming, “There is no validity to this speculation.”
“They are working on a project together,” the rep stated.
Meanwhile, another source told the magazine, the co-stars were “definitely not hooking up” as the actress “has been dating an actor who lives in LA”.
January 2021: The pair announced the birth of their second son, Phineas, on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Biel said on Dax Shepard’s Archair Expert podcast: “I had, like, a secret COVID baby. It wasn’t like it was supposed to be a secret. It was just COVID happened, and then I went to Montana with my family and never left.”
October 2021: Timberlake and Biel list their LA home for USD $35million (AU $55.5million).
March 2022: Timberlake shares a gushing birthday post to wife, writing: ”Whether it’s laid up on a couch, kicking my ass at the gym or, dressing up at ridiculous costume parties… you make it all look good. I love you and I celebrate you every day.”
He also performed at her 40th birthday party.
October 2022: The couple celebrate ten years of marriage.
“10 years ain’t enough!” Timberlake captioned his post.
“You make me a better husband and father every day! I love you so much you beautiful human! Run it back!”
She added: “Being married to you is the adventure of a lifetime! Run it back, baby. RUN IT BACK. I love you.”
November 2022: The pair renewed their vows.