Marco Rubio’s family story is all about love, perseverance, and chasing the American Dream, with his wife, Jeanette Christina Dousdebes Rubio, at the heart of it all. Their journey takes you from childhood parties to cheerleading sidelines and even the spotlight of politics. It’s a story full of quirks, depth, and charm. Let’s check it out!
Who Is Marco Rubio’s Wife, Jeanette Dousdebes? Their Family Is Complete With Four Adorable Kids!
Jeanette Dousdebes, the wife of Marco Rubio, was born on December 5, 1973, in Miami, Florida. The daughter of Colombian immigrants, she grew up in a tight-knit Roman Catholic household alongside her three sisters. Her parents divorced when she was just six, leaving her with a yearning to create the stable family life she lacked as a child. Her mother managed a small transport business, while her father juggled jobs at a printing company and as a fumigator. These modest beginnings shaped her, instilling a strong work ethic and a deep connection to her faith. Today, she’s a proud member of Christ Fellowship Church and even hosts weekly Bible study sessions at home.
Jeanette’s early years in Miami set the stage for her serendipitous meeting with Marco. At 17, she was a high schooler at South Miami Senior High, while Marco, then 19, was navigating college life. They met at the West Miami Recreation Center, introduced by a mutual friend during a neighborhood party.
Sparks didn’t fly immediately; they remained friends for years before fate (and some romantic persistence) brought them together again in 1997. By then, Jeanette was working as a bank teller and trying her hand at cheerleading—a brief but memorable stint with the Miami Dolphins that saw her featured in their first swimsuit calendar. Cheerleading wasn’t her calling, though; the intense training and public nature of the role didn’t suit her quiet, reserved personality.
Marco was different, Jeanette once said. He had a depth and a vision that captivated her. Their love story officially took off, culminating in a movie-worthy proposal on Valentine’s Day in 1997. Marco took her to the observation deck of the Empire State Building, inspired by her favorite film, Sleepless in Seattle. A year later, on October 17, 1998, they tied the knot in Coral Gables, Florida, at the picturesque Church of the Little Flower. Their journey as husband and wife began with big dreams and small beginnings.
Family life became the anchor of their story. Jeanette and Marco welcomed four children: daughters Daniella and Amanda, and sons Anthony and Dominick. Despite Marco Rubio’s demanding political career, which has included roles as a U.S. Senator, presidential candidate, and, most recently, Secretary of State under President Donald Trump, Jeanette prioritized their home life. She stepped back from her professional ambitions to focus on raising their kids and ensuring they had the stable family environment she had longed for in her youth.
Jeanette’s own career, though quieter now, has been notable. She worked with billionaire Norman Braman, helping vet organizations for charitable donations, and later founded JDR Consulting, Inc., which assists the Braman Family Charitable Foundation. Her passion for philanthropy doesn’t stop there. She has served on the board of directors for the Agape Network, a healthcare nonprofit, and has been a member of Florida’s Statewide Council on Human Trafficking since 2020. Jeanette’s work with victims of human trafficking through Kristi’s House, a child advocacy center, has further highlighted her dedication to impactful causes.
Marco Rubio, 53, often credits Jeanette Dousdebes, 51, as the rock of their family and an essential partner in his career. Her influence is evident in his policies and personal choices. It was Jeanette who took him to visit a shelter for child abuse survivors, an experience that deeply moved him and led him to co-sponsor legislation to protect vulnerable children. She’s also been a steady presence on the campaign trail, appearing at rallies and debates but always keeping a low profile, letting Marco take the spotlight while she held their family together behind the scenes.
Congratulations to my friend Marco Rubio on being sworn-in as our next U.S. Secretary of State! pic.twitter.com/SmHp2vb8f2
— Vice President JD Vance (@VP) January 21, 2025
Their relationship hasn’t been without its quirks. In 2014, the couple attended a marriage retreat in Maui, Hawaii, donning matching T-shirts that read “Mr. Right” and “Mrs. Always Right.” It’s clear Jeanette keeps Marco grounded, both in their personal life and in his public endeavors. Her ability to balance humor, humility, and strength is one of the reasons their marriage has thrived through decades of political chaos.
Family moments are central to their lives, even amid a whirlwind schedule. Jeanette is known for organizing weekly Bible studies and prioritizing her children’s education and extracurricular activities. While she keeps her Instagram private, Marco occasionally shares glimpses of their family life, including a 2023 Christmas photo featuring their four kids and three dogs.
