Abby Wambach and Glennon Doyle relationship timeline explored as couple open up about "ups and downs" in marriage

Former U.S. soccer star Abby Wambach and author Glennon Doyle have talked about their relationship of nearly 10 years in an upcoming interview, opening up on why being together poses constant challenges.

In an episode of Call Her Daddy that drops on May 7, Wambach recounts the emotional and physical hardships alongside the achievements that Doyle and she have experienced over the years, giving a glimpse into the extraordinarily emotional world of one of America’s most visible queer couples.

"Something that works for us is to know what makes each other feel that intimacy connection," Wambach says in a preview clip shared exclusively with People.

She specifies that their bond has gone through cycles of being deeply entwined, and, being far apart both emotionally and physically.

"We’ve gone through ups and downs of feeling really, really connected… and then, you know, stuff happens. People die. Diagnoses happen. It forces you away from that homeostasis line," she says.

At 44, Wambach does not expect to "be living at the high” all the time, because that “chemically" is not "sustainable.” She claims that prolonged affection is about balancing infatuation and intimacy.

Their insights demonstrate how the couple has weathered life’s transitions together — reminding fans that even relationships that seem perfect on the outside require significant effort.

From instant spark to lifelong commitment

Wambach and Doyle’s relationship began in 2016 after they met at a literary event. Wambach had just sobered up after her professional soccer career, and Doyle had separated from her husband. They seemed to hit it off immediately. They first went public with their relationship on Instagram when Doyle simply captioned a photo, “Happy. Healthy. Loved,” on November 13, 2016.

The couple tied the knot on May 14, 2017, in a private ceremony attended by closest friends and family, per People. Now, the two are known not just for their love story, but also for their shared activism on issues such as addiction, equality, and mental health.

In a 2019 interview with WSJ. Magazine, Wambach said, “To be in a relationship with another woman, there’s a ton of talking all the time.”

Doyle added, “We were doing similar work before we even met… We have so many of the same beliefs and goals.”

Wambach and Doyle have become role models for many, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, after their public appearances, like the 2022 Human Rights Campaign Gala, and during social media or podcast discussions. In their most recent interview, the two discuss how they have been able to maintain a romantic relationship throughout the years.

Reflecting on the journey

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Doyle and Wambach still enjoy sharing their triumphs and insecurities nearly eight years after going public. The next Call Her Daddy episode will emphasize love’s evolution — from passion to partnership and infatuation to deep understanding. As Wambach puts it, through everything life will throw your way, the key is to “come back to each other.”

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