Long before Gloria Estefan became one of the biggest music stars of the 1980s, there was Emilio.

And 48 years after they said “I do,” they’re still together.

Gloria and Emilio Estefan are celebrating their 48th wedding anniversary on September 2. Their story began in Miami in 1975, when they met at a jam session. They married on September 2, 1978, as their musical journey was only beginning.

Together, they helped turn the Miami Sound Machine into an international phenomenon. Songs including “Conga,” “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You” and “Anything for You” eventually made Gloria one of the most recognizable voices of her generation.

But their marriage would be tested far beyond the pressures of fame.

The accident that changed everything

On March 20, 1990, Gloria’s tour bus was struck by a tractor-trailer on a snowy Pennsylvania highway.

Gloria suffered a serious spinal injury and underwent surgery in which surgeons implanted metal rods to stabilize her spine. Emilio was also aboard the bus and suffered comparatively minor injuries.

What followed was a long and difficult recovery.

And Emilio remained beside her.

Gloria ultimately returned to performing, continuing a career that many feared the accident could have ended.

Their family grew as well. Son Nayib was born in 1980, and daughter Emily arrived in 1994 after Gloria underwent fertility treatment following the accident.

48 years later

Their partnership has extended far beyond marriage. They’ve made music together, built businesses together, raised a family and even received Presidential Medals of Freedom together in 2015.

When discussing what has kept their relationship going, Gloria has pointed to love, respect and laughter — especially Emilio’s ability to make her laugh.

Today, after nearly five decades of marriage, their story feels increasingly unusual in the entertainment world.

They met before the worldwide fame.

They stayed together through it.

And 48 years after their wedding day, Gloria and Emilio Estefan are still side by side.