Kristin Chenoweth spent decades telling anyone who would listen that she was a "self-proclaimed bachelorette." She had the career, the Tony, the Emmy, and a schedule that would make a marathon runner tired. Then Josh Bryant walked into a family wedding with a guitar, and everything she thought she knew about her "type"—and her timeline—went out the window.
Most people are curious about the josh bryant kristin chenoweth age difference because, on paper, it's significant. We’re talking about 14 years. In Hollywood, that's often a headline-making gap, but for these two, it’s basically become a punchline and a point of strength rather than a hurdle.
✨ Don't miss: Jim Candy: The John Candy Brother Most People Don't Know
The Numbers: Breaking Down the Birthdays
Let’s get the math out of the way. Kristin Chenoweth was born on July 24, 1968. As of early 2026, the Wicked star is 57 years old. Josh Bryant, a talented musician from Arkansas, was born on September 2, 1982. He’s 43.
The couple actually got married on Josh’s 41st birthday—September 2, 2023. Talk about a birthday gift you can't top.
When they first met back in 2016, the age gap was the first thing Kristin noticed. Or rather, she noticed he was "cute," and then realized he was younger. She’s been very open about her initial hesitation. She once told People magazine that she thought the 14-year difference was "ridiculous." She had a strict "never" rule about dating younger men.
Clearly, she broke it.
How They Met (Twice)
The universe really had to nudge these two. Their story didn't start on a red carpet or at a fancy industry party. It started at a wedding. Specifically, Kristin’s niece’s wedding in 2016. Josh’s band, Backroad Anthem, was the entertainment.
✨ Don't miss: Actor T.K. Carter: What Really Happened to The Thing Star
They met. They chatted. Nothing happened.
Fast forward to 2018. Another family wedding, this time for Kristin’s nephew. Guess who was booked to play the reception? Josh and his band. That’s when the spark actually caught fire. Josh asked her where she was playing next, she gave him a vague answer about being busy, and then he actually showed up to her concert in North Carolina.
That was the "it" moment for her.
Why the Gap Doesn't Matter Much Now
It’s kinda funny how Kristin talks about the age thing now. She credits Josh with keeping her relevant in ways she didn't expect. She famously joked that because Josh is younger, she’s actually good at TikTok. He taught her the platform. He keeps her tuned into modern music and trends that might otherwise pass a Broadway legend by.
But it’s deeper than social media apps.
The couple spent six months quarantined together in her New York apartment during the pandemic. If you can survive 180 days in a NYC apartment with someone, you’ve basically passed the ultimate relationship stress test. Kristin has noted that during that time, Josh showed her he had her back, regardless of the age on their driver's licenses.
Dealing With Public Perception
Let’s be real. People judge. When a woman is 14 years older than her husband, the "cougar" jokes start flying. Honestly, Kristin just leans into it. She’s been quoted saying that Josh makes her feel "confident and beautiful and loved at any age."
In the world of entertainment, where there's so much pressure to stay 25 forever, their relationship is actually a bit of a breath of fresh air. It’s not about a "trophy husband" or a "sugar mama" dynamic. It’s two musicians who share a ridiculous love for their dogs (their dog Thunder even walked down the aisle to AC/DC) and a deep respect for each other’s craft.
Practical Realities of the 14-Year Gap
While the romance is great, an age gap does bring up real-world considerations that younger couples might not face as early:
- Career Stages: Kristin is a legacy act; Josh is still very much in the thick of his touring and session work.
- Energy Levels: Though if you’ve seen Kristin perform, she has more energy than most 20-year-olds.
- Health and Longevity: These are conversations they’ve likely had, especially since Kristin has been open about her struggles with Ménière's disease.
Josh Bryant's Career Outside the "Husband" Label
It’s easy to just call him "Kristin Chenoweth’s husband," but Josh is a powerhouse guitarist. He’s been a staple in the Nashville scene for years. His band, Backroad Anthem, is a country-rock hybrid that has built a solid following in the South.
He isn't just a guy on her arm at the Oscars. He’s a working musician who understands the grueling schedule of a performer. That’s probably why they work. He doesn't get jealous of her fame, and she doesn't mind the long nights he spends in the studio.
What We Can Learn From Their Marriage
Their relationship is a lesson in timing. If they had met when Kristin was 25 and Josh was 11, it would have been... well, illegal. If they had met ten years ago, maybe she wasn't ready to give up her "bachelorette" title.
The josh bryant kristin chenoweth age gap works because of where they are in their lives now.
If you’re navigating a relationship with a significant age difference, here are a few takeaways from the Chenoweth-Bryant playbook:
- Ignore the "Rules": Kristin had a "never" rule. She broke it and found the love of her life.
- Shared Interests Over Age: They both live for music. That common ground is a stronger foundation than a birth year.
- Humor is Mandatory: If you can't joke about the fact that one of you remembers the Reagan administration and the other doesn't, it’s going to be a long marriage.
- Wait for the Right One: Kristin waited until she was 55 to get married for the first time. There is no "expiration date" on finding a partner.
At the end of the day, 14 years is just a bit over a decade. In the grand scheme of a lifelong partnership, it’s a blink. Kristin and Josh seem to have figured out that as long as the rhythm is right, the tempo doesn't really matter.
If you want to keep up with their journey, following them on social media—specifically Kristin's TikTok—is the best way to see their dynamic in action. Look for the ways they support each other’s professional projects, as that’s usually where the real strength of a celebrity marriage shows itself.
Next Steps: Check out Kristin's latest musical projects or Josh's touring schedule with Backroad Anthem to see how they continue to balance their high-profile careers while maintaining their private life in Nashville.