Tom Daley, the Olympic diver, and Dustin Lance Black, the Oscar-winning screenwriter, have a love story that resonates with many. Their journey together is not just a tale of romance but also one of resilience, family, and triumph. Here’s an in-depth look at their relationship and the family they’ve built together.
Meeting at a Dinner Party: The Beginning of a Beautiful Relationship
Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black first crossed paths in 2013 at a dinner party. Daley, fresh off his success at the London 2012 Olympics where he won a bronze medal, and Black, an acclaimed screenwriter and LGBT rights activist, felt an immediate connection. This encounter marked the beginning of their relationship, which has grown stronger over the years despite the geographical distance between them—Daley in the UK and Black in the US.
In March 2021, Daley celebrated their 8-year anniversary with a heartfelt Instagram post, highlighting their journey and expressing his gratitude for their time together. Black also shared his own tribute, expressing his love and appreciation for their shared experiences and their son, Robbie.
The Unique Proposal: A Story of Love and Surprise
Their engagement story is as unique as their relationship. Initially, Black planned to propose to Daley during a trip to America. However, he changed his mind, deciding he wanted the proposal to take place somewhere more ordinary and accessible for future visits with their children. Back in London, Daley turned the tables and proposed to Black in their home, catching him by surprise. This spontaneous proposal, followed by Black’s own planned proposal, is a testament to their deep love and understanding.
Announcing Their Engagement in a Traditional Way
Daley and Black chose a traditional method to announce their engagement, placing a notice in The Times’ Births, Deaths, and Marriages column in October 2015. This announcement marked a significant milestone in their relationship, highlighting their commitment to each other in a classic and timeless manner.
A Fairytale Wedding at Bovey Castle
Two years after their engagement, Daley and Black married on May 6, 2017, at Bovey Castle in Devon, England. The ceremony, attended by 120 of their closest friends and family, was a beautiful celebration of their love. Daley shared a photo from the ceremony on Instagram, expressing his joy and gratitude for the special day.
Welcoming Their First Son: A Tribute to Tom’s Late Father
On June 27, 2018, Daley and Black welcomed their first son, Robert “Robbie” Ray, born via surrogate. Robbie’s name holds special significance, as it honors Daley’s late father, Robert, who passed away in 2011. This tribute reflects the deep bond Daley shares with his family and the meaningful ways he keeps his father’s memory alive.
Expanding Their Family: The Birth of Phoenix Rose
In March 2023, Daley and Black welcomed their second son, Phoenix Rose, also born via surrogate. The couple’s journey to parenthood has been a testament to their dedication and love for each other and their children. Daley and Black have been open about their choice of surrogacy and the emotional and ethical considerations involved. They emphasize the importance of honesty and openness with their children about their origins.
A Supportive Family: Cheering on Tom at the Olympics
Daley’s success at the 2024 Summer Olympics, where he won a silver medal in the men’s synchronized 10-meter platform, was a moment of immense pride for his family. Black, along with Daley’s mother and their sons, supported him from the stands, showcasing their unwavering support and love. Black’s heartfelt words about Daley’s achievement highlighted the hard work and dedication that goes into such accomplishments.
Robbie: A Little Diver in the Making
Daley and Black’s son, Robbie, seems to be following in his father’s footsteps. Daley has shared several moments of Robbie’s interest in swimming, referring to him as his “little water baby.” These glimpses into their family life show the joy and excitement they experience together, nurturing Robbie’s natural affinity for water.
Dustin Lance Black: A Multi-Faceted Talent
Dustin Lance Black is not only known for his relationship with Tom Daley but also for his impressive career. Born on June 10, 1974, Black is an American screenwriter, director, producer, and LGBT rights activist. He won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for the film Milk in 2009 and has written for other notable projects like J. Edgar and the 2022 crime miniseries Under the Banner of Heaven.
Black’s early life was marked by challenges, including growing up in a Mormon household and grappling with his sexuality. Despite these struggles, he pursued his passion for theater and film, graduating with honors from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television. His career includes directing and writing various projects that highlight LGBT issues and rights, making significant contributions to the entertainment industry and the fight for equality.
Conclusion: A Story of Love, Resilience, and Family
Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black’s story is one of love, resilience, and family. From their initial meeting to their beautiful wedding and the birth of their two sons, their journey together has been filled with joy, challenges, and triumphs. Their openness about their relationship, parenthood, and the use of surrogacy has provided inspiration and support to many.
Their commitment to each other and their children, along with their professional achievements, showcases the strength of their bond and their dedication to creating a loving and supportive family environment. As they continue to navigate life together, Daley and Black remain a powerful example of love and partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black meet?
Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black met at a dinner party in 2013. Daley had just won his first Olympic medal at the London 2012 Olympics, and the two felt an immediate connection that blossomed into a long-lasting relationship.
2. When did Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black get married?
Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black got married on May 6, 2017, at Bovey Castle in Devon, England. The ceremony was attended by 120 of their closest friends and family.
3. How many children do Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black have?
Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black have two sons. Their first son, Robert “Robbie” Ray, was born in June 2018 via surrogate. Their second son, Phoenix Rose, was born in March 2023, also via surrogate.
4. What is Dustin Lance Black known for professionally?
Dustin Lance Black is known for his work as a screenwriter, director, producer, and LGBT rights activist. He won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for the film Milk in 2009 and has written for other notable projects like J. Edgar and the 2022 crime miniseries Under the Banner of Heaven.
5. How have Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black shared their journey of parenthood?
Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black have been open about their journey to parenthood, including their choice of surrogacy. They emphasize the importance of honesty and openness with their children about their origins and have shared various moments of their family life, highlighting the joy and excitement they experience together.