Candace Cameron Bure Reflects on Modern Dating and Her 30-Year Marriage
In a recent episode of “The Candace Cameron Bure” podcast, the 49-year-old actress shared thoughtful insights about today’s dating culture while reflecting on her own nearly three-decade marriage. Speaking with her co-host Madi Prewett Trout (a former contestant on The Bachelor), Candace expressed concern about the diminishing human connection in modern dating. “What I believe is lost today is human connection,” she explained, attributing this decline to our increasing dependence on “phones, social media, and dating apps.” While acknowledging these tools have their place—noting that many people, including her co-host, have found partners through such platforms—Candace emphasized the importance of genuine face-to-face interaction. She humorously pointed out that potential partners won’t simply arrive “like an Amazon package” at your doorstep, encouraging listeners to move beyond screens and engage in real conversations rather than relying solely on texting.
Offering practical advice to those seeking meaningful relationships, Candace suggested being intentional about where you spend your time. She explained that environment matters—if someone is “looking for a Godly man,” for example, a bar might not be the ideal setting to find him. With a touch of humor, she added, “You might find him there, but it might not be the best place.” This perspective reflects Candace’s own values and the foundation of her long-standing marriage to former NHL player Valeri Bure, whom she met through her Full House co-star Dave Coulier. Their relationship moved quickly by today’s standards—they went on a date the day after meeting and became engaged less than a year later. This whirlwind romance has endured since their 1996 wedding, resulting in three children: Natasha (27), Lev (25), and Maksim (23).
While Candace and Valeri have been open about experiencing ups and downs throughout their marriage, the actress recently shared with Us Weekly that their relationship is currently in a particularly “wonderful” phase. As empty nesters, they’re discovering a new dimension to their partnership that resembles dating again. “I love my husband so much. We are enjoying each other so incredibly much,” she revealed in a cover story interview. This transition period after raising children has brought them closer together, creating a renewed sense of romance and companionship. “Because anyone knows that when you’ve had kids and you go through that walk or that journey together, which can be great, but then it’s basically the two of you again, once your kids are all adults,” Candace explained, highlighting how this new chapter has reinvigorated their relationship.
The joy Candace feels in this stage of her marriage is palpable in her words. “It’s like we started dating again, and it’s been so beautiful. And I’m just in such a happy, happy place, as is Val, and I’m just looking forward to the next 30 years, and hopefully more than that,” she shared enthusiastically. This sentiment captures the evolution many long-term couples experience as their relationship transforms over time. After weathering the challenges of raising a family together, Candace and Valeri have discovered a second honeymoon phase in their empty nest years—a testament to their commitment and adaptability as partners. Their story offers hope to other couples navigating similar transitions and demonstrates that marriages can not only endure but thrive through different life stages.
What makes this renewed connection especially meaningful are the simple pleasures they now enjoy together. Candace described how their lifestyle has shifted to include more date-like activities: “We’re going to the movies a lot more.” She recounted a particularly touching moment when “Val actually surprised me and we flew to Las Vegas for the day to see The Wizard of Oz—my all-time favorite movie—at The Sphere.” The thoughtfulness behind this gesture moved her deeply: “I literally cried because I was so overwhelmed and grateful.” These experiences highlight how meaningful attention and quality time can be in a relationship, especially after years focused on parenting responsibilities. The couple appears to have successfully navigated the transition that many marriages struggle with—finding joy and connection with each other after children leave home.
Candace’s reflections offer a beautiful contrast between modern dating challenges and the rewards of long-term commitment. While she acknowledges the difficulties many face in finding meaningful connections in today’s digital world, her own marriage stands as an example of what enduring love can look like. Through her podcast and public sharing, Candace provides both practical dating advice for those still searching and inspiration for couples in long-term relationships. Her message balances traditional values with realistic expectations about the work relationships require. As new episodes of “The Candace Cameron Bure” podcast continue to release on Tuesdays, listeners can expect more honest conversations about relationships, faith, and finding happiness in life’s different seasons—all delivered with Candace’s characteristic warmth and authenticity that has endeared her to fans throughout her career.
