After two years of dating, Alex Rodriguezfinally put el anillo (a.k.a the ring) on Jennifer Lopez’s finger during a getaway in the Bahamas. While the power couple didn’t officially become an item until 2017, it seems A-Rod always believed the Hustlers actress would be in his future. During a 1998 interview, the Yankees player was asked “What would a dream date with Alex Rodriguez be?" to which he replied, “Jennifer Lopez. Hopefully, you can find me a date with her." Fast forward over two decades later and the retired baseball star’s dreams became reality. Unfortunately, that reality was short-lived and the couple called it quits in April 2021. Let’s take a walk down A-Rod Jenny’s block and relive the couple’s romance.
1998: The Dream
They say if you want something, you have to put it out into the universe, and, well, Rodriguez did just that. In an interview 21 years before he proposed to the Golden Globe nominee, the MLB player said that his “dream date” involved Lopez.
The ’90s: The Fanboy
Rodriguez was a J.Lo fan long before their relationship. In a 2018 throwback, A-Rod shared a signed photo that he received from the triple threat back when he was a young baseball player. “Life can be a funny thing sometimes,” he hashtagged in the caption.
May 2005: The Meeting
Ironically the first time the couple met at a New York Yankees versus New York Mets game, Lopez’s now-ex-husband, Marc Anthony was present. At the time, both The Wedding Planner actress and professional baseball player were married, Lopez to Anthony and Rodriguez to his first wife, Cynthia Scurtis, with whom he shares two daughters, Natasha and Ella. While Anthony, who threw out the first pitch, sported a Mets jersey, J.Lo was already repping her future beau with a Yankees cap.
February 2017: How It All Began
The Hollywood stars began dating in February after Lopez approached the retired baseball player. “Someone taps me on the shoulder, and I turn around and I do not recognize this person. And it’s Jennifer, but she’s dressed up as Harlee from Shades of Blue, and she’s in her jeans and her big boots. And it took me about four or five seconds. And she said, ‘It’s Jennifer! It’s Jennifer!’ I go, ‘Oh my God, Jennifer, you look beautiful.’ I was so embarrassed and then I got a little nervous, and I’m like, ‘This is so goofy,’ we all know who Jennifer is and she’s everywhere. Then we basically had a small chit-chat,” Rodriguez told Ellen DeGeneres in April. “And she says, ‘You have my number, reach out.’ And I went home that night and reached out.” That same month, Lopez recalled the meeting to the talk show host, too, saying she was having lunch and “I saw him walk by. And then afterwards, I went outside, and for some reason I felt like tapping him on the shoulder.” She added, “He texted me, said, ‘Let’s go out to dinner,’ and I said, ‘OK.’ We had a nice dinner.”
February 2017: First Valentine’s Day
Less than two weeks after they started dating, Lopez and Rodriguez celebrated their first holiday together, Valentine’s Day. Recalling the romantic day to Jimmy Kimmel, the mom of two admitted that she was tired after flying into Las Vegas for her residency. When she entered her room she found flowers, chocolates and a cake. “I was like, ‘Who sent me all that?’” she confessed. “You know, I didn’t know who it was kind of because it was kind of new. But it was really nice because it made me feel like, ‘Oh, he likes me!’”
March 2017: Relationship Confirmed
The former Yankees player confirmed his relationship with the Selena actress during an appearance onThe View. “It’s obvious,” he said. “We’ve been having a great time.” Rodriguez continued, “She’s an amazing, amazing girl. One of the smartest human beings I’ve ever met and also an incredible mother.”
May 2017: The Red Carpet Debut
J-Rod made their official red carpet debut in 2017 attending the star-studded annual Met Gala in New York City. The fashionable pair turned heads in a blue Valentino gown and a sharp Tom Ford suit.
October 2017: Their First Magazine Cover
The pair graced the December cover of Vanity Fair, marking their first joint cover. In the interview, Rodriguez admitted that he wasn’t sure if their first date at the Hotel Bel Air was actually a date. Discussing the initial dinner he said, “Maybe we were seeing each other at night because of her work schedule. I went in uneasy, not knowing her situation," adding, “It would be incredibly productive for me to sit with one of the smartest, greatest women in the world, especially for a guy like me who is coming through tough times, rehabbing himself, re-establishing himself to folks out there. I thought it would be a win-win no matter what.” However, when Lopez told him she was single, he had to “re-adjust” his thoughts. “I went to the bathroom and got enough courage to send her a text,” he shared. “So I’m sitting there and he’s walking back, and I get a text,” Lopez said. The text read: “You look sexy AF.” The evening ended with them having to evacuate after the “fire alarm went off”—literally.
November 2017: First Thanksgiving
The lovebirds celebrated their first Thanksgiving together “on the farm” with their children, Rodriguez’s daughters Natasha and Ella, and Lopez’s twins Emme and Max.
December 2017: First Christmas
A couple that lounges together, stays together. A-Rod and J.Lo cozied up with her twins while celebrating their first Christmas in Miami. The singer’s mother, Guadalupe Rodríguez, and sister Lynda were also present for the holiday fun.
February 2018: First Anniversary
The triple threat and sports commentator rang in their first anniversary during the 2018 Super Bowl weekend. Lopez headlined the AT&T presents DIRECTV NOW Super Saturday Night concert. Before performing her song “Us,” Lopez said on stage (via Us Weekly), “We’ve been together for one year today. I don’t want to get all mushy or anything, but Baby, this song’s for you. I love you.”
March 2018, A Love Nest
It was reported in March that the pair purchased a $15.316 million Park Avenue apartment in NYC. With 3 rooms and 4.5 bathrooms, per WSJ, the love nest offered plenty of space for their blended family. (The couple ended up selling the property in 2019.)
April 2018: “El Anillo”
J.Lo appeared to be dropping some serious hints about wanting a ring when she released her song “El Anillo.” In the track, she sings (translated via Billboard), “I’d never felt something this big / And your savage side drives me crazy / You’ve given me so much, that I’ve been thinking, / I have it all, but / Where’s the ring?” Subtle? We think not!
February 2019: Two-Year Anniversary
Lopez and Rodriguez were still going strong two years later. To mark their anniversary, the couple penned heartfelt tributes for each other. The “Dinero” performer gushed that A-Rod makes her “world a more beautiful safe and stable place” and makes her feel like a “teenager starting out all over again.” The athlete made our hearts flutter with an equally moving post. He wrote, “Macha 13, I can’t believe it’s been two years. Only 730 days, which have flown by, but it feels like we have been together forever. We are meant to be, and how much you mean to me cannot be put into words. From baseball games, to traveling across the world to shows in Vegas. We have done it all together and every moment with you is cherished. Where this road will take us next is unknown but there is no one else I would rather have by my side. The journey is just beginning and I am excited for what’s ahead. Macha, your hard work is unmatched. Your relentless drive and determination push me to be a better man each and every day. Like you there is none other. Words will never do justice to what the last two years have meant to me. Thank you for always being you, for your unwavering support and unconditional love.❤️ Te amo mucho, Lola.”
March 2019: The Engagement
Rodriguez proposed to Lopez on the beach in the Bahamas. Since practice makes perfect, the dad of two rehearsed the proposal with his assistant Ashley. “I planned it for about six months,” he told Jimmy Fallon. “Three days prior to me going down on one knee and getting engaged and asking for it, I rehearsed three days in a row because I wanted the sunset to be perfect.” “One time, the sunset was at 6:27, the next day it was at 6:29, and then the third day it was raining!” the TV personality added. “So I kind of came out around 6:29, and I said, ‘This is the time when I’m gonna do it.’ And it worked out well.”
July 2019: J.Lo Turns 50
Rodriguez hit it out of the park on Lopez’s 50th birthday. In honor of the milestone, A-Rod created a heartwarming video tribute for his fiancée. “Hi baby girl, just want to wish you a happy birthday. I cannot believe this baby girl,” he said in the clip. “Since we’ve been together, you have made me feel like every day is my birthday. Thank you for your passion and your energy and your inspiration and your endless pursuit to be the best at everything that you do.” Rodriguez continued, “You are simply the best partner in life, the best daughter, the best mother, the best performer. We love you, your fans love you, your children love you and I love you. Let’s make this birthday a very special one.” Lopez was treated to a blowout bash in Miami in honor of her big day.
November 2019: Thanksgiving
Lopez had an extra reason to be thankful on Thanksgiving 2019! She and her fiancé celebrated their first Thanksgiving as an engaged couple with their kids cooking away in the kitchen.
December 2019: More Kids?
The Maid in Manhattan actress revealed that she’d be open to having more children with her future husband. “I want to,” she told PEOPLE. “I don’t know that it’s in God’s plan but I would like to try. I’m so open to it!”
December 2019: Santa Baby, No Need for a Ring
The “Jenny from the Block” singer had the best present of all on Christmas Day, her future husband. Lopez took to Instagram to post a tender snapshot of her and her fiancé sharing a kiss in matching pajamas. Can you say couple goals?
January 2020: New Year’s Eve
The loved-up pair entered the new decade as an engaged couple with their children by their side.
January 2020: And the Award for Supportive Partner Goes to…
Lopez had the support of her beau at the 77th annual Golden Globes, where she was nominated for an award. While the actress ultimately lost, she was still a winner in Rodriguez’s eyes. After the ceremony, he penned a tribute for his bride-to-be writing, “Jen, it doesn’t take a trophy, medal, or plaque to identify a true champion. . To millions of young women who have watched you and have been inspired and empowered to do amazing things in their lives, you are a champion. . For countless musicians, dancers, actresses, and performers who have seen and emulate your passion, drive and work ethic to find their own success, you are a champion. . To your children, your family, your coaches, your staff, and your extended family, you are a champion. . To everyone whose lives you enrich daily, you are a champion. And don’t you ever forget it. ❤️❤️❤️.”
March 2021: The “Breakup”
Sources told PEOPLE that the split was “a long time coming” and it would likely take a while for the Hustlers star and former MLB player to make a full, clean break for good. “They are tied in their business worlds so it’s not a cut and dry break up,” an insider said. “It’s taken a while for them to even think about untangling it all.” Then, both JLo and A-Rod reportedly told TMZ, “All the reports are inaccurate. We are working through some things.” TMZ also reports that “what they’re working through has nothing to do with a third party.”
April 2021: J-Rod breaks up…for real
The pair said in a joint statement to TODAY, “We have realized we are better as friends and look forward to remaining so. We will continue to work together and support each other on our shared businesses and projects. We wish the best for each other and one another’s children. Out of respect for them, the only other comment we have to say is thank you to everyone who has sent kind words and support.” Are you a J.Lo fan? Check out 20 of her high-energy songs.
