Billy Baldwin and his wife, Chynna Phillips, believe they have discovered a unique approach to nurturing a successful marriage: living in separate homes.
As they approach their 30th wedding anniversary in 2025, the couple has opened up about their unconventional living situation. Not only do they live in different homes, but they also reside in separate cities.
In a video shared on her YouTube channel recently, the Wilson Phillips singer, 56, elaborated on their arrangement. "Billy and I have come up with this new kind of arrangement that’s really working for me. I’m not sure if it’s the same for Billster, but I’m genuinely happy with our setup," Phillips joked. "It’s quite unstructured… let me explain." She added, "I suggested to Billy, ‘How about we do a trial run where I’m in Santa Barbara and you’re in Beverly Hills, and then we switch? In the meantime, we’ll have date nights, therapy sessions, dinner with our children, and outings to the beach or museum.'"
For context, Santa Barbara is about 100 miles from Beverly Hills, a drive that takes over two hours without traffic.
Baldwin, 61, and Phillips exchanged vows in 1995 and are parents to three children: daughters Jameson, 24, Brooke, 19, and son Vance, 22. While the couple still enjoys sleepovers and such, they appreciate not being subjected to each other’s energy 24/7.
Phillips admitted that Baldwin is a bit more hesitant about the whole thing, but he was open to trying their separate living arrangement.
During the video, she called Baldwin, who appeared on the screen via FaceTime. "I think we’re onto something," Phillips told Baldwin. "We truly enjoy each other’s company. It’s hard to explain to others that we’re deeply in love, cherish our marriage, and have no desire to separate. We just need some time apart because we’re somewhat like an allergy to each other. And that’s okay. I’m sure many couples experience this."
Baldwin didn’t entirely agree, saying, "The reality is you have the allergy, I have a certain energy that makes you have a — see, your back just tweaked just now." He continued, "You do things that sometimes alter my energy."
Phillips also made a lighthearted comment about the Ten Commandments, humorously noting she would submit to her husband when they are together. "Where in the Bible does it say I must live under the same roof 24/7 with my husband? Can you show me that scripture?" she asked. "I mean, I have to care for him, be kind, and gentle. I have to obey or, what’s the word, submit." She added, "I will submit when I’m around."
The couple has been open about their marital challenges, previously revealing a six-month separation after a tough heart-to-heart.
Despite their ups and downs, Phillips attributes their resilience to open communication and faith. "The Christian aspect has been a significant issue for a while because [religion] has heavily influenced my life. It’s perhaps made you question our long-term viability," she said to Baldwin in a February video.
Baldwin replied, "But I still absolutely love you, adore you, and completely support you. That’s why I’m here now. We go to church together, pray together, discuss faith. I do this because I’m a supportive, loving husband who adores his wife and wants to spend the rest of my life with you, no question."