Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones Are ‘Making Every Moment Count’ After Rumors of Marriage Woes

Catherine Zeta-Jones calls the shots in her marriage to Michael Douglas, and a source tells Globe that’s the way the actor likes it.

“He’s happy to go with the flow and indulge Catherine’s latest discoveries, whether that’s a healthy new diet or a luxury golf resort,” says the source. “She’s the reason he’s slowed down his entertainment industry work.”

As Globe previously reported, the Basic Instinct icon scaled down his acting projects over the past few years, with Douglas insisting: “I just like to watch my wife work.”

“These days, he thinks about Catherine before anything,” the source adds. “Him stepping back from full-time work has everything to do with them living their best lives as a couple.”

He hasn’t exactly retired, though. The Hollywood legend’s headline-making memoir, One Helluva Ride, comes out on Tuesday, October 6. Meanwhile, Variety reported in June that Douglas wrapped production on Oliver Stone‘s upcoming flick, White Lies, and the Mirror noted he was filming the TV miniseries Reagan and Gorbachev this February.

“Of course, Catherine is still in demand and still working on projects for herself,” spills Globe‘s source, noting her recent gigs have included everything from The Gallerist and Kill Jackie to Wednesday. “But she does so in a way that can accommodate plenty of downtime and recreational travel for her and Michael.”

On September 25, the Mask of Zorro alum celebrated their joint birthday — she turned 57 as he turned 82 — by posting a photo of the pair swimming in tropical waters on Instagram.

“Happy Birthday, darling!” she gushed. “Sharing this special day with you, is as special as the day itself. Love you.”

The couple wed on November 18, 2000, and share two grown children, Dylan, 26, and Carys, 23. However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. In 2013, a rep for the actress told ABC News the duo were “taking some time apart to evaluate and work on their marriage.” Though they reconciled less than a year later, more whispers of trouble emerged in early 2026 as Douglas and Zeta-Jones seemed to be leading increasingly separate lives.

According to the source, the couple are now in a much healthier place.

“Michael and Catherine know how lucky they are to have lasted this long as a couple and to have raised a family together,” says the source. “They’re making every moment count.”