She’s an award-winning country singer. He’s a superstar Canadian hockey player. They’re both very notable in their separate professions, and together, they make one heck of an amazing couple. The world first took notice of Carrie Underwood in 2004, during the fourth season of Fox Network’s American Idol. During the competition, it was clear she was already a star in her own terms. Underwood went on to win that season of American Idol and was thrust into the spotlight. Since becoming “The American Idol,” Underwood’s fame has grown tremendously. Her out-of-this-world vocals have pushed her to the top of music charts and lead her to becoming a multi-Grammy winner.

Thirty-seven-year-old Mike Fisher grew up playing hockey and truly loving the sport. Born in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, Fisher was granted several amazing opportunities in hockey. At just 17-years-old, he was drafted into the Ontario Hockey League and quickly became on of the top players of the league. In 2011, Fisher was traded into the Nashville Predators where he played on a whole new level of greatness. In August 2017, he announced he’d be retiring from professional hockey, but out of pure love for the sport and his team, he returned and signed on for another year in 2018.

Both Fisher and Underwood are practicing Christians and extremely family oriented. When they met, the stars must have aligned because their love is unlike any other. Much of their life is kept secret, but we have here for you 15 facts about the adorable pair that you probably didn’t know.

15 The Connection

Neither Carrie Underwood nor Mike Fisher were really looking for love or any type of serious commitment when they met backstage at one of her concerts in 2008. According to Carrie, one of her close friends (her band’s bassist Mark Childers) told her he wanted to set her up with a “hunky Canadian athlete.” Carrie did not have high hopes at making a relationship work with a “hockey guy who lives in another country.”

Childers suggests a blind date to Underwood, but she was very skeptical and concerned about the awkwardness that comes with meeting someone who lives so far away.

Therefore, Underwood suggested Childers bring Mike Fisher backstage to one of her concerts’ meet-and-greets. That way if it was completely awkward or too strange, she wouldn’t have to sit and deal with it. The unique meet up proved to be 100 percent worth all the nerves Underwood experienced, though. She’s described their initial physical chemistry as being “off the charts.” According to VH1’s Behind the Music, Underwood, who met Fisher when she was 25 and he 28, texted Childers, “Hot, hot, hot.” Later, Fisher revealed his first impression of Underwood was she was “more beautiful in person than on TV".

14 The First Date

Despite the intense initial connection Mike Fisher and Carrie Underwood shared when they first met at one of her concerts, it would be another three months before they even saw each other again. Underwood was smart in thinking a relationship with an athlete from another country would be seriously difficult. Because of their separate busy schedules, the pair kept in contact over the next few months with phone calls. “It's fun to miss somebody," Underwood told Glamour magazine. "We talked on the phone for almost three months before we actually got together. That was good for us.”

They finally got to reconnect at a New Year’s Eve party, which became their first official date. During this party, though, they were hardly alone, and we doubt it was quiet. According to Underwood, Fisher knew what he was getting himself into by dating her. “He knew what to expect. In Canada, he was a big celebrity, so he knows what it's like living under a microscope.” This first date was all Underwood and Fisher needed to solidify that crazy feeling growing between them. They found they could easily lean on each other for support. The first date was also so special, because it led to the first magical kiss.

13 Jersey Chaser?

Fisher is not the first high-profile athlete to capture Carrie Underwood’s heart. Before meeting hockey star Mike Fisher, Underwood held a semi-significant relationship with superstar Dallas Cowboy quarterback, Tony Romo. In 2007, Romo and Underwood started making public appearances together, but by October of the same year, whatever they had ended. Romo then went on to date popstar Jessica Simpson, and we know what happened there… For Underwood, though, dating Romo is not a fond memory. Some accuse her of writing her hit song “Cowboy Casanova” about Romo, but she’s assured that it is not about him. In an interview with Us Weekly, Underwood stated, “No, I would never immortalize a guy that did me wrong. I would never give him that much credit.”

According to Underwood, Romo was strictly about football.

“I don't know if it's that I'm not quite his type or whatever, but I don't think he's at the point in his life where he would be willing to sacrifice football.” Fans were criticizing Romo for paying more attention to Underwood than the game, so their relationship came to a sudden end. After Romo, Underwood began dating actor, Chace Crawford. Who is actually the brother to Romo’s current wife, Candice Crawford.

12 The First Kiss

During their New Year’s Eve first date, the magic of the night filled the air and things must have been going really well, because Carrie Underwood was inspired to make the first move in her budding relationship with hockey star, Mike Fisher. As the ball dropped at midnight to welcome in the New Year, Underwood leaned in to kiss Fisher and welcome the start of their new relationship. When Underwood thinks about that special moment, she is forever grateful that she made the first move.

In an interview with Glamour Magazine, Underwood describes the moment, “We were in front of people, and he's not a big PDA guy. I figured, I’ll go in for it because he can't leave me hanging, right? So, I made him kiss me in public.” Traditionally, it is the guy who is left to make the first major move of a relationship, but Underwood was feeling bold that night. Fisher did not turn her down or leave her hanging that night. The people who witnessed this special moment of a new relationship hit their social media to probably gossip about Underwood’s new romance. None of this had any effect on the pair, though, because they were happy to have each other.

11 Love Festivities

A year after Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher began dating, he dropped down to one knee and proposed to the country star. Underwood has described Fisher’s proposal as romantic and magical. In the middle of a snow-covered forest around Christmas time, “He said my full name, ‘Carrie Marie Underwood, will you marry me?’ (He) got down on his knee, like every man should. And I tackled him in the snow. I forgot to even look at the ring, like, I wasn’t even paying attention.” After the proposal the two prayed for their future.

About half a year later, Fisher and Underwood would say “I Do.” They’re beautiful wedding took place at the Ritz Carlton Reynolds Plantation in Georgia in front 250 of their best friends and family. The ceremony featured classical music and readings from the Bible. Underwood dazzled all with her stunning Chantilly lace dress and her trademark smile. Fisher was described by guests as Underwood’s real-life Prince Charming. After dancing the night away, the set off to Tahiti for an unforgettable honeymoon. By air and by water, the newlyweds explored all the French Polynesian sights. Their love and happiness was evident by all who caught a glimpse of them.

10 A Rough Start

When Underwood and Fisher met, Underwood admits she had no idea what her “perfect guy” would be. She didn’t spend her days as a young girl daydreaming about her future wedding or what kind of husband she would want. After meeting Fisher, she claimed she actually had a “pinch me” moment, where she had to say to herself, “Wow, so now I know what I was missing.” But life after their marriage wasn’t all they hoped it would be.

Carrie Underwood, though she has two siblings, considers herself to be an “only child,” because her siblings were so much older than her. She feels her solo childhood possibly attributed to some of marriage troubles. Underwood had a hard time dealing with all of Fisher’s stuff after they moved in together. In an interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Underwood stated “Now we share. We're much better. I'm better. I've got the only child syndrome thing, like I don't share my toys or my space. We're doing well." Though they were doing initially well and leaned on each other during the hard times, their busy schedules played a huge part in some of horrible rumours that would later plague their relationship.

9 Long Distance Struggle

Since Mike Fisher and Carrie Underwood are pretty famous in their separate careers, a lot of their time is already locked down, leaving them with very little free time for the relationship. Between concerts and training, recording studios and hockey games, it’s hard to imagine Fisher and Underwood getting to ever see each other. Even though they are married and live with each other, the two often had to treat their relationship as though it were a long-distance relationship.

Another serious downside to not seeing each other very often is that people like to start rumors about how the relationship is doing.

Fisher has been accused of making his hockey career a higher priority than his wife and marriage. In the beginning years of their marriage, a source close to the couple claimed Fisher seemed a little too caught up in hockey and his personal life. They said he doesn’t do a great job at putting Carrie first in situations. Underwood has been known for saying one of the great things about her marriage with Mike Fisher is that they were both already established before they met, and both understood the price of fame. However, this might not have been something she was prepared for.

8 In Skype We Trust

To make it through all their time apart and overcome all the obstacles thrown their way, Mike Fisher and Carrie Underwood rely heavily on technology for communication. The couple have, on more than one occasion, shared with the world their undying love with Skype, a video chat platform. Before Fisher was traded from the Ottawa Senators to the Nashville Predators in 2011, the couple set roots down in Ottawa. Fisher was a big part of Ottawa and Underwood appreciated their warm welcome. Even after Fisher was traded to a location better for Underwood’s career, they still didn’t get to see each other often. After making the trade, Fisher stated, “They're a very good team, and it'll be kind of like going home for me. I'm sure my wife won't be disappointed, either. But I think it's a great place for me and family and everything.”

Despite their continuously busy schedules, they still make things work. “Communication, trust, and Skype are key,” stated Underwood. After a big game or just before bed, Fisher and Underwood make sure to contact each other. Talking on the phone is nice and everything but being able to see the other person’s face makes the conversations so much more meaningful.

7 Opposites Attract

Opposites attract has to be one of the oldest sayings in the book, and it fits right in with Mike Fisher and Carrie Underwood’s inspiring relationship. While they are very alike in some of the major areas of life, including religion and career goals, they do have some pretty big differences. Fisher is huge on hunting and fishing. This might not seem like any big deal to most people, but his wife is a notable vegan and active animal lover. Underwood started off as a vegetarian and then became vegan in 2011. In the beginning of their relationship, this difference was initially hard to look past for Underwood.

She feels passionate about animals, while Fisher has described feeling “more connected to God while out in the woods.” Underwood was named one of the most beautiful vegan celebrities by PETA and she is often praised for her efforts in animal rescue. Underwood even stuck to a straight vegetarian diet while pregnant with her son, and once she gave birth she went back to vegan. Their connection is strong in all other departments, so they worked out a compromise. They strictly avoid meat from “large-scale farms” and only serve meat Fisher can catch himself while hunting.

6 Love Is Stronger Than Music

Marriage is a huge deal for both Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher. Underwood even reportedly saved herself for marriage. She would arguably do anything for Fisher and her marriage. That being said, she’s publicly admitted that if Fisher ever asked her to quit music, she absolutely would. “If Mike ever told me he needed me to quit, I'd quit,” she stated in an interview with People. “When you make that promise to somebody, and you stand before God and your family and friends, you've got to do everything that you possibly can to make that work.”

Underwood’s comment had quite a few feminists up in arms.

It’s become an important move for women to search for equal rights and fight for their place in the world. For such a role model to say she would give up her career for her husband, seemed like a big setback to everyone. They felt that her saying she would give up music for Fisher was a bit much. It would, however, be understanding for her to say she’d take a break from touring or something like that, but music all together was too far. Maybe Underwood didn’t realize the extent her comment would have, but her beliefs are hers, not the whole worlds.

5 Goofy Partners

Carrie Underwood has numerous hit love songs under her belt. However, in real life, she has admitted she is not much of a romantic. She did make the first move in her relationship with Mike Fisher, but she says that all the “fairytales and bubblegum and butterflies,” that go into love songs is not a part of her reality. She’s claimed, “I don’t do romance very well, at least not in music.” Her marriage seems to be surviving, but she’s also been accused of not being romantic in her personal life either. She says her best times with Fisher are the simple moments when they can just be alone.

In an interview with US Weekly, she stated, “I'm not a mushy person at all. We were never a huggy family. Or a 'let's talk it out' family. Technically I have siblings, but they are quite a bit older than me. I was the accident, so I have the only-child syndrome going on. I'm a little more selfish, a little more independent, a little closed. I do wish I were softer. I wish I were able to form relationships better. But hey, I mean, I'm not a sociopath." Nonetheless, Fisher and Underwood have a good thing going on.

4 Sloppy Messes

Carrie Underwood grew up basically an only child, since her siblings are a lot older than her, so she’s been used to everything being the way she wants them to. When Underwood married Fisher, she was in for a wake-up call. She had to find a way to deal with all of Fisher’s stuff. It turns out Fisher is a bit of a pack rat, and Underwood didn’t know this before marrying him. She was surprised to learn how much stuff Fisher actually had. Though she’s never said their house was messy enough for Hoarders, she did joke that Fisher was close to getting there.

Underwood is a self-proclaimed neat freak and loves everything to be in her control. So, despite Fisher being messy, their home is more than likely very clean and well-kept all the time. She’s confessed she is obsessive over making her bed and organizing her kitchen and everything in it. She has stated she is also O.C.D about time and is early for everything, to a point where people might be a little freaked out by it. Her obsession with time may come from the desire to control at least one aspect of her busy life.

3 Honeymoon Phase Ends

In 2015, Carrie Underwood gave birth to the couple’s first son, after nearly five years of marriage. Their little baby boy is named Isaiah Michael Fisher, but they tend to call him Izzy. Underwood described the newborn in an Instagram post as, “"Tiny hands and tiny feet…God has blessed us with an amazing gift!" For a couple who has spent so much time together without having to worry about a small person, adjusting to such a big change could take time. However, Underwood and Fisher seemed to understand what they were getting themselves into. When asked, by E! Online, if she and Fisher were still in the “honeymoon phase” of their marriage, Underwood laughed and said, “No! We have a kid. That went out the door with the poopy diapers… If it hasn't ended already, that's when it officially ends -- when you have a child."

Underwood went on to assure that she and Fisher are still very much in love with each other, if not more now. Izzy plays such a huge role in the couple’s life and the rare glimpses of him melt hearts everywhere. Underwood wishes to have a big family with Fisher, and the two are reportedly trying for baby #2 right now.

2 Divorce Rumors

As with most famous couples, small details of a relationship tend to turn into massive nasty rumours. After Fisher posted a Bible verse to his Instagram, lots of fans took it as a cry for help, rather than what it was probably intended for. The words from Psalm 139:23-24 read: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Fisher credited this as one of his new favourite verses, but never said where it was coming from in his heart. Whenever Fisher and Underwood are hit with divorce rumours, they typically respond with a giggle and say, “We’ve never been better.”

Some outlets speculated Fisher’s brief retirement from hockey, and his decision to un-retire, put a strain on their marriage.

When the rumours were spilling out, some magazines printed a quote from a supposed “source” stating, “She really thought Mike’s retirement was going to give them the time they needed to work on making their family stronger… If Carrie and Mike continue to grow apart, it will surely end in divorce for them.” Despite the naysayers, Underwood and Fisher assure they are happier than ever together.

1 Carrie's Accident

Carrie Underwood went through one the of the most traumatic moments of her life last November. In a freak accident, Underwood fell down the steps outside her home. She suffered from multiple injuries, including a broken wrist and needing 40 stiches to her face! Underwood reported that she would be alright, but that it was going to take some time to fully recover. The following months after her accident, she went into a sort of hiding and refrained from posting any pictures that would show her face.

As if the physical pain wasn’t enough, rumors claimed Mike Fisher pushed Underwood causing her to fall down the stairs. However, this was clearly not true because Fisher was not in town when the accident took place. Immediately after learning of the accident, Fisher flew back home to be by his wife’s side. He was there for her to comfort and help nurse her back to health. Today, Underwood has recovered and shown her face to the public. She even performed during the 2018 ACM awards in front of fans. Fisher and Underwood continue to work out any problems they may have; no marriage is perfect, but with these two, they are definitely trying.