When Joey McIntyre rose to international stardom as the youngest member of the legendary boy band New Kids on the Block in the late 1980s, millions of fans tracked his every move. Yet offstage, his most enduring chapter didn't involve sold-out arenas or chart-topping singles, but a quiet, grounded romance. Joey McIntyre married real estate broker Barrett Williams—often referred to affectionately by her maiden name or nickname in various circles, though officially Barrett Williams (sometimes mistakenly cited in automated fan blogs as "Brooke")—in August 2003. Their relationship stands as one of the longest-lasting unions in the often-turbulent world of pop music, anchored by mutual respect, shared family values, and a deliberate choice to keep their home life balanced away from the constant glare of Hollywood.
Understanding the depth of their relationship requires looking past the glossy tabloid summaries and examining how they built a family while navigating grueling tour cycles, Broadway commitments, and the shifting tides of the entertainment industry. This article explores how they met, the milestones of their marriage, their children, and the practical ways they maintain a strong partnership after more than two decades together.
How Joey McIntyre and Barrett Williams Met
The story of how Joey met his future wife begins far away from the flashing lights of Los Angeles or New York stages. In the early 2000s, Joey was living in Los Angeles and pursuing both his music and acting career following the initial peak and subsequent reunion eras of New Kids on the Block. Barrett was working in real estate and stayed largely outside the entertainment bubble.
They crossed paths through mutual acquaintances in Los Angeles. Unlike the whirlwind romances common among pop stars of that era, their courtship developed steadily out of the spotlight. Joey has often recounted in interviews that he appreciated Barrett's grounded perspective and her complete indifference to the pop-star persona he carried professionally. That down-to-earth dynamic created an immediate sense of trust, allowing them to form a genuine friendship that quickly evolved into a serious commitment.
By August 2003, the couple solidified that commitment in an intimate ceremony held at the St. Elizabeth Seton Church in California, surrounded by close family and friends. Eschewing a massive, highly publicized celebrity spectacle, they opted for a wedding that reflected their personal values—focused entirely on family, faith, and their shared future.
Building a Family and Balancing Careers
Life with a touring musician isn't simple, but the McIntyres developed a clear strategy for raising children while managing demanding schedules. The couple shares three children: Griffin, Rhys, and Kira.
- Griffin Thomas McIntyre: Born in December 2007, Griffin was the couple's firstborn and brought an immediate shift toward domestic stability for Joey.
- Rhys Edward McIntyre: Born in 2009, Rhys faced early health challenges that made headlines when he was diagnosed with hearing loss as an infant. The family navigated this hurdle with transparency, using their platform to advocate for early screening and support.
- Kira Katherine McIntyre: Born in 2011, Kira completed the family, bringing a dynamic sibling energy to their Los Angeles household.
Balancing these formative parenting years required intentional planning. When New Kids on the Block launched massive reunion tours—such as the Mixtape Tour series alongside acts like Salt-N-Pepa and New Edition—Joey faced weeks away from home. To combat the distance, the family established strict communication rules, utilizing video calls daily and ensuring that Barrett and the children frequently joined tour stops whenever school schedules permitted.
Furthermore, Barrett's career in real estate allowed her flexibility while maintaining an independent professional identity outside of Joey's shadow. This mutual independence has been cited by close observers as a major factor in the longevity of their marriage. Neither partner sacrificed their personal identity for the other; instead, they grew alongside one another.
Navigating the Public Eye and Health Challenges
No long-term marriage is without obstacles, and the McIntyres have faced their share of high-profile tests. When their son Rhys was diagnosed with severe hearing loss as a baby, it thrust the family into a daunting medical and emotional journey. Rather than hiding the diagnosis, Joey and Barrett spoke openly about the process of getting cochlear implants and learning sign language as a family unit. This vulnerability endeared them even further to fans, turning a private family trial into a source of support for other parents facing similar pediatric medical journeys.
Additionally, maintaining privacy in the era of social media requires conscious boundaries. While Joey regularly shares lighthearted moments on platforms like Instagram, the couple carefully protects their children's privacy as they grow into teenagers and young adults. This measured approach has shielded their children from the invasive aspects of digital celebrity culture.
Joey's career has also evolved significantly during their marriage. From his critically acclaimed run on Broadway in Wicked as Dr. Dillamond to independent film projects and ongoing NKOTB studio albums, Barrett has remained a steady backstage presence. Joey has frequently noted in interviews with outlets like People that his creative risks are only possible because he knows he has a stable, loving home base waiting for him.
Secrets to a Lasting Celebrity Marriage
When examining why Joey and Barrett's marriage has outlasted dozens of high-profile pop-culture pairings, several practical patterns emerge:
- Independent Identities: Barrett maintained her own professional path in real estate, preventing the resentment that often builds when one partner completely surrenders their career for the other.
- Shared Humor: Both Joey and Barrett possess dry, self-deprecating senses of humor. Friends often note that they laugh together easily, which diffuses tension during stressful tour seasons.
- Geographic Stability: Raising their children primarily in a stable home environment away from the relentless paparazzi pressure of downtown Los Angeles or Manhattan gave their kids a sense of normalcy.
- Proactive Communication: Recognizing that weeks apart on the road strain any relationship, they established non-negotiable check-in rituals to bridge physical distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Joey McIntyre get married?
Joey McIntyre married Barrett Williams on August 9, 2003, in a private ceremony in California after dating for several years.
How many children do Joey McIntyre and his wife have?
They have three children: Griffin, Rhys, and Kira. Their family life has been a central focus for both parents throughout Joey's ongoing music and acting career.
What does Joey McIntyre's wife do for a living?
Barrett Williams built a successful career in real estate, choosing to operate largely outside the entertainment industry to maintain privacy for their family.
How do they manage touring and family life?
They rely on strict daily communication routines, intentional scheduling to minimize time apart, and bringing the children out on tour during school breaks to keep the family unit cohesive.
