Rick Astley shares secret to his happy marriage Pop veteran Rick Astley has shared the secret to his happy marriage insisting "respect" is just as important as love in a relationship. 9 February 2026 Rick Astley believes the secret to his happy marriage is having "respect" for each other. Rick Astley has shared the secret to his happy marriage The 60-year-old pop star has been with his wife Lene Bausager - the mother of his grown-up daughter Emilie - since 1989 and he's insisted "respect" is just as important as love in a relationship.