The 60s-born beauty posted affectionate photos with her husband, businessman Ha Ton Duc, on her personal page for their 32nd wedding anniversary on 19/1. "As husband and wife, we learn from each other how to think, view life, and balance work and family. We are patient and forgiving, overcoming common marital challenges," she shared.

Actress Diem My and her husband pose for photos celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary. Photo: Provided by subject

In 1994, at the peak of her beauty and career as a ubiquitous face on calendar photos, Diem My decided to marry Ha Ton Duc, an overseas Vietnamese from the US who returned to establish a business. She withdrew from showbiz to focus on family. For her, this was a choice, not a sacrifice. "I put great effort into building and maintaining happiness, rather than just living a good life on screen," Diem My stated.

They faced a turbulent period from 2012 to 2017. During this time, businessman Ha Ton Duc's business incurred significant losses, straining family finances. As they confronted the risk of losing everything, Diem My was a steadfast emotional support for her husband. When he asked what would happen if he lost everything, she reminded him of his beginnings, when he started from scratch, to encourage him: "If you lose everything again, we'll start over." Thanks to his wife's trust, the actor's husband regained his spirit.

Beyond words, the "Calendar Photo Queen" changed her lifestyle to share the burden with her husband. She reduced shopping and cut back on her habit of traveling 7-8 times a year to just one time. The actress also sold one of their two cars, sharing the remaining one. Diem My switched from flying business class to economy. When her two daughters, Thuy My and Que My, questioned this, she explained the family's situation so they could share the financial pressure with their parents.

Diem My actively worked as a brand ambassador to cover her personal expenses, avoiding her husband's money during his difficult period. "The proverb 'When husband and wife are of one mind, they can empty the East Sea' (meaning that with unity, a couple can overcome any challenge) helped my family overcome difficulties and stabilize financially from 2017 until now," the actress shared.

The enduring marriage of Diem My and her husband is also based on the principle of "tuong kinh nhu tan" (treating each other with respect as if newlywed) and respecting each other's professions. The 60s-born beauty admitted that when they first married, both were young, enthusiastic, and had strong egos. She was hot-tempered, while her husband was patient. They found ways to reconcile their personalities to maintain balance in their home. Diem My said she never tried to appear smarter than her husband. Sometimes, the actress would feign "naivety" in small tasks like changing a lightbulb or fixing a tivi remote to allow her partner to demonstrate his role as the household's pillar.

Despite employing domestic help, Diem My maintains the habit of personally ironing clothes for her husband and children and keeping the house clean. Every outfit her husband and children wear out is prepared by her. Businessman Ha Ton Duc values his wife's acting career, encouraging Diem My to return to the screen when she has time. He always praises his wife's beauty and fame so their daughters can be proud of their mother. Whenever he travels for business, the businessman clearly informs his wife of his itinerary to reassure her. Despite his busy schedule, the actor's husband dedicates the entire Sunday to his family. When he forgets anniversaries, he makes up for it by gifting his wife favorite items like handbags worth thousands of USD.

Diem My and her husband with their two daughters, Thuy My (right) and Que My (left). Photo: Provided by subject

Currently, they live like "newlyweds" in their villa in TP HCM because their two daughters are studying abroad in the US. After over 30 years together, they still maintain habits like drinking tea, confiding in each other, listening to music, and exchanging affectionate words. According to Diem My, even at 90, she and her husband will still hold hands and show affection without worrying about others' judgment. "Duc and I are both busy with our own work, so the time we spend together is truly precious," the beauty said.

Diem My, 64, was once dubbed the "Calendar Photo Queen" of Vietnamese entertainment. She participated in films such as Dong Song Hoa Trang, Vua Lua, and 39 Do Yeu. Her husband, 66, is a businessman in the construction and yacht services sector.

Hoang Dung