‘Survivor’ Couple Celebrate 20-Year Anniversary at the Kentucky Derby

Boston Rob and Amber Mariano, a.k.a. one of reality TV’s most iconic couples, just proved once again that 20 years later, they’re still going strong. The “Survivor: All-Stars” winners, who famously fell in love (and got engaged!) during the show back in 2004, showed up in style at the 151st Kentucky Derby to celebrate their milestone anniversary. And they looked like winners all over again.

A Derby Daydream Come True

For Amber, this wasn’t just a cute anniversary date; it was a literal bucket-list moment. In an interview with People, Rob explained “That’s something she’s always wanted to do, so we’re going to go there and hang out and enjoy the races.”

So, after missing their actual anniversary, he surprised her with the ultimate belated celebration. “It’s pretty cool that Amber and I have the relationship where she lets me go play poker in Ireland on our anniversary, knowing that we’ll celebrate it later,” he went on to say. Talk about playing the long game.

With their four daughters (Lucia, Carina, Isabetta, and Adelina) being watched by Rob’s sister-in-law, the couple headed off to Churchill Downs. And yes, they looked fantastic. Amber rocked a classic Derby look, complete with an elegant wide-brimmed hat, while Rob kept things sleek in a tailored suit. 

The Today Show even posted a video on Instagram of the couple with the caption, “The cutest.” No lies detected.

Still Team Mariano, 20 Years Later

It’s rare that a reality show romance not only survives but thrives; yet Rob and Amber seem to have cracked the code. While reflecting on their marriage with Swooon, Amber said the key to their relationship is how much fun they have together. “We have four daughters, and they make us so happy, and we stick together as a family. We do everything together, and we just always have so much fun,” she shared.

Rob echoed the sentiment, pointing out that if they could survive “Survivor,” everything else was a breeze. “That’s how our relationship started. We kind of started on a place, on an island, where everything was hard, so after that everything was better and easier, and it has been ever since.”

And that tracks with everything we know about them. From island alliances to matching Derby outfits, these two are still playing the game… but now it’s all about love, family, and showing up for each other in the best ways.