Chip and Joanna Gaines Recall Funny Proposal Story on 'Shark Tank'

The Magnolia Network founders shared the mishap that happened when Chip proposed over 20 years ago.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:31am

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Chip and Joanna Gaines, the stars of the Magnolia Network, appeared as guest judges on a recent episode of 'Shark Tank' and took the opportunity to share the funny story of how Chip proposed to Joanna over 20 years ago. Joanna revealed that when Chip got down on one knee to propose, he got stuck in his long trench coat and Joanna thought he was having a 'heart attack'. The couple, who have been married for 22 years, also discussed how their five children have their own entrepreneurial spirits.

Why it matters

Chip and Joanna Gaines are one of the most beloved couples in the home and lifestyle space, having built the Magnolia empire from the ground up. Their proposal story provides a lighthearted and relatable glimpse into the early days of their relationship and how their partnership has endured over the decades. The segment also highlights the entrepreneurial mindset they are instilling in their children, continuing the Magnolia legacy.

The details

During the 'Shark Tank' episode, Joanna explained that Chip had told her they were going to a singer's backstage venue, but when they arrived, Chip got down on one knee to propose. However, Joanna said Chip 'tripped on his jacket' and she thought he was having a 'heart attack'. Chip clarified that he had a long trench coat on and when he went down to propose, he couldn't get back up, getting 'locked into this awkward position'. Joanna then remembered tending to Chip, thinking he was in distress.

  • Chip and Joanna Gaines met in 2001 in the waiting room of Joanna's dad's auto shop in Waco, Texas.
  • Chip proposed to Joanna in 2002, one year after they started dating.
  • Chip and Joanna got married in 2003 at the historic Earle-Harrison House in Waco.
  • Chip and Joanna celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary on May 31, 2025.
  • Chip and Joanna appeared as guest judges on 'Shark Tank' on January 28, 2026.

The players

Chip Gaines

The 51-year-old co-founder of Magnolia Network and husband of Joanna Gaines.

Joanna Gaines

The 47-year-old co-founder of Magnolia Network and wife of Chip Gaines.

Emmie Gaines

The 16-year-old daughter of Chip and Joanna Gaines.

Ella Gaines

The 19-year-old daughter of Chip and Joanna Gaines.

Crew Gaines

The 7-year-old son of Chip and Joanna Gaines.

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What they’re saying

“He told me that we were going to go backstage to some singer's — like a little venue. And so, I show up. He gets down on his knees, but he trips on his jacket.”

— Joanna Gaines

“I didn't trip. I had a long trench coat on. So when I went down to get on my knee, I couldn't get back up. I locked myself into this awkward position.”

— Chip Gaines

“Each of our kids has a little bit of that entrepreneurial spirit in their own way. Some are dreamers and creative. Some are doers and more pragmatic. I just love watching them be curious and follow their interests.”

— Joanna Gaines

“We try not to push them in any one direction, but we love watching them explore ideas and run with them. Jo and I have experienced first-hand the value of having people around you that believe in your ideas and who are there to spur you on when it feels like you may be onto something. We want our kids to know that we'll hold their dreams as if they were our own.”

— Chip Gaines

The takeaway

Chip and Joanna Gaines' lighthearted proposal story is a testament to the enduring love and partnership they have built over the past two decades. As they continue to inspire others through their Magnolia empire, their commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirits of their five children ensures the Gaines legacy will live on for generations to come.