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Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin have kept their relationship relatively private, but recently Song has made some intimate observations about their relationship in interviews. Brenda remembered realizing that Culkin was "the one," telling us that it wasn't an elaborate gesture or a huge moment of realization—it was just that she felt his absence whenever they were separated from each other.
That, she said, told her just how much he mattered to her. Their 2017 relationship has since blossomed into a close union, as the couple now have two kids together. Brenda Song and Culkin have both had their share of growing up in the limelight, dealing with the pressures of fame and self-discovery.
This mutual experience has been a part of what has helped shape their relationship. They have kept their personal lives quite private, opting for stability and confidentiality. Their bond, which has been developed based on mutual respect and shared experiences in life; has struck a chord with the audience who have witnessed their professional as well as personal lives for many years.
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Realizing he was 'the one' came from missing him
In contrast to tales of love at first sight, Song's realization about Culkin was not sudden. She didn't identify a specific moment of realization, but instead a recurring feeling that emerged whenever they were separated.
"I missed him"
she said, adding that the absence made her realize the intensity of her feelings. This recognition wasn't so much drama or yearning but rather the unassuming, day-to-day awareness of needing someone in her world.
Brenda Song explained that it wasn't about sweeping romantic moves, but how normal and at ease their relationship grew to feel over time. The mundanity of missing him bolstered her conviction that he was someone she really wanted to be with.
They have two kids and keep the family life below the radar.
In April 2021, the pair had their first child, a son called Dakota, named after Culkin's deceased sister. Their second son, Carson, was born in December 2022. Since having children, Brenda Song and Culkin have made a conscious decision to keep a low profile in order to bring up their kids.
Similar to other celebrity couples who open their personal lives up, they've remained private on their parenting journey. Brenda Song discussed balancing professional and mother roles, stating they and Culkin operate as a team to bring stability to the kids.
They've reportedly created their schedules around not being gone for extended times so they're able to attend to their family.
They professionally work together but have different careers
Although Brenda Song and Culkin tend to keep their work and personal lives separate, they have worked together on a couple of occasions. Recently, Culkin appeared in the Netflix show Running Point, where Song is the leading character.
Song opened up in an interview that Culkin had proposed his cameo in the show, and the plan eventually worked its way out. Though there has been this periodic overlap, each remains committed to their respective careers.
Brenda Song, who rose to fame with The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, has since moved on to streaming and movie roles, while Culkin, after a gap of many years from acting, has returned to a few chosen projects, such as his Emmy-nominated work in The Righteous Gemstones.
Their bond is founded on respect and experience
Brenda Song's introspection about knowing Culkin was "the one" indicates the emotional intensity of their relationship. Although they have opted to maintain many facets of their life away from the public eye; their life together as a couple is defined by their common experiences, professional paths, and how they chose to live their family life.
Their relationship remains one of understated commitment over public show, demonstrating how two former child actors have constructed a life together in the shadows of the industry.
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