Dr. Pol Shares 58 Years of Marriage Wisdom with Diane: Secrets Behind Their Enduring Love

Dr. Jan Pol is a licensed veterinarian, author, and television personality best known for his Nat Geo Wild series The Incredible Dr. Pol. Born and raised in the Netherlands, he immigrated to the United States in the early 1970s, where he and his wife Diane Pol founded Pol Veterinary Services in Weidman, Michigan. With over 50 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Pol has treated thousands of animals and become a household name for his compassionate, hands-on approach. Beyond the clinic, his enduring partnership with Diane—both in life and work—has become a model of commitment, teamwork, and love.

In a heartfelt Valentine’s Day 2025 special released on YouTube, beloved veterinarian and TV personality Dr. Jan Pol opens up about the secret to his nearly six-decade-long marriage with his wife, Diane Pol. Titled “Dr. Pol Answers the Top 20 Questions About Having a Successful Marriage,” the video offers a rare and intimate glimpse into their partnership—built on trust, teamwork, and shared purpose.

“Diane and I have been married almost 58 years,” Dr. Pol begins. “We’ve been working together for 45 of those years. People say how can you do that it’s just because you love each other and you work together and you have guidance from above.”

A Glimpse Into Their Wedding

Dr. Pol and Diane were married on August 12, 1967 in a ceremony that reflected both simplicity and deep joy. A photo from their wedding day captures them cutting a tiered cake, smiling in youthful excitement—Dr. Pol in a white tuxedo jacket and Diane in a lace-trimmed white gown and veil.

Remarkably, fifty years later, they recreated that moment for their golden anniversary. During the celebration in 2017, the couple wore the exact same attire from their wedding day. As Dr. Pol shared on social media, “Diane’s dress and Dr. Pol’s coat are the originals they wore on their wedding day 50 years ago.” The event was not only a tribute to enduring love but also a testament to preserving memories and honoring the journey they’ve shared together.

Built to Last: The Foundation of the Pol Marriage

According to Dr. Pol, the building blocks of a healthy marriage are honesty, trust, shared decision-making, and communication. Every major decision, he says, should be made together, and both partners must feel heard—even when opinions differ.

“Listen. Don’t get mad if you have a different opinion,” Dr. Pol says. “The main thing is both partners get their say and then get together and understand what the other one wants.”

Life Partners at Home and Work

The couple’s long-standing partnership extends beyond home life. After 10 years at another veterinary clinic, Dr. Pol and Diane started their own practice in Michigan, which would go on to become the backdrop of The Incredible Dr. Pol. Diane not only handled the business side but stood as his unwavering partner through the growth and challenges.

“Everything that we do is for each other,” Dr. Pol says simply, reflecting on their shared journey in life and work.

Keeping the Spark Alive After 50+ Years

Dr. Pol admits with a chuckle that “the spark has… died”—but only in the traditional, romanticized sense. For him and Diane, lasting love is found in togetherness.

They continue to do almost everything side by side—from dinners and errands to everyday routines. This shared rhythm, he says, is what keeps their bond strong.

At the end of a long day, they prioritize reconnecting: sitting down for dinner together, making time to talk, and simply being present.

Division of Labor and Parenting Together

Dr. Pol emphasizes that marriage is a partnership in every sense—including household duties. When both spouses are working, he believes chores should be shared naturally. If Diane cooks, he sets the table; sometimes, he prepares breakfast while she gets ready.

Parenting, too, was a team effort. Their approach was to present a united front to their children, ensuring consistent discipline and avoiding the all-too-common “ask mom because dad said no” scenarios. As Dr. Pol puts it, children should never be allowed to pit one parent against the other.

On Conflict, Compromise, and Career Changes

While disagreements are natural, Dr. Pol says the goal should always be mutual understanding—not compromise for the sake of peace.

“There shouldn’t be too many compromises,” Dr. Pol explains. “Because when you tell things over and make the decision together, then it’s not really a compromise—but it is a decision that both of you agree on.”

The same principle applies during career changes or stressful times: talk it out, be supportive, and face challenges as a team.

The Real Key? Humor, Honesty, and “Yes, Dear”

At the heart of Dr. Pol’s advice is a mix of humor, humility, and heartfelt wisdom.

“I think that Dian and I know each other very well,” he says. “And I think one of the main things in… in marriage and to keep a marriage going that long are just two words: Yes, dear.”

“But that goes both ways, you know.”

He closes the video with a Valentine’s Day wish to viewers, encouraging them to talk things over, laugh together, and always keep love at the center.

About Diane Pol

Diane Pol has been by Dr. Pol’s side since the beginning of his American journey, both as a wife and as an indispensable business partner. Originally from Mayville, Michigan, Diane met Jan while he was a foreign exchange student and helped him adjust to life in the United States. Their relationship quickly deepened, and after marriage, she became the anchor of their family life.

A key force behind the family veterinary business, Diane managed the administrative side of Pol Veterinary Services, often handling appointments, phone calls, and the business’s day-to-day logistics—all while raising their three children. Her deep commitment to family, community, and the success of the clinic never wavered, even as the practice grew into a nationally recognized operation featured on The Incredible Dr. Pol.

Diane stood steadily behind the scenes as the clinic expanded and cameras arrived—offering practical support and shared resolve as Dr. Pol balanced veterinary medicine with the demands of national television. She remains one of the show’s most beloved behind-the-scenes presences—known for her kindness, efficiency, and quiet leadership. Her strength, devotion, and partnership have played a central role in the couple’s enduring marriage and their shared legacy.