Blake Shelton says his professional career has taken 'a backseat' to his marriage with Gwen Stefani

Blake Shelton opened up about his relationship with Gwen Stefani during an interview with Entertainment tonight which was released on Friday.

While sitting down, the 46-year-old hitmaker opened up about prioritizing his marriage to the 52-year-old singer over his other professional commitments.

The artist and his now wife tied the knot last year after previously meeting while working on the popular singing competition series, The Voice.

Shelton began the interview by saying that he put his family life ahead of his other professional efforts.

He said, “I love all the cool things I can do…but all of this stuff is taking a backseat now to Gwen and the kids and it’s just a new phase of my life.”

The songwriter also noted that he was at a place in his life where he had the freedom to record when he wanted to.

“I enjoy putting out songs when I feel like it and luckily the record company lets me do that,” he said.

Family man: Shelton began the interview by saying that he put his family life ahead of his other professional efforts; He was seen with Stephanie in June

Shelton indicated that his label was willing to work with him on an irregular schedule.

“I just say, ‘Hey, I want to do this.'” Will you guys help me? And they’re going to jump on board and have some big records that way. I hope it’s another one,” he said.

Then the performer stated that he did not expect to end up with Stefani during the early stages of his career.

I was probably going to say, “Are you talking about that girl with orange in her video?” I never understood until now that she was from Orange County.

Unexpected: The artist stated afterwards that he did not expect to end up with Stefani during the early stages of his career

He has even indicated that he has found more professional success after becoming a regular on television.

I caught a TV audience that maybe didn’t even know who I was, maybe didn’t know who I was when I started on The Voice and that was kind of the thing that took me to a different level in a career and I love that,” he said.

Shelton and Stephanie first met while working on The Voice in 2014.

The singer was previously married to Kaynette Gern from 2003 until 2006, and to Miranda Lambert from 2011 until 2015.

On Screen: Shelton and Stephanie first met while working on The Voice in 2014

No Doubt was also married to Gavin Rossdale from 2002 until 2016, and the couple welcomed sons Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo, ages 16, 13, and 8, over the course of their marriage.

The couple has now announced that they have separated from their wives and started dating in November of 2015.

Shelton and Stephanie continued their engagement in 2020, tying the knot during a wedding that took place at a former ranch in Oklahoma in July last year.

Tied the Knot: Shelton and Stephanie continued their engagement in 2020, tying the knot during a wedding that took place at a former ranch in Oklahoma in July last year