From Friends to Romance! Patrick Duffy and Linda Purl’s Relationship Timeline Is Heartwarming

2020

Patrick and Linda were part of a group text chain during the COVID-19 pandemic that whittled down to just the two of them.

“I loaded up my car and drove 20 hours and ended up on her doorstep just to see if it was real,” Patrick told People in November 2020. “We haven’t been apart since.”

Linda told Senior Planet that their conversations “went from chatty and fun until, after a few months, it moved to a deeper level.”

Patrick revealed to the publication he was the first to say he was in love. He told the outlet that one night as they were saying their goodbyes via Zoom, “As we were signing off, I said, ‘Sleep tight, I love you.’ I pushed the off button and went, ‘Oh my god. I said the L-word!’”

2021

“To look forward to every moment you can be with somebody is a real gift in a relationship,” Patrick exclusively told Closer. “I am stunned every time that I realize this amazing woman loves me. It’s just like, wow!”

Linda called their slow courtship “a very Victorian process” because they spent weeks talking before they ever shared a kiss. Patrick explained, “We Zoomed every single night for at least two to three hours. So, we explored all our history, our past, our loves. We listened to music together and covered all that ground you normally cover over months of dating.”
The Happy Days alum added, “Life is full of surprises, both good and bad. Patrick and I weren’t looking for this. We didn’t expect it or see it coming when our paths crossed. Don’t ever give up.”

2022

The adorable couple shared a selfie just before Christmas while visiting a brewpub in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Fans gushed over the duo in the comments, with one writing, “What would JR and Fonzie think? Lol. Enjoyed watching both of you over the years. Cheers.” Another added, “Omg, 2 of my favorite celebrities from my youth are together. Love this, it seems perfect.”

2023

Patrick and Linda continue to work together on their sourdough starter company, Duffy’s Dough. The Step by Step alum credited his girlfriend with helping him become a business owner.

“Now I didn’t think I was ever going to start a business, but Linda is Linda and took it and ran with it instantly,” he told People in 2022. “We have been dehydrating the original sourdough starter. So it’s absolutely pure from the time that my mother received it.”

2024

“Happy, happy birthday my remarkable love,” Linda captioned this birthday tribute to Patrick in March 2024.

“We are very much in love and looking forward to celebrating our fourth anniversary, later this month in Colorado. Grateful for health, our boys and dear friends,” the couple told Closer in a joint statement in July 2024.