Inside the marriage of controversial billionaires Betsy DeVos and Amway heir Dick DeVos, who married young and ran a 'shadow state' in Michigan

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• US Education Secretary Betsy DeVos married Amway heir Dick DeVos in 1979.

• Both hailed from wealthy, powerful Michigan families, and shared similar conservative Christian values. The couple went on to become massively influential in Michigan state politics.

• Forbes reported the net worth of the family — including Betsy Devos' father-in-law Richard and his other children — is around $5.4 billion. Business Insider's Tanza Loudenback reported the couple is likely worth around $1.3 billion.

In 1979, 21-year-old Betsy Prince tied the knot with 23-year-old Amway heir Dick DeVos.

The couple shares a Dutch ancestry, conservative Christian values, and a wealthy upbringing. Together, they became one of the most powerful political entities in Michigan.

"It almost brings to mind the old monarchies of Europe where they would intermarry," Susan Demas, publisher of Inside Michigan Politics told Politico.

It would also propel Betsy DeVos to the White House. US President Donald Trump brought her on board as Secretary of Education, largely owing to her longtime advocacy for charter schools. 

The billionaire couple is no stranger to controversy. Secretary DeVos has been criticized for everything from her comments about historically black colleges to her involvement with a controversial "brain training company." Meanwhile, Amway — which Dick ran as CEO from 1993 to 2002 — has long been likened to a pyramid scheme.

Over the course of their 39-year marriage, Betsy and Dick DeVos have raised four children, donated large sums to the betterment of western Michigan, and used their immense wealth to reshape politics according to their worldview.

Here's a look at their relationship:

The current Secretary of Education met her husband sometime around 1976, Politico reported. They dated while she was a student at Calvin College, a Christian college in Grand Rapids.

Source: Politico, The Atlantic

He'd often swing by campus in his Mercedes and pick her up, The Atlantic reported.

Source: Politico, The Atlantic

In his book "Rediscovering American Values," Dick DeVos said the couple's relationship was "based on our honest sharing of love, faith, and commitment." He dedicated his book to the couple's four children and to his wife, "whom I love with all my heart."

Source: "Rediscovering American Values: The Foundations of Our Freedom for the 21st Century"

See Also:

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• A look inside the marriage of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and supermodel Gisele Bundchen, who are worth $540 million, planned their wedding in 10 days, and have spoken every day for 11 years

SEE ALSO: Inside the Trump-endorsed marriage of Mike Pence, who calls his wife 'mother' and refuses to dine with other women