Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones’ Love Grows Stronger and Stronger Each Year! (EXCLUSIVE)

Actor Michael Douglas had the honor recently of presenting his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, with an award named after his stepmother, Anne Douglas. “I’m so proud of her, ” the Ant-Man star, 73, gushed to Closer at the LA Mission Legacy of Vision Gala in Beverly Hills on Nov. 9, where Catherine was recognized for her community service.

“She never ceases to amaze me.” Their admiration is mutual. Welsh-born Catherine, 48, raved about their love on their 17th anniversary on Nov. 18, “Thought it could never get better than that day, but it did.” Too cute!

Though the Feud star struggled with bipolar disorder and Michael battled stage 4 tongue cancer, they’ve come out stronger as a couple, even after their brief split. The duo married in November 2000 and decided to “take some time apart to evaluate and work on their marriage” in May 2013, the actress’ rep confirmed at the time. By November 2014, the A-List couple had reconciled and continue to live together with their children, son Dylan, 17, and daughter Carys, 14.

Catherine opened up about that difficult time in a 2016 interview. “It’s a long road and I think people today are so quick to throw in the towel on marriage,” she said. “You have to give it your best shot and not give up when the first problem arises, because that won’t be the last problem. There will be many more down the road.”

Honestly, we’re just glad the two worked out in the first place after hearing Michael’s story about how he almost blew it! “You know, I’m going to be the father of your children,” Michael told Catherine when they met at the Deauville Film Festival in France in August 1998. Catherine’s response? “I’ve heard a lot about you and I’ve seen a lot about you and I think it’s time that I said goodnight.”

And today, they’re clearly happier than ever! “With you in my life,” Catherine gushed, “every day could be a 12-hour fantastic party at the Plaza!”