Beyoncé’s Lemonade album was the soundtrack for every woman scorned by their partner when it dropped back in 2016. JAY-Z’s follow-up, 4:44, found the rapper admitting his infidelities while apologizing for almost ruining his family, a sentiment echoed in his recent NY Times interview.

Many have wondered how Queen Bey was able to forgive and remain married to the Brooklyn MC, and according to one source, eldest daughter Blue Ivy was the glue that kept their household intact.

“It was very rough for them to stay married,” an insider told PEOPLE. “It took Beyoncé a long time to trust again. She was struggling to move on and forgive, but keeping her family together was very important. If it’s wasn’t for Blue Ivy, they might not be together.”

As confirmed in Hov’s NYT interview, the couple also sought counseling. “It took them years to get to the point where they are now,” according to the source.

Today, Beyoncé, 36, and JAY-Z, 48, “are very proud that they overcame huge marital issues and happy they were able to move on as a family,” says the insider. “Having more babies together made them even closer.”

Do you believe in the idea staying in a relationship for the kids? Sound off below.