Beyonce says marriage is "more than a dress"

Singer Beyonce Knowles performs on NBC's "Today" show in New York November 26, 2008. [Agencies]

Beyonce Knowles has learnt marriage is "more than a dress".

The 'If I Were a Boy' singer, who tied the knot with rapper Jay-Z earlier this year, is inspired by her parents' happy marriage and is willing to work hard to ensure her relationship survives.

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She said: "I learned that it's a lot of hard work, that it's more than a dress. My parents are tighter now than ever, but they've been through it all. There were times when they were together, times when they were apart."

The 27-year-old star recently insisted her feelings for the hip-hop mogul are "real" and they aren't interested in flaunting their love in public.

Beyonce, who has been pictured wearing a £2.5 million engagement ring, explained: "What Jay and I have is real. It's not about the interviews or getting the right photo op. It's real."

The couple dated for around five years before finally getting married.