Los Angeles, Feb 16 : Singer Beyonce Knowles feels her marriage to husband Jay Z is going strong because they were friends before getting married.

The couple was friends for over a year before they started dating and Beyonce, 31, thinks their friendship is one of the key factors in their marriage.

"We were friends first for a year and a half before we went on any dates.  We were on the phone for a year and a half, and that foundation is so important for a relationship.  Just to have someone who you just like, is so important, and someone (who) is honest," Beyonce told chat show host Oprah Winfrey, reports contactmusic. com.

The singer also praised Jay Z for being an important part of her success.

"I would not be the woman I am if I did not go home to that man.  It just gives me such a foundation. (He's helped me) on so many levels," she added.(IANS)