Democratic 2008 White House frontrunner Hillary Clinton says she is happy she stuck it out with her husband, the 42nd president, through "challenges" in their marriage.

Clinton said in an interview with the November issue of Essence magazine, that Bill Clinton is "so romantic" and recently brought her home a wooden giraffe from a trip to Africa.

"I know the truth of my life and of my marriage, my relationship and partnership, my deep abiding friendship with my husband," Clinton said.

"Now obviously, we've had challenges as everybody in the world knows -- but I never doubted that it was a marriage worth investing in even in the midst of those challenges," Clinton was quoted as saying.

"I'm really happy that I made that decision."

Clinton added that her husband of 36 years had an eye for unusual gifts, as he traveled the world on behalf of his foundation.

"Oh he's so romantic. He's always bringing me back things from his trips," she told Essence, a fashion and beauty magazine aimed mainly at African-American women.

"He brought me a giant wooden giraffe from Africa," she said, adding that Clinton had also bought the Chanel watch she was wearing.

Bill Clinton has been a highly influential presence in his wife's presidential campaign, and has made several trips through key states with the former first lady.

But she has rarely referred to the political drama sparked by his relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky.

In June, Clinton said during candid remarks at a forum on religion and politics that she turned to divine help during the ordeal.

"I am not sure I would have gotten through it without my faith," she said.

Bill Clinton showed off his newly advertised romantic side on Tuesday, sending her supporters an email and text message, asking them to sign a virtual birthday card for her.

"I know how happy Hillary will be to hear from you on her birthday. Thank you for helping me to make her day special," Clinton wrote in his email.

Hillary Clinton turns 60 on Friday.