Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Split After 19 Years: A Look Back at Their Love Story and Heartbreaking Separation
After nearly two decades together, actress Nicole Kidman and country music star Keith Urban have officially separated, according to multiple sources close to the couple. The news was first reported by TMZ and later confirmed by People, revealing that the couple, who married in 2006 and share two daughters, have been living apart since the beginning of summer 2025.
The split marks the end of one of Hollywood’s most beloved marriages—a seemingly unshakable partnership that many fans admired for its longevity, mutual support, and affection. But behind the public smiles and red carpet appearances, sources claim that their marriage had been strained for some time.
A Love Story That Began With a Gala
Kidman and Urban first met in January 2005 at the G’Day USA gala in Los Angeles, an event celebrating Australians in Hollywood. At the time, Kidman was already an Academy Award-winning actress and a household name, while Urban was a rising country music star gaining popularity in the U.S.
Despite their different backgrounds, the pair felt an instant connection. However, Urban later revealed that he waited several months before calling Kidman, admitting in a 2018 interview that he lacked the confidence to reach out. “I had her number in my pocket for a while,” he said. “I kept looking at it, thinking, ‘If I call this number, she’s going to answer.’ I didn’t know what to say.”
Eventually, he mustered the courage, and that first phone call led to hours of conversation. Their connection deepened quickly, and just over a year later, in June 2006, they tied the knot in a romantic ceremony at St. Patrick’s Estate in Sydney, Australia. Surrounded by family, close friends, and celebrities, the wedding was a celebration of their whirlwind romance and shared values.
Early Challenges and Enduring Love
Not long after their wedding, the couple faced a significant challenge. Urban checked into rehab for substance abuse issues, just four months into their marriage. At the time, Kidman stood by his side, offering unwavering support during one of the most difficult periods of his life.
The incident could have shaken a newer couple, but instead, it seemed to strengthen their bond. Over the years, they often spoke publicly about their love and respect for each other. Urban frequently credited Kidman with helping him turn his life around, and Kidman referred to their relationship as a “miracle.”
They went on to welcome two daughters, Sunday Rose in 2008 and Faith Margaret in 2010. While fiercely protective of their children’s privacy, the couple occasionally shared glimpses into their family life, portraying a grounded and loving household despite the glare of the public eye.
The Quiet Drift Apart
According to sources close to the couple, cracks in the marriage began to show in recent years. Urban’s touring schedule and Kidman’s demanding acting career created long stretches of time apart. Though they often reunited at red carpet events and family holidays, the emotional distance reportedly grew.
By the summer of 2025, Urban and Kidman were said to be living separately. One source told People, “Nicole didn’t want this. She’s been fighting to save the marriage.” The report adds that Kidman has been the primary caregiver for their daughters during this time and has worked hard to “hold the family together.”
Kidman filed for divorce on September 30, 2025, citing irreconcilable differences. The filing included a detailed parenting plan that outlines Kidman as the children’s primary residential parent for 306 days of the year. Both parties agreed not to speak negatively about one another in front of the children, reflecting a desire to prioritize their daughters’ well-being amid the split.
A Family United in Support
Throughout the ordeal, Kidman’s family has reportedly rallied around her. Her sister, Antonia Kidman, has been described as a “rock” during this difficult time. The entire Kidman clan has come together in support, sources say, helping Nicole navigate this painful transition.
As for Urban, close friends suggest the breakup wasn’t entirely unexpected. One insider told People, “It wasn’t a secret to those around them. There’s love there, but their lives have moved in different directions. For Keith, it felt inevitable.”
Moving Forward
Though their marriage has ended, both Kidman and Urban are expected to continue their careers and remain devoted parents to their daughters. The two have not yet issued public statements, choosing instead to handle the matter privately and with grace.
As fans process the end of this high-profile romance, many will reflect on the strength, commitment, and love that defined their relationship for nearly 20 years. It’s a reminder that even the most enduring love stories can change course—but also that respect and mutual care can remain, even after the final chapter is written.