Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Separate After 19 Years of Marriage
LOS ANGELES, Sept 29 (Reuters) – Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman and country music star Keith Urban have separated after nearly two decades of marriage, according to multiple media reports citing unidentified sources.
The news, first broken by TMZ.com, revealed that the high-profile couple, who married in 2006, quietly began living apart earlier this summer. Urban reportedly moved out of their family home in Nashville, Tennessee, and purchased a new residence nearby. The move marked the beginning of a new chapter for the pair, whose relationship had long been considered one of Hollywood’s most enduring marriages.
Conflicting Perspectives on the Split
According to reports from TMZ and People magazine, Kidman was reluctant to end the marriage and has been determined to keep their family together. The actress, 58, allegedly opposed any permanent separation, while Urban, 57, appeared more resolved to start living independently.
Neither Kidman nor Urban has publicly commented on the reports. Their representatives and publicists have not yet responded to requests for confirmation, leaving fans and media outlets waiting for official clarity. As of now, the separation has not been formally confirmed by either party, though the mounting reports suggest a significant rift in the couple’s long union.
A Hollywood Love Story with Australian Roots
Kidman and Urban’s relationship has always captured public fascination, blending Hollywood glamour with Nashville’s country music charm. Both stars launched their careers in Australia before achieving international success. Kidman built her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses, winning an Academy Award for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in The Hours (2002). Urban, meanwhile, became one of country music’s most successful performers, winning four Grammy Awards and numerous country music honors.
The pair met in January 2005 at a Los Angeles event celebrating Australia’s contributions to film and music. Sparks quickly flew, and they married a year and a half later in a lavish ceremony in Sydney, Australia, in June 2006. Their wedding was celebrated as the perfect union of two cultural icons who shared not only Australian roots but also dual U.S. and Australian citizenship.
Family Life in the Spotlight
Throughout their marriage, Kidman and Urban often spoke openly about their devotion to family. They share two daughters: Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14. Kidman also has two adopted children, Isabella and Connor, from her previous marriage to actor Tom Cruise.
Despite their demanding schedules, the couple often emphasized their efforts to prioritize family life. Kidman frequently credited Urban for being a supportive partner and father, while Urban publicly praised Kidman for keeping their household grounded amid the pressures of fame. Their family-centered image helped cement their reputation as one of Hollywood’s most stable marriages.
Signs of Strain in Recent Months
Although their separation may come as a surprise to fans, subtle signs of strain had begun to surface. In June, Kidman shared what now appears to be one of their last photos together on social media to mark their 19th wedding anniversary. Urban, by contrast, last posted images of the two together in May, when they attended the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards.
At that ceremony, Urban received the prestigious ACM Triple Crown award, a recognition given to artists who have won Entertainer of the Year, Top New Artist, and Top Male Vocalist. The couple smiled for cameras on the red carpet, seemingly united, but behind the scenes their relationship was reportedly already under stress.
Busy Careers and Time Apart
Part of the challenge may have stemmed from the demands of their respective careers. Urban has been touring since May in support of his 11th studio album, High, keeping him on the road for much of the year. Kidman, meanwhile, has been focused on her film career. Earlier this month, she completed filming on the sequel to the 1998 cult classic Practical Magic, in which she reunites with Sandra Bullock.
The constant travel, filming schedules, and musical commitments likely tested the couple’s ability to maintain the close family life they both valued. Friends close to the pair have often remarked on the difficulties they faced juggling two careers at the highest levels of entertainment.
A Legacy of Partnership
If the separation is confirmed, it will mark the end of one of Hollywood’s most admired marriages. For nearly two decades, Kidman and Urban represented a partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared cultural background, and public displays of affection. They often attended premieres, award shows, and charity events together, frequently praising each other in interviews.
Despite the reports of separation, neither has spoken negatively about the other. Analysts note that both Kidman and Urban have carefully maintained their privacy over the years, choosing to reveal only limited details about their personal lives. Whether this silence signals ongoing negotiations about their future or simply a desire to shield their children from media scrutiny remains unclear.
Uncertain Future
What comes next for the couple is uncertain. With nearly 20 years of history, two children together, and a reputation as one of the entertainment industry’s power couples, their separation could have both personal and professional ripple effects.
Kidman continues to thrive in Hollywood, with multiple projects lined up for release, while Urban’s ongoing tour has reaffirmed his place as one of country music’s top performers. Regardless of their marital status, both are expected to remain prominent figures in their respective industries.
For now, fans around the world are left to process the news of their separation and reflect on the couple’s nearly two decades together. While confirmation from either party has not yet arrived, the story underscores how even the most admired celebrity unions can face challenges behind closed doors.
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