Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have shocked fans around the world after it was confirmed that they are separating after 19 years of marriage.
The Oscar-winning actress, 58, and the 57-year-old country superstar end a relationship that also included raising two daughters, Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14.
Subtle Signs During Anniversary Raised Eyebrows
Some observers noticed hints of strain as recently as June, when the couple marked another wedding anniversary.
Nicole shared a heartfelt Instagram post featuring herself and Keith, captioned, “Happy Anniversary Baby.”
Fans noticed that Keith didn’t post a tribute in return and responded to Nicole’s message with only a simple love-heart emoji.
This was surprising, given that he often publicly expresses his love for her on anniversaries.
For instance, in June 2024, Urban celebrated their 18th anniversary with a declaration of love, calling it “forever” alongside a sweet couple photo.
Busy Schedules and Fading Intimacy
Sources suggest that a lack of intimacy combined with hectic schedules played a key role in the split.
“Keith never sees Nicole, either she is filming or he is on tour,” one source told Daily Mail.
While there remains a deep bond, the source added, “There was a lot of love between the two and they might not divorce.
They’ve been together for decades, so there is a world in which they can reconcile, but the way their pairing is now, they are not a couple.”
Keith Initiated the Separation
It is understood that Keith Urban was the one to initiate the split, feeling unhappy in the marriage and confronting Nicole about his feelings.
“She was blindsided by his intervention,” the source said.
Keith’s main concern appears to have been the growing emotional distance.
“The intimacy isn’t there, they are just going through the motions of being married,” the insider explained.
“If this separation gets them back together, that would be amazing, but Keith had to call her out that he isn’t happy.
She was blindsided, but we shall see how things go during the holiday season and his upcoming birthday next month. They have some work to do.”
Nicole’s Life in London During Filming
Earlier this month, reports emerged that Nicole was renting a luxurious Hampstead mansion in London, previously owned by pop star Boy George, while filming the Practical Magic sequel.
The rental reportedly cost her $87,288 per month, highlighting the couple’s time apart.
Even though filming has wrapped, sources suggest that Nicole is “getting comfortable” in her stately London home.
Meanwhile, Keith Urban is traveling across the US and Canada on his High and Alive tour, keeping the two physically distant for the time being.