LOS ANGELES — Oscar winning actress Nicole Kidman and country music star Keith Urban have separated after 19 years of marriage, various news outlets reported Monday, citing unnamed sources.
The couple, long celebrated for their high profile careers and private family life, reportedly began living apart earlier this summer, with Urban moving out of their Nashville home and acquiring a separate residence in the country music capital, TMZ reported.
The separation has drawn widespread media attention, given the couple’s nearly two decade long marriage and their combined presence in Hollywood and country music circles. Both Kidman, 58, and Urban, 57, have maintained active careers in film and music, with dual Australian and US citizenship.
Kidman and Urban first met in January 2005 at a Hollywood event promoting Australia. Their relationship developed quickly, and they married in June 2006 in Sydney, Australia.
Over the years, the couple built a family together, raising two daughters, Faith Margaret, 14, and Sunday Rose, 17. Kidman also has two adopted children, Isabella and Connor, from her previous marriage to actor Tom Cruise.
TMZ and People magazine reported that Kidman has been opposed to the separation and has made efforts to preserve the marriage. Reuters could not independently confirm the reports, and publicists for both celebrities have not responded to immediate requests for comment.
Kidman, whose performance as author Virginia Woolf in The Hours earned her an Academy Award, and Urban, a multi award winning country music artist, have shared glimpses of their family life on social media, though both have traditionally kept their private lives largely out of the public eye.
The most recent shared social media post by Kidman celebrating their wedding anniversary was in June, while Urban last posted about the couple in May, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Expert views on high profile separations
Family therapist Dr. Lillian Hayes, who specializes in celebrity relationships, said that long term separations often involve complex dynamics. Couples in the public eye face extraordinary pressures, both from career demands and media scrutiny, Hayes said.
Even when one partner is committed to reconciliation, the challenges of maintaining a private family life amid public attention can be overwhelming. Entertainment law expert Mark Rinaldi noted that high profile divorces often involve complex financial and custody considerations.
Given their international careers and dual citizenship, negotiations regarding residences, assets, and parenting arrangements are likely to be intricate, Rinaldi said. “Transparency in legal processes is important to ensure a fair outcome for all parties involved.”
Celebrity separations after long marriages are not uncommon in Hollywood. Research from the Celebrity Family Institute indicates that marriages in the entertainment industry lasting more than 15 years have a roughly 40 percent probability of ending in separation or divorce.
The pressures of constant media exposure, touring schedules, and creative demands contribute significantly to marital strain. In comparison, Kidman and Urban’s nearly two decade long marriage reflects a relatively enduring partnership in Hollywood terms.
Analyst Jenna Clarke of the Institute for Media Studies noted that public sympathy often remains with long standing couples. Fans often react strongly to news of separations, especially when children and family life are involved, Clarke said. This can influence both public perception and the celebrities’ private handling of the situation.
Local sources in Nashville said the separation has drawn attention in the country music community. “Keith’s move to a new residence is a practical step for personal space, but it has definitely sparked conversation among fans and colleagues,” said a music industry insider who requested anonymity.
Nicole remains focused on her family and work, and she is supported by friends and extended family in both Australia and the United States. Fans also expressed mixed reactions on social media.
Some applauded the couple’s privacy, while others speculated on the reasons for the split. Despite the attention, experts advise caution when interpreting unverified reports. The future of Kidman and Urban’s marriage remains uncertain. Hayes emphasized that separation does not necessarily preclude reconciliation.
Time apart can offer clarity, and many couples use this period to evaluate personal goals, family priorities, and career commitments, she said. However, public scrutiny will continue to complicate any potential reunification.
Urban is reportedly focusing on new music projects and performances, while Kidman continues to pursue acting roles in both film and television.
Observers note that both individuals have maintained independent careers alongside their family life, which may influence their decisions moving forward.
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s reported separation marks the end of a nearly 20-year partnership that blended Hollywood glamour with country music prominence.
The couple’s family, professional commitments, and public visibility present a complex backdrop to the separation, which remains officially unconfirmed by representatives.
As both individuals continue their careers and parent their children, observers will likely monitor developments closely, while respecting the family’s privacy.