Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s divorce announcement shocked fans, but insiders say the split had been unfolding quietly behind the scenes for months. The former couple confirmed their separation on September 29, yet sources reveal they had already been living apart since early summer. Sources say the couple’s growing emotional distance, conflicting work schedules, and long periods spent in different countries steadily ruined their bond.
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban ‘drifted off in different directions,’ per source
Urban’s decision to step away from the marriage reportedly “blindsided” Kidman, 58, who had been trying to salvage their relationship. The two married in 2006 and share daughters Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14. Despite their reputation as a “perfect couple,” those close to them insist that the separation was years in the making.
Kidman and Urban’s romance began with instant chemistry. They met at G’Day LA in 2005 through Geoffrey Rush, and Kidman, already an Oscar winner, was immediately charmed by the rising Nashville artist. She later told Ellen that Urban hadn’t called her for 4 months, even though she already had a crush on him. Kidman and Urban’s romance began with instant chemistry. On her 38th birthday, Urban surprised her at 5 am with gardenias and whisked her away to Woodstock, which made her believe he is “the man I hope I get to marry.”
Just months after their 2006 Sydney wedding, Urban entered rehab for alcohol and cocaine addiction. He later described that period as nearly destroying their marriage, telling Rolling Stone he “caused the implosion” but was grateful they survived it. Over the past decade, Kidman’s workload has soared. Since 2007, she has filmed nearly 40 movies and 10 television projects, including “Big Little Lies” and “The Perfect Couple.” Most recently, she rented a mansion in London while working on the “Practical Magic” sequel, spending long stretches away from home.
A source noted, “It’s startling how long they’ve been living separate lives… it really feels like they drifted off in different directions.” Urban, meanwhile, maintained a thriving music career but reportedly felt overshadowed. According to an insider, “Keith felt he’d slipped from being a worldwide name to more of a plus-one. That shift in dynamics was something he ultimately couldn’t handle.”
