When Nicole Kidman, actress (58) and Keith Urban, country singer (57) confirmed their split on September 29, 2025, the entertainment world took a collective breath. The announcement came from Nashville, Tennessee – the city the pair calls home – and signaled the end of a partnership that survived almost two decades of red‑carpet appearances, joint tours and teenage daughters.
Sources say the couple’s decision to live apart began in early summer 2025, when Urban moved into a newly purchased property on the outskirts of downtown Nashville. Kidman, meanwhile, remained in the family residence with their daughters, Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14. While the couple has not filed for divorce, the separation is being handled discreetly, according to close friends.
TMZ broke the story, and it was quickly corroborated by outlets like People, the BBC and Page Six. The press release, shared by Kidman's publicist, confirmed that the pair are "currently living separately" but emphasized that there is "mutual respect and ongoing support for each other's careers and children."
How the love story began
Their romance sparked at the G'Day USA event in Los Angeles back in January 2005. Both were in town for separate projects – Kidman promoting a film, Urban performing at a charity gig – and a mutual friend introduced them over drinks. "There was an instant click," a friend recalled, adding that the pair left the venue arm‑in‑arm, much to the delight of onlookers.
Their courtship quickly turned public when they were spotted together in New York, Paris and Sydney. In fact, the couple chose Kidman's Sydney mansion as the backdrop for their June 25, 2006 wedding – a private affair with a handful of family and friends.
The marriage timeline: milestones and challenges
- June 25, 2006 – Wedding at Kidman's Sydney home.
- 2008 – Birth of daughter Sunday Rose.
- 2010 – Birth of daughter Faith Margaret.
- 2013 – Urban enters rehab for substance‑abuse issues; Kidman stands by him publicly.
- June 2025 – Couple celebrates 19th anniversary with a black‑and‑white Instagram post.
- September 2025 – Separation announced.
Through each milestone, the pair appeared to be a Hollywood stalwart. Their joint appearances – from Oscars after‑parties to Nashville charity concerts – painted a picture of an unshakable bond. Yet, insiders say the strain of two grueling careers, coupled with the pressures of raising teenagers in the public eye, began to wear thin.
What led to the split
According to multiple sources, differences began accumulating after Urban completed his latest world tour in early 2025. The singer reportedly bought a separate house near Music Row, a move that Kidman interpreted as a "step towards separation."
Friends close to the couple describe the decision as "inevitable," noting that the pair had been living apart for months before any public statement. "Nicole tried to keep the marriage together," one confidante said, "but Keith felt the need for space." The exact reasons remain private – no legal filings have been made, and neither camp has disclosed further details.
Reactions from family, friends, and the industry
Kidman's sister, Antonia, has publicly offered her support, stating that the family will continue to rally around the two teenage girls. "Their wellbeing is our top priority," Antonia added in a brief interview.
Industry peers have been cautiously supportive. Country star Carrie Underwood tweeted, "Wishing Nicole and Keith both love and peace as they navigate this chapter," while actress Cate Blanchett posted a private Instagram story celebrating the couple’s past collaborations.
Fans, meanwhile, have flooded social media with a mix of shock and nostalgia. #KidmanUrban trended on Twitter for several hours, with many sharing favorite moments from the couple’s joint appearances at award shows.
What’s next for Kidman and Urban
Urban is slated to hit the stage in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on October 2, 2025, as part of his ongoing tour. He has not commented on the separation, focusing instead on rehearsals and new music releases slated for early 2026.
Kidman, fresh off wrapping the long‑awaited "Practical Magic" sequel, is reportedly shifting her energy toward parenting and upcoming film projects. Sources close to her say she’s exploring a limited‑run Broadway role that could keep her stateside for the next few months.
Legal experts suggest that, given the couple’s assets – a combined net worth exceeding $300 million, multiple real‑estate holdings in Sydney, Nashville and New York – a divorce could become a drawn‑out affair if it ever reaches the courtroom. For now, both parties appear intent on keeping the focus on their children.
Background: Celebrity marriages in Hollywood
Hollywood has long been a place where marriages are both celebrated and scrutinized. A 2023 study by the Screen Actors Guild found that the average celebrity marriage lasts 5.6 years, far shorter than the national average of 8 years. Kidman and Urban’s 19‑year run placed them among a rare group of long‑standing unions – think Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson or Denzel Washington and Pauletta Pearson.
Their split reignites a conversation about how fame, travel schedules, and public scrutiny can strain even the strongest bonds. Psychologists point out that shared parenting responsibilities, especially for teenagers, often become a catalyst for couples to reassess priorities when both partners maintain high‑profile careers.
While the separation is certainly news‑worthy, the broader takeaway may be that even Hollywood’s most admired partnerships face the same challenges ordinary families do – communication gaps, evolving personal goals, and the relentless pressure of the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the separation affect Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret?
Both daughters will remain in their mother’s custody at the Nashville family home. Kidman’s sister Antonia has pledged additional support, and the parents intend to keep the girls’ schedules as stable as possible while navigating the split.
Is divorce inevitable after this announcement?
Not necessarily. The couple has clarified that they are only living separately at the moment. Legal filings have not been made, and both parties have expressed a desire to handle the situation privately.
What are Keith Urban’s upcoming professional commitments?
Urban will continue his world tour, with the next stop scheduled for October 2, 2025, in Hershey, Pennsylvania. He is also rumored to be working on new material slated for a 2026 album release.
Will Nicole Kidman return to filming soon?
Kidman recently wrapped the "Practical Magic" sequel and is reportedly in talks for a limited‑run Broadway production. She is expected to balance those projects with her parenting duties over the coming months.
How does this split compare to other long‑lasting Hollywood marriages?
At 19 years, Kidman and Urban joined a select group of Hollywood couples who have surpassed the industry average. Their separation highlights that even high‑profile, long‑term marriages can face challenges similar to those of everyday couples.