Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban End 19‑Year Marriage in Nashville

When Nicole Kidman, actress and Keith Urban, country singer confirmed their split on September 29, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee, it sent shockwaves through Hollywood and country‑music circles alike. The announcement came just weeks after the pair celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary, turning a private milestone into a public headline. Sources say the decision was driven by "accumulated differences" that surfaced in early summer, and while divorce papers haven’t been filed yet, the couple’s separation marks the end of one of the industry’s longest‑standing romances.

How the story began

It all started at the G'Day USA GalaLos Angeles, California in January 2005. Both Australians, Kidman (then 36) and Urban (then 28) were invited to promote the country’s culture abroad, and a quick spark turned into a fast‑moving romance that the press would later label "Hollywood’s Aussie love story." By May 2006 they were publicly engaged, and on June 25, 2006 they exchanged vows in a private ceremony at Kidman’s Sydney mansion.

Their early years weren’t without drama. In late 2006 Urban entered a rehabilitation program for substance abuse, a struggle he later credited to his "missing the love and stability" Kidman provided. Their bond seemingly strengthened after that, and two daughters arrived: Sunday Rose in 2008 and Faith Margaret in 2010. The family settled in Nashville in 2011, where both pursued demanding careers while keeping the kids’ schooling relatively low‑key.

Recent timeline leading to the split

Fast forward to June 2025, Kidman posted a black‑and‑white Instagram snap of the couple cuddling, captioned simply “19 years” — a tender nod to their shared journey. Within weeks, however, sources close to the duo noted a growing distance. Urban reportedly left the family home in early July and purchased a separate property a few miles north of the city’s west side. While he hasn’t publicly commented, insiders say the move was “the final straw” for Kidman, who had been trying to “rekindle the spark” through couples counseling and joint projects.

On September 29, the couple’s publicist issued a brief statement confirming the separation but emphasizing that custody of Sunday, now 17, and Faith, 14, would remain with Kidman at the Nashville residence. The announcement was first broken by TMZ, then echoed by People, the BBC, and Page Six. Urban is currently on tour, with his next stop scheduled for October 2, 2025 in Hershey, Pennsylvania, while Kidman has just wrapped filming on the long‑awaited “Practical Magic” sequel.

Reactions from family and industry

Kidman’s sister, Antonia, released a short Instagram story offering “full support” to her sibling during what she called “a deeply personal and challenging time.” Friends close to the couple describe the split as “messy but managed,” noting that the family has kept the matter largely out of the press to protect the kids. A longtime Nashville music promoter observed, “Keith’s been honest about needing space, but he also respects the family’s privacy. It’s a delicate balance.”

Industry peers have weighed in as well. Actress Laura Dern posted a supportive comment on Kidman’s page, saying, “Your grace in the face of hardship is a reminder of why we all admire you.” Meanwhile, fellow country star Blake Shelton tweeted, “Wishing Keith and Nicole the strength to navigate this chapter.” The consensus is that, despite the heartbreak, both will likely continue to collaborate professionally when schedules allow.

Impact on the kids and careers

Sunday and Faith will stay with their mother, a decision that aligns with Nashville courts’ typical preference for primary custody with the parent who maintains a stable home environment. Sources close to the family say the daughters are “adjusting well,” spending afternoons at school and evenings with their father during tour stops when feasible. Urban has arranged for private video calls during his road shows, a practice he’s used since his own early career challenges.

Professionally, Kidman’s upcoming film, set for a 2026 release, could become her most high‑profile project post‑separation. Analysts at Variety note that her visibility may actually rise, echoing a pattern seen with other celebrity break‑ups where one partner’s career receives a temporary boost. Urban, on the other hand, is expected to complete his “All‑American” tour with the usual promotional push, though some critics suggest that personal turmoil could color his upcoming live performances.

What might happen next

Legally, the couple has not filed for divorce yet, but lawyers familiar with the matter predict a filing could appear in the first quarter of 2026. Custody arrangements appear settled for now, but financial settlements — including the division of real‑estate assets in Nashville and joint investments — will likely be negotiated behind closed doors.

Fans and observers will be watching how both navigate public appearances. Kidman may lean into charity work, a sphere she’s long championed, while Urban could address the split in a future concert speech, something he’s hinted at during rehearsals. Either way, the split underscores the pressures that even the most seemingly stable Hollywood couples face when balancing fame, travel, and family life.

Key facts at a glance

• Separation announced: September 29, 2025
• Primary residence: Nashville, Tennessee
• Children: Sunday Rose (17) and Faith Margaret (14)
• Keith Urban’s next tour date: October 2, 2025 in Hershey, Pennsylvania
• Nicole Kidman’s upcoming project: “Practical Magic” sequel (filming completed)