Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Split After 19 Years, Sources Say She Fought to Save Marriage

When Nicole Kidman, Academy‑Award‑winning actress and Keith Urban, country‑music star announced their separation, PEOPLE confirmed the news on September 29, 2025. The couple, who wed in June 2006 and share daughters Sunday Rose (born 2008) and Faith Margaret (born 2010), had been one of Hollywood’s steadier pairings—until friends started saying Kidman was "fighting to save the marriage" while Urban quietly moved into his own place.

Chronology of the Breakup

It all began to look shaky after a series of public moments that, in hindsight, read like clues. On June 25, 2025 Kidman posted a sweet Instagram tribute for their 19th wedding anniversary, writing, "Happy Anniversary Baby ❤️ @KeithUrban." The post, still visible on her feed, became a reference point for timelines that later emerged.

Just a few weeks later, on July 1, 2025, Urban appeared on Australian radio Mix 102.3’s "Hayley & Max in the Morning" show. When co‑host Max Burford asked, "What does Keith Urban think when he sees his beautiful wife with beautiful younger men like Zac Efron having these beautiful love scenes on TV?" Urban’s team abruptly disconnected the Zoom call. Host Hayley Peterson later told listeners she "knew" it would end that way and that Urban "doesn't like talking about his wife." The question referenced Kidman's role opposite Zac Efron in Netflix’s film A Family Affair.

Insiders say the Zoom incident was a tipping point. Sources close to the couple told PEOPLE that Urban’s silence and the sudden end of the interview signaled mounting resentment. By mid‑August, Urban had reportedly set up a separate residence, which close friends described as "a clear signal their lives had diverged."

Finally, on September 29, 2025, a representative from PEOPLE confirmed the split, noting that both parties had chosen to keep statements private.

Warning Signs That Went Public

Fans and pundits noticed earlier hints that the marriage was under strain. In September 2024, while promoting her biopic Being the Ricardos, Kidman told the Associated Press, "I don’t think anyone’s perfect… you’re heading for trouble if you consider yourself the perfect couple." She added, "I'm not a believer in perfect," a line that resonated with many who had followed the couple’s glossy public image.

Even back in 2015, Kidman confessed a teenage crush on Jimmy Fallon during an appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." The anecdote seemed harmless, yet it showed how Kidman’s candidness could stir media chatter.

Then there was the 2023 Netflix release A Family Affair, where Kidman shared on‑screen chemistry with Zac Efron. While the film earned solid viewership, Urban’s later reaction suggested underlying jealousy—a sentiment that hadn’t been publicly discussed until the July 2025 interview.

Reactions From Friends, Family, and Industry Insiders

Those close to the pair say that Kidman leaned heavily on her inner circle during the final weeks. "She didn’t want this," said an unnamed friend who asked to remain anonymous. "She was trying everything she could—counseling, trips, honest conversations—but Keith had already started to retreat."

Urban’s camp, on the other hand, released a brief statement indicating the couple was "mutually deciding to move forward separately"—a line that reads like a standard public‑relations buffer.

Industry analysts note that the split could affect upcoming projects. Kidman, starring in the upcoming limited series Langdon's Legacy, may need to adjust shooting schedules if filming overlaps with family commitments. Urban, who is set to headline the 2026 CMA Awards, faces a public image challenge that could influence ticket sales and brand partnerships.

Impact on Their Two Daughters

Sunday Rose, now 16, and Faith Margaret, 13, will likely feel the ripple effects. Child‑development experts say coordinated co‑parenting can mitigate emotional fallout, yet the suddenness of the announcement leaves little time for a smooth transition. "Kids notice even the smallest changes in tone," explained Dr. Maya Patel, a family therapist based in Los Angeles. "If both parents stay respectful and keep routines stable, the long‑term impact can be less severe."

Both Kidman and Urban have not issued personal comments about custody or visitation, so the specifics remain under wraps. The court‑ordered filings expected later this year will likely outline a shared‑parenting arrangement.

What This Means for Their Careers

Historically, high‑profile divorces can serve as both distraction and catalyst. For Kidman, recent accolades—including a Golden Globe for Being the Ricardos—suggest her career momentum is steady. A potential shift toward more television work might provide the flexibility needed for co‑parenting.

Urban, fresh off a chart‑topping album and a world tour, may see his audience split along ideological lines. Some fans have rallied behind him, citing his "right‑to‑privacy" stance, while others have expressed empathy for Kidman, especially after the Instagram anniversary post resurfaced on social media.

Both have lucrative endorsement deals—Kidman with L’Oréal, Urban with Fender—that could be renegotiated depending on public sentiment. Yet, as insiders note, Hollywood and Nashville have a knack for turning personal drama into commercial opportunity.

Looking Ahead: Legal Steps and Public Perception

The next few months will likely involve filing for divorce in Los Angeles County, where the couple resides. Legal analysts predict a "no‑contention" settlement is possible if both parties remain focused on their children’s wellbeing.

Meanwhile, social‑media chatter is already shaping narratives. Kidman's Instagram post from June 2025 continues to garner thousands of "❤️" reactions, while a recent tweet from a fan account highlighted Urban’s earlier comment about "not talking about his wife," sparking memes and debate.

In the end, the real story may be less about celebrity gossip and more about how two seasoned entertainers navigate a deeply personal shift while under the relentless gaze of the public eye.

Key Facts

• Separation confirmed: September 29, 2025 by PEOPLE
• Marriage: June 2006; 19‑year anniversary celebrated June 25, 2025 on Instagram
• Children: Sunday Rose (born 2008) and Faith Margaret (born 2010)
• Trigger incident: July 1, 2025 Zoom interview on Mix 102.3 that ended abruptly
• Potential legal filing: Los Angeles County Superior Court, late 2025