5 Subtle Signs Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s Marriage Was in Trouble Before Their Separation
After nearly two decades of love, red-carpet appearances, and public affection, the fairytale between Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban has come to an unexpected halt. The actress, known for her timeless performances, and the country superstar, famous for hits like Somebody Like You, have reportedly separated — leaving fans heartbroken and Hollywood buzzing.
Behind the dazzling smiles and anniversary tributes, however, cracks in their marriage had been showing for years. From past struggles with addiction to quiet signs of growing distance, here are five moments that foreshadowed the end of their nearly 20-year union.
The Early Battle With Addiction
Only months after their 2006 wedding, Urban entered rehab, confessing that his struggles with substance abuse nearly destroyed their marriage. He later admitted:
“We got married in June 2006, and barely four months into our marriage, my addictions… blew our marriage to smithereens, and I went into the Betty Ford Center for three months. If you want to see what love in action really looks like, give that a whirl.”
Kidman stood by his side, but the revelation highlighted the fragile beginnings of their union.
Awkward Interview Walk-Out
In July 2025, during a Zoom interview, Urban abruptly ended a call when asked about Kidman’s on-screen love scenes with younger actors like Zac Efron. Hosts claimed his team disconnected the feed to avoid the topic. The moment left fans unsettled, suggesting underlying discomfort and sensitivity around Kidman’s career.
Nicole Hinted at Struggles Years Ago
Back in 2021, Kidman acknowledged in Harper’s Bazaar that keeping their marriage strong required constant effort. She admitted:
“We’re always working through stuff, but it’s very much love-based, so there’s an enormous amount of give and take. We really love parenting together.”
Though heartfelt, her words revealed that their relationship wasn’t as effortless as it appeared.
The Portugal Move Sparked Speculation
In July, Kidman quietly applied for residency in Portugal, purchasing a home in Melides. Urban, away on tour, didn’t attend the process with her. By September, sources suggested the couple was living apart, with Urban securing a separate Nashville property while Kidman remained in their family home.
A Cold Final Public Appearance
Their last joint appearance came in June at a FIFA Club World Cup match in Nashville. Though they sat side by side, body language experts described their interaction as “chilling.” Observers noted Kidman fidgeting with her wedding ring while Urban looked away — a stark contrast to their once-affectionate public image.
The End of a Hollywood Era
For nearly 20 years, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban seemed to embody the perfect blend of glamour, resilience, and family devotion. Yet, the quiet signs of strain eventually became impossible to ignore.
Today, while their romance may have ended, they remain forever connected as devoted parents to Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14. Whether this is a pause or a permanent chapter close, one truth is clear: the love story that captivated millions has entered uncertain territory.
