Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's Unexpected Split: Behind the Happy Marriage Facade

BOMBSHELL! Nicole Kidman's 19-Year Marriage Crumbles: Country Music Star Keith Urban's Shocking Decision Leaves Wife "Blindsided"

In a shocking twist, Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman, 58, has revealed that her marriage to country music star Keith Urban, 57, is on the rocks. The couple, who have been married for 19 years and share two daughters together, have been living apart since the summer, with Urban reportedly acquiring his own residence in Nashville, Tennessee.

The news comes as a surprise to fans of the power couple, who have long been considered one of Hollywood's most enduring relationships. Just four days ago, Kidman beamed and flashed her stunning engagement ring on the red carpet at a luxury skincare and beauty event in Hollywood, leaving fans wondering if the marriage was stronger than ever.

However, insiders close to the couple claim that Urban's decision to take a break has left Kidman "blindsided" and reeling. The actress, who has been open about her feelings of happiness and contentment in her marriage, had been celebrating their 19-year anniversary just weeks ago with a heartfelt Instagram post.

In June, Kidman gushed over Urban on social media, writing: "Happy Anniversary baby @keithurban!" alongside a black-and-white photo of the couple cuddling. But Urban's response was lukewarm at best, leaving fans wondering if something was amiss in the relationship. He simply commented with a love-heart emoji, sparking rumors that he may have been hiding his true feelings.

The last time the couple was seen together on the red carpet was at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards in Texas on May 8, where Urban accepted the ACM Triple Crown Award. But even then, there were subtle signs of tension between the pair. While Kidman cheered and celebrated with her husband as he took to the stage, Urban's acceptance speech seemed to gloss over his wife's presence.

In a cringeworthy moment that has been replayed by fans on social media, Urban gave a shout-out to Kidman during his acceptance speech, using her middle name: "My wife, Nicole Mary, is here tonight. I love you, Babygirl!" But Kidman's response was noticeably subdued, simply writing: "So much fun with my Triple Crown winner! Thank you @acmawards!"

The news of the couple's impending divorce comes just weeks after Kidman revealed the secret to their successful marriage in a W Magazine cover story. In an interview that has taken on a different tone in light of recent events, Kidman touted the importance of separate commodes and a double-headed shower in keeping the spark alive.

But behind closed doors, sources close to the couple claim that Urban's struggles with addiction have been a major strain on their relationship. The country singer famously completed a three-month rehab stint at the Betty Ford Center shortly after marrying Kidman in 2006, and has since spoken candidly about the challenges he faced during that time.

"It nearly blew our marriage to smithereens," Urban recalled last year while presenting Kidman with the AFI Life Achievement Award. "Four months into a marriage, I'm into rehab for three months, with no idea what was going to happen to us. And if you want to see what love in action really looks like, give that a whirl."

As the couple navigates their messy divorce, they will have to divide their substantial shared assets, including a reported $282M real estate portfolio with homes in Australia, California, and New York. With Urban's new tour dates and Kidman's upcoming projects, it remains to be seen how this drama will play out.

The Scholary Note reports that Keith Urban has been on the road performing the 28-date North American leg of his High and Alive Tour, which kicks off in Hershey, Pennsylvania this Thursday. The country star will also executive produce and judge 12 potential opening acts in the new reality TV competition The Road, premiering October 19 on CBS and Paramount+.

Meanwhile, Kidman wrapped her role as witch Gillian Owens opposite Sandra Bullock on the England set of Warner Bros. Pictures' Practical Magic 2 following a two-month shoot last month. As fans continue to wait with bated breath for more news about the couple's split, one thing is certain: this is a drama that will be playing out in the headlines for weeks to come.

UPDATE: The Scholary Note has obtained sources close to the couple claiming that Nicole Kidman was aware of Keith Urban's plans to take a break and had been attempting to save their marriage. However, with both parties reportedly living apart since the summer, it remains to be seen if this marriage can be salvaged.