Rising Gray Divorce: 9 Famous Couples Share Their Experiences

“Gray Divorce” Is On the Rise — Check Out These 9 Notable Celebrity Couples Who’ve Opened Up About Their Split

 

The phenomenon of “gray divorce,” characterized by couples over the age of 50 ending their marriages, is becoming increasingly common. Various factors contribute to this trend, such as empty nest syndrome, decreasing stigma towards divorce, and growing recognition that partners may no longer be compatible. Even in Hollywood, this issue is prevalent.

 

Here are nine celebrities who have shared their journeys through divorce later in life:

 

1. Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness: The pair first met while filming the Australian TV series Corelli in 1995 and married in 1996. After nearly 30 years together, they announced their separation in September 2023. In their statement, they emphasized their gratitude for their time together and their commitment to co-parenting their two children with kindness and respect for privacy.

2. Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner: Costner, who met Baumgartner in 1996 on the set of Tin Cup, married her in 2004. He publicly praised her influence on their home life, but by April 2023, Baumgartner filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The formal conclusion of their marriage came in February 2024.

 

3. Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello: Although they narrowly miss the age criteria for “gray divorce,” Vergara and Manganiello opted to end their nearly ten-year marriage in July 2023. Vergara later revealed her decision stemmed from her reluctance to have more children, highlighting the deep differences that ultimately led to their split.

 

4. Meryl Streep and Don Gummer: This iconic couple, admired for their nearly 50-year marriage, announced their separation in October 2023. While maintaining a private relationship, representatives confirmed they had been living apart for over six years, with mutual respect for each other’s decisions.

 

5. Valerie Bertinelli and Tom Vitale: After a previous high-profile marriage to Eddie Van Halen, Bertinelli married Vitale in 2011. In November 2021, she filed for separation, which transitioned to divorce the following year. Bertinelli expressed relief and joy upon the finalization, attributing the split to a change in their mutual kindness towards one another.

 

6. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver: Following their meeting in 1977 and marriage in 1986, Schwarzenegger admitted to fathering a child outside their marriage, leading to their divorce in December 2021. Their split was a significant event, driven by years of complicated family dynamics.

 

7. Bill and Melinda Gates: After 27 years of marriage, the Gateses announced their divorce in May 2021, coinciding with a statement that they could not continue to grow together as a couple. Their transition included plans to maintain their collaborative work through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, although Melinda later announced her departure from the organization.

 

8. Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus: The couple’s tumultuous relationship began long before their 1993 marriage, with several filings for divorce over the years. In April 2022, Tish filed again, but they emphasized their familial bond and mutual support as they navigated this final decision.

 

9. Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito: While they may not fit the traditional gray divorce definition, Perlman and DeVito’s ongoing relationship includes elements of separation and reconciliation. They have been together since 1971 and remain legally married, prioritizing their family despite living apart.

 

These stories reflect various reasons behind divorce at later stages in life, and they invite reflections on those unexpected endings in relationships. If you’ve been surprised by any of these high-profile splits or know more famous couples who’ve parted ways later in their lives, share your thoughts.