Hollywood is reeling from the news that one of its most beloved couples, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, have officially separated after nearly two decades together. The announcement, confirmed by PEOPLE on September 29, comes just three months after the pair marked their 19th wedding anniversary—a milestone that, for many, symbolized enduring love in the spotlight. But according to those close to the couple, the split was far from a surprise.

Not a Secret in Keith’s Circle

While the news may have blindsided fans, friends of the country superstar say they saw it coming. “It really hasn’t been a secret,” a source tells PEOPLE. “Keith and Nicole have been living separately for a while now.” The insider adds that Urban’s inner circle felt the breakup was “kind of inevitable,” hinting at long-standing issues that had quietly simmered away from the public eye.

Despite repeated requests for comment, representatives for Kidman and Urban declined to respond, leaving the couple’s silence to speak volumes.

A Love Story That Captivated Hollywood

Nicole Kidman, 58, and Keith Urban, 57, first married in 2006, quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most admired couples. Their romance was a blend of two worlds: Kidman’s Oscar-winning film career and Urban’s chart-topping country music success. Together, they have two daughters—Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14—who have grown up in the public eye but shielded from the glare of celebrity as much as possible.

Their last public appearance as a couple was in June, when they attended the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup match between Los Angeles Football Club and Esperance de Tunis in Nashville. Days later, Kidman marked their anniversary with a heartfelt Instagram post, sharing a black-and-white photo of the pair cuddling. “Happy Anniversary Baby ❤️ @KeithUrban,” she wrote, a message now tinged with bittersweet meaning.

Busy Lives, Separate Paths

The couple’s split comes at the end of a busy summer for both. Kidman recently wrapped filming “Practical Magic 2” in London, while Urban has been crisscrossing the globe on his High and Alive World Tour. He’s next scheduled to perform in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on October 2.

Their separate schedules, sources say, may have contributed to the growing distance between them. “Nicole and the girls were inseparable over the summer, while Keith was on tour,” another insider shares. “It’s been hard, but the family has really come together to support one another.”

Leaning on Family

Kidman, who has always spoken openly about the importance of family, is reportedly finding strength in her loved ones. Her sister Antonia has been described as “a rock” during this challenging time. “She didn’t want this,” says the source. “Nicole has been fighting to save the marriage. The entire Kidman family has rallied around her.”

The actress’s devotion to her family was on display earlier this year at the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala, where she was honored in front of her daughters, sister, and Urban himself. The family gathered at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, celebrating Kidman’s legacy and achievements.

Reflections on Love and Partnership

In a 2018 interview with PEOPLE, Kidman shared her philosophy on lasting love. “I think it’s knowing that you have to keep contributing to what we call the ‘us.’ You go, ‘Does this work for us?’ When you make an us, it’s yours together—that’s what you create. Nobody else has that. It’s just between the two of you.”

Urban, for his part, has never shied away from expressing his admiration for Kidman. At the AFI Gala in April, he paid tribute to her “heart and her spirit,” recalling the nerves he felt when first asking for her phone number. “Meeting her felt like meeting a real-life princess,” he said, drawing smiles from the crowd.

The Road Ahead

As Kidman and Urban begin new chapters in their lives, the focus remains on their daughters and maintaining a sense of normalcy amid the changes. Both stars have consistently prioritized their family, and sources say that will not change.

“There’s a lot of love and respect still there,” says one friend. “They’re committed to co-parenting and making sure Sunday and Faith feel supported.”

Fans have flooded social media with messages of support and nostalgia, reflecting on the couple’s many public appearances, red carpet moments, and candid interviews over the years. For many, Kidman and Urban’s marriage was a beacon of hope—a reminder that love could survive fame, distance, and adversity.

Why This Story Resonates

Celebrity breakups are often accompanied by rumors and speculation, but Kidman and Urban’s separation is being met with empathy and understanding. Their openness about the challenges of marriage, combined with their dedication to family, has earned them respect from fans and peers alike.

As one commenter wrote, “They showed us that love requires work, and sometimes, even with all the effort, life takes you in different directions. Wishing them both happiness and peace.”

The Legacy of Keith and Nicole

As Hollywood moves forward, the story of Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman will remain a testament to love’s complexities and the strength found in family and community. Their journey, though changed, continues to inspire.

For now, fans can only wish them well as they navigate this new chapter—grateful for the years of music, movies, and memories they’ve shared with the world.