Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban file for divorce after 19 years
Nicole Kidman has filed for divorce from Keith Urban in a Nashville court, bringing to a close a high-profile partnership that spanned two Australian superstars and decades of global fame. The documents describe the couple’s separation as arising from “marital difficulties and irreconcilable differences,” and outline a plan that will govern parenting and the division of assets as their marriage comes to an end.
What the filing reveals about the agreement
The divorce petition includes a marriage dissolution and a detailed permanent parenting plan designed to guide day-to-day life for the couple’s children and their future post-marriage arrangements. The language emphasizes a commitment to a loving and stable environment for their children even after the couple’s separation, including assurances that both parents will refrain from speaking negatively about each other or their extended families. The plan also makes clear that Kidman will be the primary residential parent for their two daughters, who are 17 and 14 years old, with the children living primarily with her for 306 days each year while Urban will have them for the remaining 59 days.
Family arrangements and finances
The filings indicate the children have grown up in Nashville, and there is no stated plan to relocate the family away from their current home base. Each parent reportedly earns more than $100,000 per month, and the documents state there will be no need for childcare or spousal support. In terms of assets, the dissolution plan outlines a roughly equal split of joint property, with each spouse retaining assets held in their own name, including copyrights and royalties tied to their respective artistic works.
Timeline and context
Legal professionals will note that the divorce is not yet final. The documents reveal specific signing dates for the parenting plan: Keith Urban signed on August 29, and Nicole Kidman followed on September 6. Under Tennessee law, the divorce must remain pending for at least 90 days before it can be finalized, which means the couple’s separation will continue to unfold in a legal process rather than a swift settlement.
Background on the couple
Both Kidman and Urban were raised in Australia and crossed paths in 2005 at a Los Angeles event honoring Australians. They were married the following year in Sydney. Kidman’s first marriage was to Tom Cruise, with whom she shares two older children, while Urban has risen to fame as a country superstar since the 1990s, earning multiple Grammys and ACM honors.
Public remarks and earlier signals
There have long been public acknowledgments of the couple’s difficulties, though they often described them with care and mutual support. In a previous interview about the idea of a “perfect couple,” Kidman told the Associated Press last year that she didn’t believe in perfection in relationships. The couple’s public moments—ranging from red carpets to joint appearances at award events—had painted a picture of a strong, enduring partnership, which makes the divorce filing a notable shift for fans and observers.
What happens next
With the 90-day waiting period in Tennessee ahead, the divorce proceeding will continue in court as both sides navigate the details of custody, asset division, and ongoing arrangements for family life. TMZ first reported the split, underscoring the timetable that led to the filing. Representatives for Kidman and Urban have not publicly commented on the filing as of this writing.
Industry and fan impact
The split is a major moment for two of Australia’s best-known exports and prominent figures in entertainment. Kidman’s work in film and television, including The Hours, Big Little Lies, and Nine Perfect Strangers, alongside Urban’s country hits and television presence, has kept them under intense media scrutiny for years. As the divorce unfolds, fans will be watching how the two families adapt to new arrangements while preserving the well-being of their daughters and personal legacies.
