Reason Behind Julianne Hough And Brooks Laich Divorce

Reason Behind Julianne Hough And Brooks Laich Divorce: When it comes to celebrity relationships, fans are always curious about the truth behind the headlines. If you followed Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich’s love story, you probably admired how perfect they seemed together. From their glamorous red-carpet appearances to their sweet social media posts, their marriage looked like a fairy tale. But in 2020, they shocked the world by announcing their separation.

So, what really went wrong? In this article, you’ll explore the possible reasons behind their divorce, what both of them have said, and how you can understand their journey in a deeper, more personal way.

The Love Story That Captured Hearts

Before diving into the breakup, you need to understand the beginning of Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich’s romance. They met in 2013 through a mutual friend, and sparks immediately flew. Brooks, a professional hockey player, admired Julianne’s energy, charisma, and drive. Julianne, already a successful dancer, singer, and actress, was drawn to Brooks’ grounded personality and his commitment to discipline and fitness.

In August 2015, Brooks proposed, and Julianne said yes. Their wedding in July 2017 was nothing short of magical—a lakeside ceremony in Idaho surrounded by family and close friends. For a while, it seemed like they had found the perfect balance between Hollywood glamour and small-town intimacy.

But as you know, appearances can be deceiving. Behind the Instagram-perfect smiles, subtle cracks were forming.

Growing Apart Over Time

Relationships aren’t static—they evolve, just as people do. And in Julianne and Brooks’ case, the evolution led them down different paths.

Brooks was disciplined, steady, and family-oriented. After retiring from professional hockey, he was ready to fully embrace the next chapter of life—settling down, raising a family, and building a traditional home.

Julianne, however, was in a season of transformation. She was stepping into projects that pushed her creatively, diving into personal growth, and even redefining her identity. Her focus wasn’t on slowing down or fitting into a conventional mold—it was on expansion.

When two people want fundamentally different things out of life, the gap between them keeps widening, no matter how much love exists.

Julianne’s Self-Discovery Journey

One of the biggest turning points in their marriage was Julianne’s commitment to self-discovery. She openly shared in interviews that she was peeling back the layers of her identity—exploring her sexuality, spirituality, and sense of freedom.

She once admitted to Brooks that she wasn’t “the perfect, straight, Mormon girl” he might have thought she was when they started dating. For Julianne, being authentic and unapologetically herself was more important than maintaining the status quo.

For Brooks, this honesty was both admirable and challenging. Imagine being in his position—loving someone deeply while realizing that they were becoming a new version of themselves you didn’t fully recognize. It wasn’t about a lack of love, but about compatibility with the person Julianne was becoming.

Different Views on Marriage and Lifestyle

Another factor behind their separation was their differing visions of marriage. Brooks often expressed his desire to have children and create a stable family environment. He craved tradition, predictability, and rootedness.

Julianne, however, wasn’t ready for motherhood at the time. Her energy was directed toward career growth, self-expression, and exploring the depths of who she was. While Brooks saw children as a natural next step, Julianne saw it as something she wasn’t ready to prioritize.

You can probably see how such a fundamental difference can create tension. When one partner is eager to take on family life and the other isn’t, it becomes a point of conflict that love alone can’t resolve.

The Pandemic’s Role in Their Split

The COVID-19 pandemic played an undeniable role in their breakup. While many couples quarantined together, Julianne and Brooks chose to live apart. Brooks isolated in Idaho, while Julianne stayed in Los Angeles.

This decision raised eyebrows, but it also revealed what was already happening in their marriage: they were drifting apart. Physical distance during lockdown only magnified the emotional distance that had been building.

If you’ve ever spent time apart from someone you’re close to, you know that it either strengthens your bond or highlights the cracks. For Julianne and Brooks, it did the latter.

Respectful But Painful Ending

In May 2020, they released a joint statement announcing their separation. They emphasized that they had “lovingly and carefully” considered their decision, showing that it wasn’t made hastily.

By 2022, their divorce was finalized. What stood out about their split was the respect they showed for each other. There were no bitter interviews, no public accusations—just two people acknowledging that their marriage had run its course.

That level of maturity is rare in Hollywood, and it’s one of the reasons their story resonated with so many. It wasn’t a scandal—it was a reminder that sometimes love changes form, and that’s okay.

The Emotional Side of Their Divorce

Beyond the headlines, it’s important to recognize the emotional side of their breakup. Divorce isn’t just a legal process—it’s a grieving process.

Julianne was likely grappling with the guilt of knowing her path didn’t align with Brooks’, while Brooks was probably mourning the future he envisioned with her. Even when a divorce is amicable, it still hurts.

And for you, as someone watching from the outside, it’s a reminder that celebrities are human too. They face the same struggles—conflicting goals, evolving identities, and the tough decisions that come with love and loss.

Lessons You Can Take From Their Divorce

Even though this was a celebrity breakup, there are meaningful lessons you can apply to your own relationships:

1. Personal growth can change relationships. As you evolve, your needs may shift, and sometimes your partner can’t follow the same path.
2. Shared goals matter. Love is powerful, but without alignment in core values—like family, career, or lifestyle—it can be tough to sustain a marriage.
3. Communication is everything. Julianne’s honesty about her self-discovery was brave, but it also required deep understanding from Brooks, which wasn’t always easy.
4. Time apart reveals truth. Distance, whether physical or emotional, often shows you whether the relationship can endure challenges.
5. Respectful endings are possible. Not all breakups need to be bitter. Julianne and Brooks proved that love can remain, even if the relationship changes form.
6. It’s okay to walk away. Sometimes the bravest choice is admitting that love isn’t enough to make a relationship last.

See Also: Why Did Tia Mowry and Cory Hardrict Divorce?

FAQs About Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich’s Divorce

Why did Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich get divorced?

They divorced because of growing differences in lifestyle, goals, and personal growth. Julianne was on a journey of self-discovery, while Brooks preferred stability and family life.

Did the pandemic cause their breakup?

The pandemic didn’t cause their breakup but accelerated it. Quarantining separately highlighted the emotional and physical distance between them.

Did Julianne Hough want children with Brooks Laich?

At the time, Julianne wasn’t ready to prioritize having children, while Brooks was more eager to start a family. This difference created strain.

Was their divorce messy or bitter?

No, their divorce was respectful. They both expressed admiration for each other and agreed to part ways amicably.

Are Julianne and Brooks still friends?

While they’re no longer married, both have spoken respectfully about each other. They seem to have maintained a level of mutual respect post-divorce.

Final Thoughts: Reason Behind Julianne Hough And Brooks Laich Divorce

Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich’s divorce shows you that even seemingly perfect relationships can struggle behind the scenes. Their story is a reminder that personal growth, communication, and shared values are essential to making a marriage work.

If you ever find yourself in a relationship where your goals no longer align with your partner’s, remember that sometimes letting go with love is the healthiest decision you can make.

Their journey wasn’t about failure—it was about two people realizing that they needed different things to thrive. And that’s a lesson worth remembering, whether you’re a fan of their love story or simply navigating your own.

Lilyana Gardner

I’m Lilyana Gardner, the owner of this blog. I’ve always been fascinated by the stars of film, TV, and sports—it’s a passion that started in my childhood and continues to this day. Originally from Boston, USA, I currently work as a financial officer at a real estate company. Thanks so much for stopping by—I’m glad you’re here!