Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich: A Complete Timeline of Their Fairytale Romance and Eventual Separation
Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich’s relationship captured the public’s imagination, starting as a fairytale romance orchestrated by a mutual friend in 2013, evolving into a beautiful marriage, and ultimately concluding with their separation after seven years together.
The entertainment world watched closely as Julianne Hough, a beloved dancer, actress, and “Dancing With the Stars” champion, and Brooks Laich, a prominent professional hockey player, officially announced their decision to separate on May 29, 2020. This news followed months of swirling rumors regarding marital troubles and their unconventional decision to quarantine separately during the initial stages of the coronavirus pandemic. The couple, who were married for three years, issued a joint statement toPeople, expressing their mutual respect and love. “We have lovingly and carefully taken the time we have needed to arrive at our decision to separate,” stated the 31-year-old Hough and 36-year-old Laich. “We share an abundance of love and respect for one another and will continue to lead with our hearts from that place. We kindly request your compassion and respect for our privacy moving forward.” Their separation marked the end of a highly scrutinized relationship that began with a unique meet-cute and blossomed into what many perceived as an ideal partnership between two accomplished individuals.
The Serendipitous Beginning: A Mutual Friend’s Introduction (2013-2014)
It’s often hard for fans to reconcile the end of a high-profile romance with the seemingly idyllic start. For Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich, their journey commenced in December 2013, thanks to a stroke of serendipity and a thoughtful mutual friend, actor Teddy Sears. Sears, who worked with Hough on various projects, invited his good friend Brooks Laich to visit him in Los Angeles. It was during this visit that Sears played cupid, introducing the NHL star to the vibrant entertainer. What makes their initial encounter particularly remarkable is that despite their considerable fame and success in their respective fields – Brooks as a seasoned player for the Washington Capitals and Julianne as one of the most recognizable dancers and choreographers globally – they had somehow never crossed paths or even heard of each other prior to this introduction. This clean slate allowed them to connect purely on a personal level, free from preconceived notions often associated with celebrity. Their immediate connection was undeniable, sparking what many would later describe as love at first sight, setting the stage for a relationship that captivated public attention.
A Public Declaration of Love and Vulnerability (2014)
Just a few months after their initial meeting, in February 2014, Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich made their first public appearance together, confirming the burgeoning romance that had been quietly developing. They were spotted in Los Angeles, radiating happiness and looking incredibly smitten, fueling excitement among their fans. Later that year, Brooks offered the first public glimpse into his feelings about their relationship during an appearance on Washington D.C. radio station 106.7 The Fan. His words were filled with adoration, describing Julianne as “a cool, cool gal. She’s just a sweetheart, very loving, very giving. She puts so much great out into the world. I’m a pretty lucky guy.” These heartfelt comments painted a picture of a man deeply impressed and enamored by his new girlfriend’s character and positive influence.
In August of the same year, Julianne reciprocated this openness, sharing incredibly vulnerable insights into her past relationships and her newfound perspective on love with Redbook magazine. She confessed, “Every [past] relationship, there was nothing wrong or bad, but there was nothing right. Now I’m not holding anything back because I’d rather get my heart broken than never know what it is to be completely, madly in love. If I had been this open in my last relationship, who knows?” This statement revealed a profound shift in Hough’s approach to romance, indicating that with Brooks, she felt a level of comfort and authenticity she hadn’t experienced before. Her willingness to embrace true vulnerability signaled a deep commitment to their burgeoning connection, laying the groundwork for a future filled with genuine emotion and shared experiences.
Engagement, Wedding Bells, and Forever Vows (2015-2017)
After a year and a half of dating, their whirlwind romance reached a new pinnacle when Brooks Laich proposed to Julianne Hough in August 2015. The proposal was a grand gesture, orchestrated with care, marking a pivotal moment in their relationship. Hough delightedly shared the news on social media, showcasing her stunning engagement ring and exuding excitement for their future together. The engagement period allowed the couple to meticulously plan their dream wedding, reflecting their personalities and shared values.
Two years later, in July 2017, Julianne and Brooks exchanged vows in a breathtaking outdoor ceremony in Idaho. This location held deep personal significance for Julianne, who had spent countless idyllic summers there with her family during her childhood. The picturesque setting, surrounded by natural beauty, provided the perfect backdrop for their union. Julianne expressed her profound connection to the location, telling People magazine at the time, “When I introduced Brooks to the lake, he fell in love with this special spot, and we knew this was where we wanted to raise our family and grow old together.” Her words conveyed a vision of a shared future rooted in a place of comfort and cherished memories. The wedding itself was a lavish yet intimate affair, attended by close friends and family, including Julianne’s brother Derek Hough, who served as a groomsman. Every detail, from the floral arrangements to the personalized touches, contributed to a truly magical atmosphere that embodied their love story. “It just felt right to be married here,” she added, emphasizing the emotional resonance of their chosen venue. The couple’s joy was palpable, and their wedding was widely celebrated as the epitome of a celebrity fairytale romance, with fans hoping for a long and happy future for the two.
Blissful Years and the First Whispers of Trouble (2017-Early 2020)
For a few blissful years following their Idaho wedding, Julianne and Brooks appeared to be living out their “happily ever after.” They were frequently seen supporting each other’s careers, sharing snippets of their life together on social media, and publicly expressing their affection. Their shared love for fitness, outdoor adventures, and their beloved dogs often featured prominently in their public image, creating an impression of a dynamic and harmonious partnership. Julianne continued her successful career in dance, television, and film, while Brooks transitioned from his extensive NHL career, exploring new ventures and passions. They seemed to navigate the complexities of celebrity life with grace, maintaining a strong bond that many admired.
However, as 2020 dawned, subtle cracks began to appear in their seemingly perfect façade. Reports that the couple was “on the rocks” started to surface, catching many by surprise. These whispers grew louder when an insider toldE! Newsin January, “They have been spending time apart but are not ready to share what’s going on between them. They don’t even really know what to call it. There’s a ton of love and emotion there and they are going through something very personal.” This statement introduced an element of ambiguity and concern, suggesting a deeper, more private struggle beneath the surface. The public, who had invested emotionally in their love story, began to speculate about the nature of these “personal” issues, wondering if the pressures of their individual careers, differing life paths, or other unforeseen challenges were starting to take their toll on the marriage. The insider’s emphasis on “a ton of love and emotion” indicated that the decision-making process was complex and deeply felt, rather than a simple falling out.
Quarantine, Separate Lives, and Heightened Speculation (Early 2020)
The onset of the global coronavirus pandemic in early 2020 unexpectedly brought the couple’s marital difficulties into stark public relief. As lockdowns became commonplace and couples worldwide navigated the challenges of living in close quarters, Julianne and Brooks made the notable decision to quarantine separately. While Brooks retreated to their property in Idaho, the very location where they had exchanged their vows and envisioned their future family, Julianne remained in their Los Angeles home. This physical separation during a time when most couples were seeking solace and stability together intensified existing rumors and fueled widespread speculation about the state of their marriage.
Further exacerbating the rumors were sightings of Julianne Hough in Los Angeles with her longtime friend, actor Ben Barnes, 38. Photos of them together, seemingly enjoying each other’s company, quickly circulated, prompting a fresh wave of tabloid coverage and social media discussion. While sources close to Hough maintained that Barnes was merely a friend offering support during a difficult time, the timing of these outings, coupled with Brooks’s isolated presence in Idaho, created a narrative of estranged spouses. The public, already curious about their “very personal” struggles, began to draw their own conclusions, perceiving the separate quarantines as a clear sign of irreconcilable differences. This period became a crucible for their relationship, with the forced distance and increased media scrutiny making any attempts at reconciliation, or even a private resolution, incredibly challenging.
The Official Announcement and Moving Forward (May 2020)
After months of escalating speculation and public scrutiny, the adorable couple finally confirmed what many had suspected. In May 2020, Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich officially announced their separation. Their joint statement, carefully worded and delivered with a tone of mutual respect, underscored the emotional maturity with which they approached this difficult decision. They highlighted that they had “lovingly and carefully taken the time” to reach their conclusion, emphasizing that it was not a hasty or impulsive choice but rather a considered one. The statement reiterated their “abundance of love and respect for one another,” making it clear that despite the end of their marital union, their regard for each other remained. This was a crucial point for fans who had witnessed their deep connection.
Their request for “compassion and respect for our privacy moving forward” signaled a desire to navigate this personal transition away from the relentless public gaze, acknowledging the pain and complexity inherent in ending a marriage. The announcement marked the definitive conclusion of their celebrated romance, allowing both Julianne and Brooks to embark on new chapters in their lives. While the separation undoubtedly brought sadness to those who had followed their journey from its fairytale beginning to its poignant end, it also represented a step towards individual growth and self-discovery for two people who had shared a significant part of their lives together. The end of their marriage served as a reminder that even the most picture-perfect relationships in the public eye face private challenges, and sometimes, love, in its most respectful form, means letting go.
Reflecting on a High-Profile Relationship
The story of Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich is a poignant illustration of the complexities of love, marriage, and public life. Their relationship, which began with such charm and enthusiasm in 2013, played out under the watchful eye of fans and media alike. From their initial spark and Brooks’s heartfelt declarations, to Julianne’s vulnerable reflections on true love, their journey resonated with many. Their engagement and particularly their picturesque Idaho wedding cemented their status as a beloved celebrity couple, seemingly destined for a long and happy future. The image of them building a life by the lake, raising a family, and growing old together was a powerful narrative that captivated their audience.
However, like many relationships, theirs faced unforeseen challenges, especially when placed under the magnifying glass of fame. The whispers of trouble in early 2020 and the highly publicized separate quarantines highlighted the immense pressure and scrutiny that celebrity marriages endure. Despite their attempts to maintain privacy, the public’s fascination with their lives meant that every move, every separation, and every interaction was dissected and discussed. Their joint statement, emphasizing love, respect, and the need for privacy, ultimately reflected a mature approach to a difficult decision. Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich’s journey from a serendipitous meeting to an amicable separation serves as a testament to the fact that even fairytale romances can reach an end, but the lessons learned and the love shared often leave a lasting impact on all involved. The gallery above remains a collection of cherished memories, allowing us to reminisce on the better times between Julianne and Brooks, celebrating the journey they once shared.