Julianne Hough Files for Divorce from Brooks Laich, Ending Three-Year Marriage After Reconciliation Efforts
The journey of love and reconciliation for Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich has officially reached its conclusion. After months of speculation, separation, and attempts to mend their relationship, the 32-year-old former Dancing with the Stars professional dancer and judge has formally filed for divorce from the 37-year-old retired NHL player. Court records confirm that Hough initiated the divorce proceedings on November 2, 2020, bringing a definitive end to their marriage that began with such promise in 2017. This filing comes after the couple initially announced their separation in May 2020, following a period where they spent the early stages of the COVID-19 quarantine living apart in different states. Despite recent efforts to work towards a possible reconciliation, it appears their marital differences proved insurmountable. HollywoodLife.com has reached out to representatives for both Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich for comment regarding this significant development in their personal lives, though no immediate statements have been released.
A Look Back: Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich’s Relationship Journey
Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich’s romance captured the public eye from its inception, culminating in a beautiful wedding ceremony that seemed straight out of a fairytale. The couple first met through mutual friends in late 2013 and quickly developed a strong connection. Their courtship was often shared with fans, showcasing a genuine bond and mutual admiration. Laich, known for his distinguished career in the National Hockey League, proposed to Hough in August 2015, presenting her with a stunning Lorraine Schwartz engagement ring. The engagement period was filled with excitement, as the couple frequently expressed their anticipation for their future together, often sharing glimpses of their life and shared passions, which included a love for fitness, outdoor activities, and their beloved dogs.
Their highly anticipated wedding took place on July 8, 2017, in a picturesque outdoor ceremony near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, a location that held special meaning for Hough, as her family owns a lake house there. The event was attended by close friends and family, including Julianne’s brother Derek Hough, who served as a groomsman. Photos from the lavish celebration depicted a joyous occasion, with the couple radiating happiness and deep affection. For three years, they appeared to be one of Hollywood’s most solid and supportive pairs, often speaking fondly of each other in interviews and on social media, reinforcing their image as a power couple navigating the demands of their respective careers while building a life together.
The “Not Straight” Revelation and Its Impact
Despite their public image of marital bliss, an eyebrow-raising revelation emerged in August 2019 that provided a deeper, more complex insight into Julianne and Brooks’s dynamic. In a candid Women’s Health interview, Julianne Hough openly discussed her sexuality, disclosing that she had told her husband she was “not straight” just four months after their wedding. This deeply personal confession sent ripples through the entertainment world and among their fanbase. Julianne recounted the conversation, stating, “I [told him], ‘You know I’m not straight, right?’ And he was like, ‘I’m sorry what?’” She continued, “I was like, ‘I’m not. But I choose to be with you.’” This bold statement highlighted a profound level of honesty and vulnerability within their relationship, but also hinted at potential complexities that lay beneath the surface of their seemingly perfect union.
Hough further explained in the interview that this revelation, rather than creating distance, actually brought them closer and fostered a deeper sense of intimacy within their marriage. She articulated, “I think there’s a safety with my husband now that I’m unpacking all of this, and there’s no fear of voicing things that I’ve been afraid to admit or that I’ve had shame or guilt about because of what I’ve been told or how I was raised.” While Julianne framed this openness as a positive step for their bond, enabling her to be her authentic self, it undoubtedly sparked conversations about identity, acceptance, and the nuanced nature of modern relationships, especially in the public eye. This moment became a significant marker in their marital story, suggesting a journey of self-discovery that was intrinsically linked to her partnership with Brooks.
Separation Amidst Quarantine and Public Statements
The challenges in Julianne and Brooks’s marriage became more apparent during the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. Unlike many couples who found themselves in lockdown together, Julianne remained in their Los Angeles home, while Brooks opted to reside on a property he owned in Idaho. This geographic separation during a time of global uncertainty fueled intense speculation about the state of their union. While some sources suggested the distance was purely logistical due to their differing preferences for quarantining, it undeniably highlighted a growing divergence in their lifestyles and perhaps their visions for the future.
By May 2020, the couple officially announced their separation, releasing a joint statement that acknowledged their decision with a tone of mutual respect and affection. The statement read, in part: “We have lovingly and carefully taken the time we have needed to arrive at our decision to separate. We share an abundance of love and respect for one another and will continue to lead with our hearts from that place.” This carefully worded announcement aimed to convey an amicable split, emphasizing their enduring bond as individuals while confirming the end of their romantic partnership. However, for many fans, the news was a stark indicator that the underlying issues within their marriage had become too significant to overcome, despite their apparent attempts to navigate them privately.
Attempts at Reconciliation: An Idaho Getaway
Despite the official separation announcement, hope for a reconciliation flickered for a few months, particularly in the fall of 2020. Fans and media observed several instances where it seemed Julianne and Brooks were trying to bridge the gap between them. A notable attempt occurred in September 2020, when the estranged couple took what appeared to be a vacation together to Idaho – the very state where they had exchanged vows and where Brooks had been quarantining. Social media provided tantalizing clues, as both Julianne and Brooks shared Instagram photos from the same picturesque location, often featuring their beloved Siberian husky, Koda. These images showed them enjoying the outdoors, goofing around with their pup, and generally appearing to get along famously, leading many to believe that they were actively working on salvaging their marriage.
Koda, their furry companion, even made an appearance in Julianne’s Halloween Instagram post on October 31, 2020, where she shared a video of herself and the dog howling together at the full moon. While the video likely captured moments from earlier in their reconciliation attempt, given Hough’s hair color appeared much blonder than her current shade at the time of the post, it still served as a poignant reminder of their shared life and the hope that they might reunite. These public displays of togetherness, though never explicitly commented upon by either Julianne or Brooks as reconciliation efforts, fueled speculation and optimism among their supporters. However, in hindsight, these cherished moments together, perhaps intended to rekindle their romance, ultimately weren’t enough to overcome the deeper-seated issues that had led to their initial separation.
Julianne’s Public Persona Amidst Private Turmoil
Throughout the challenging period leading up to the divorce filing, Julianne Hough maintained a relatively composed and professional public presence, often channeling her personal experiences into broader messages for her followers. On November 2, the very day she filed for divorce, she shared an Instagram post that resonated deeply with many, though it didn’t explicitly address her marital status. Instead, her caption focused on feelings of anxiety, which at the time, seemed largely attributed to the impending November 3 presidential election in the United States. In the accompanying selfie, Julianne was seen riding a horse against a backdrop of rugged hillsides, exuding a sense of peace despite her caption.
Her message read: “Happy Monday y’all. Anyone else feeling the anxious energy this week?! If so, what self care actions are you taking to care for yourself? Also…VOTE.” While ostensibly about political anxiety and self-care, the timing of this post, coinciding with such a significant personal decision, offered a subtle glimpse into the immense emotional weight Julianne was likely carrying. It highlighted her tendency to engage with her audience on a more universal level, encouraging resilience and mindfulness even amidst personal upheaval. This approach allowed her to connect with fans without delving into the specifics of her private life, embodying the grace and strength she often projects.
The Finality of the Decision and What’s Next
The official divorce filing marks a definitive end to Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich’s marriage, a union that captivated many and inspired discussions about love, identity, and the complexities of modern relationships. While the couple’s statement in May hinted at an amicable separation, the formal legal step underscores that the path towards reconciliation, however earnestly pursued, ultimately proved unsuccessful. For both Julianne and Brooks, this decision opens a new chapter, allowing them to move forward individually after years of shared history.
Brooks Laich, known for his love of the outdoors and his podcast, has generally maintained a more private profile compared to Julianne. His social media often reflects his passion for nature, fitness, and exploration, suggesting a focus on personal well-being and growth. Julianne, with her diverse career in dance, music, and acting, continues to be a prominent figure in entertainment, often advocating for self-expression and holistic health. As they navigate the legal proceedings, it is anticipated that they will continue to handle their separation with the same mutual respect they expressed in their initial announcement. The end of their marriage serves as a reminder that even the most seemingly perfect celebrity relationships can face profound challenges, requiring difficult decisions for personal happiness and growth. Fans will undoubtedly continue to follow their individual journeys, wishing them both well as they embark on their separate paths.