As news of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban‘s divorce has spread, so have people’s differing takes on the couple’s 19-year relationship.
The pair were said to have drifted apart this summer, with confirmation of their split coming on September 29. Many fans of the couple have expressed their shock and sadness that the two couldn’t continue to make the relationship last after so many years together.
On the latest episode of TODAY with Jenna and Friends, Jenna Bush Hager and Justin Sylvester discussed Kidman and Urban’s split as well as their perspectives on marriage and divorce.
The two pushed back on the notion that the marriage was a “failure” simply because it ended in divorce.
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“I think we both think the same way, in the sense that 19 years of being married to someone, that’s a successful marriage in my book,” Sylvester said in a clip from the show.
“Yes. I mean you said you would have loved if your parents were married for 19 years,” Bush Hager added.
“I have never ever known my parents to even be together,” Sylvester explained. “To get 19 months of seeing that would have been a joy.”
Sylvester went on to express that he believes sometimes two people just have to go in different directions.
“I remember when I was younger and I would hear that people would break up because they ‘grew apart.’ I always thought that was some kind of excuse. Like, almost like it was B.S. But growing up and being older now, I realize that people really do kind of grow apart and it’s okay. It really is okay,” Sylvester said.
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Bush Hager then explained that looking at bridal magazines as a kid made being married seem fun and glamorous, but really it’s about putting in the work.
“Somebody gave me this advice and it’s true and Henry and I sort of do this: you have to remind yourself everyday, like, ‘I’ve chosen you, I’m going to continue to choose you,’ it doesn’t always look glamorous,” Bush Hager said of her own marriage.
“Marriage is hard, the ceremony is the easy part. It’s putting up with each other and learning to grow and learn from your mistakes,” one commenter added, agreeing with Bush Hager.
However, others staunchly disagreed with their takes in the comments.
“No, 19 years is NOT a successful marriage. They are right in the middle of growing a family with children. People are just selfish,” another user commented.
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This discussion comes as rumors swirl about what the exact cause of Kidman and Urban’s split really was.
In a new October 1 People exclusive, a source shared that “their split is turning dramatic” and that Kidman “wanted to save their marriage and believed that she could, but it seems [Urban’s] already moved on.”
As the couple’s divorce proceedings continue, time will tell what else will be revealed about their marriage and breakup, as well as how they will continue to co-parent their two daughters together.
