Lasting Love and Heartbreak: The Surprising Divorces of Hollywood's Longest-Married Couples

In the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, where relationships often seem fleeting, there are some famous couples who have defied the odds and built marriages that have stood the test of time. However, even these seemingly unbreakable unions have not been immune to the challenges that can arise over the course of decades. From Meryl Streep and Don Gummer to Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus, these high-profile couples have made the difficult decision to part ways, shattering the illusion of their storybook romances.

Uncovering the Untold Stories Behind Hollywood's Surprising Divorces

Meryl Streep and Don Gummer: A Separation After 39 Years

Meryl Streep and Don Gummer's marriage was a true Hollywood fairytale, spanning nearly four decades. The couple met in 1978 when Streep's brother introduced them, and they tied the knot just six months later. Together, they welcomed four children and appeared to have a rock-solid partnership. However, in a surprising turn of events, the couple announced in 2023 that they had been separated for over six years. While they stated that they would "always care for each other," the decision to go their separate ways was a testament to the complexities and challenges that can arise even in the most seemingly stable relationships.

Dan Aykroyd and Donna Dixon: Parting Ways After 40 Years

Another long-standing Hollywood couple, Dan Aykroyd and Donna Dixon, also decided to end their marriage after four decades together. The pair met on the set of the 1983 film "Doctor Detroit" and went on to tie the knot that same year. Despite their decision to part ways, Aykroyd and Dixon emphasized that they would remain "legally married, co-parents, co-workers and business partners," a testament to the enduring bond they share.

Morgan Freeman and Myrna Colley-Lee: A 23-Year Marriage Comes to an End

Morgan Freeman and Myrna Colley-Lee's marriage was marked by both joy and controversy. The couple wed in 1984 and welcomed four children together, but their relationship ultimately came to an end in 2007. The divorce was not made public until the following year, when Freeman was involved in a car accident alongside a female passenger, leading to speculation about infidelity. However, Freeman's representative clarified that the couple had been in the midst of a divorce since 2007, which was finalized in 2010.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver: A 25-Year Union Shattered by Scandal

The dissolution of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver's marriage was particularly high-profile, as it was marred by a shocking revelation. After 25 years of marriage, the couple parted ways in 2011 when it was discovered that Schwarzenegger had an affair with the family's housekeeper, resulting in a secret child. Despite the drama, Schwarzenegger and Shriver have remained amicable, co-parenting their children and even celebrating holidays together.

Al and Tipper Gore: A 40-Year Marriage Ends in Separation

Al and Tipper Gore's marriage was a testament to the power of longevity, as the couple had been together for four decades before announcing their separation in 2010. The Gores, who share four children, cited growing apart over the course of their relationship as the reason for their decision to go their separate ways.

Judge Greg Mathis and Linda Mathis: A Divorce Filing After 39 Years

The marriage of television personality Judge Greg Mathis and his wife, Linda, had weathered the test of time for nearly four decades. However, in 2024, Linda filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. While the reasons behind their split are not entirely clear, Greg has expressed a desire to win his wife back, acknowledging that he may not have made her a top priority amidst his busy career.

Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen: A 27-Year Union Ends in Divorce

Robert Redford and Lola Van Wagenen's marriage was a testament to the challenges that can arise when one partner's career takes center stage. The couple tied the knot in 1958 and welcomed four children, but their relationship ultimately came to an end in 1985 after 27 years. Redford has since reflected on the strain that his success in Hollywood placed on their marriage, but he also expressed gratitude for the "great love, great affection, and great friendship" that they continue to share.

Bill and Melinda Gates: A Philanthropic Partnership Ends in Divorce

The divorce of Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates was particularly noteworthy, as the couple had not only been married for 27 years but had also co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world's largest private charitable organizations. In their joint statement announcing their separation, the former spouses expressed a continued commitment to their shared mission and their children, but acknowledged that they could no longer grow together as a couple.

Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock: A 26-Year Marriage Consumed by Business

Reba McEntire's marriage to Narvel Blackstock was marked by the challenges of balancing their personal and professional lives. The couple wed in 1989, with Blackstock initially serving as a member of McEntire's band before becoming her manager. Over time, the focus on their careers overshadowed their relationship, and the couple ultimately decided to part ways in 2015. McEntire has since reflected on the difficulty of the divorce, but she also credits it with helping her take control of her life and career.

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness: A 27-Year Partnership Comes to an End

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness's marriage was a true Hollywood success story, spanning nearly three decades. The couple met on the set of the Australian TV series "Corelli" in the 1990s and tied the knot in 1995. They went on to adopt two children and appeared to have a strong, loving partnership. However, in a surprising announcement in 2023, Jackman and Furness revealed that they had decided to separate, citing a desire to "pursue our individual growth" while maintaining their family as their "highest priority."

Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus: A Tumultuous 28-Year Marriage Ends in Divorce

The marriage of Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus was marked by its fair share of ups and downs. The couple wed in 1993 and welcomed three children, in addition to Tish's two children from a previous relationship. Over the years, they filed for divorce more than once, only to reconcile shortly after. However, in 2022, their marriage finally came to an end, with Tish citing the pandemic as a catalyst for her decision to leave the relationship, acknowledging that she had stayed for too long out of fear of being alone.

Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos: A 25-Year Marriage Ends Amicably

The divorce of Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Bezos was a high-profile event, as the couple had been married for 25 years and were co-founders of the e-commerce giant Amazon. Despite the dissolution of their marriage, the Bezoses emphasized their continued friendship and commitment to co-parenting their four children. In their joint statement, they expressed gratitude for the "wonderful" years they had shared and their excitement for the "wonderful futures ahead" as individuals.

Anthony Anderson and Alvina Stewart: A 22-Year Marriage Ends in Divorce

Anthony Anderson and Alvina Stewart's marriage had weathered the test of time for over two decades, but ultimately, they too decided to part ways. The couple, who share two children, had faced some ups and downs throughout their relationship, with Alvina filing for divorce in 2015 and again in 2022, citing irreconcilable differences. While the reasons behind their split are not entirely clear, the decision to end their 22-year marriage is a testament to the complexities that can arise even in long-standing partnerships.