Food influencer MacKenzie Smith, known online as Grilled Cheese Social, announced Tuesday on Instagram that she and her husband, pro-surfer Jeremy Johnston, have decided to end their marriage.
Smith, 39, shared the news with her over 800,000 Instagram followers, stating that the past six months have been difficult as she navigated this personal transition. She cited physical, mental, and emotional struggles, and expressed a desire to be transparent with her audience.
"I do want to say that I haven't stayed quiet because I'm trying to pretend everything is perfect. Quite honestly, it's felt like the exact opposite," Smith wrote. "I waited because I wanted my kids to know before the entire internet did."
She explained that she would not be sharing the specific reasons for the separation, emphasizing that some matters are private, especially for their two children, daughter Poppy and son Jett. Smith stated her hope that both she and Johnston, 40, can remain healthy and supportive figures in their children's lives.
"What I will say is that I truly wish Jeremy nothing but the best. Regardless of what we've been through, he is the father of my children, and our kids deserve two parents who are healthy, happy and cheering them (and each other) on," she posted.
Smith, who married Johnston in December 2018, mentioned that she has moved into a new house and is beginning to build a new life for herself and her children, acknowledging the uncertainty and occasional overwhelm of this new chapter.
However, Johnston later responded on his Instagram story, appearing to clarify Smith's announcement. He shared a screenshot of a comment made under Smith's post and wrote, "Just to clarify one thing respectfully, ending the marriage was [MacKenzie's] decision, not a decision we made together."
Johnston added, "I respect her decision and my focus remains on our kids and moving forward with my life in a positive way."
Smith, a Florida-based blogger, has previously appeared on the Food Network. She described the process of sharing her news as lonely at times but expressed optimism for brighter days ahead, stating she is taking things one day at a time and focusing on her children and support system.