A growing number of celebrity couples are announcing separations around the 13-year mark of their marriages, prompting relationship experts to examine the unique challenges that arise at this milestone. This period, often referred to as a "statistical curse" or "relational tipping point," appears to be a more significant hurdle than the commonly cited "seven-year itch."
Certified relationship and intimacy coach Tina Laws explained that by year 13, couples often encounter a convergence of life stages. "The person you committed to a decade and a half ago has grown, changed, and navigated massive career shifts," Laws stated. "If you haven't intentionally grown, you wake up realizing you've drifted into parallel lives."
Kennedy MacDonald, a relationship expert and founder of Female Focused Therapy, noted that the initial intensity and novelty of romance have often been replaced by the realities of work, parenting, and financial commitments. "The 13-year mark can often see relationships break down as couples have spent years working as a team, but have come to the point where they’ve stopped relating to each other as romantic partners," she said. MacDonald added that couples who have navigated long-term relationships successfully are not necessarily those who never struggle, but rather those willing to recognize and adapt to the evolving needs of the relationship.
Recent high-profile divorces illustrate this trend:
Singer Cher Lloyd announced her split from hairdresser husband Craig Monk after 13 years of marriage in July 2024. The couple, who married in November 2013, share two daughters. Lloyd shared her decision on Instagram, posting a photo of her ring-free hand with the caption, "It’s in the bin."
In 2022, former NFL quarterback Tom Brady and supermodel Gisele Bündchen finalized their divorce after 13 years of marriage. The couple announced their decision amicably on social media. Speculation at the time suggested that Brady's decision to reverse his retirement plans may have contributed to marital tension.
Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen announced they were separating in 2023, finalizing their divorce in June 2025 after 13 years of marriage. The couple, who met in 2001 and married in 2010, released a joint statement emphasizing their shared devotion to their children and requesting privacy.
Gwen Stefani and Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale divorced in August 2015 after 13 years of marriage and 20 years together. The couple, who share three sons, announced their split in 2015. Stefani has since remarried.
Reese Witherspoon and talent agent Jim Toth finalized their divorce in August 2023, just before their 13th wedding anniversary. The couple cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their split. They issued a joint statement expressing deep love, kindness, and mutual respect.
While not a celebrity couple, Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty announced their separation in July 2024, 12 years after their wedding day. They emphasized that no other party was involved in the dissolution of their marriage.
MacDonald suggested that couples in long-term relationships need to actively cultivate curiosity and address resentment before it leads to contempt. "Affection, sex, and emotional intimacy need to be consciously rebuilt rather than expecting it to happen naturally," she advised. Laws emphasized the importance of intentional reinvention, urging couples to prioritize their marriage and consciously design their future together.
"What worked for the last 13 years won't automatically carry you through the next 13," Laws concluded. "Sit down and consciously design what this next era looks like together."