In the glittering yet often unforgiving world of Hollywood, where love stories unfold under the relentless glare of spotlights and tabloid headlines, few romances have captivated the public quite like those of Nicole Kidman. The Australian-born actress, an Oscar winner and global icon, has navigated the highs and lows of love with a grace that mirrors her on-screen poise. Yet, beneath the red-carpet smiles and award-show glamour lies a narrative of heartbreak, resilience, and renewal. On September 29, 2025, the entertainment world was stunned by the confirmation that Kidman and her husband of nearly two decades, country music superstar Keith Urban, have separated. This bombshell development has resurfaced poignant reflections from Kidman’s past, particularly her candid admissions about how her 2001 divorce from Tom Cruise left her “wary” and “a bit more trepidatious” in matters of the heart—though, as she famously noted, her response to Urban’s inquiry about her emotional state was simply: “Open.”

This quote, drawn from a 2021 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, has taken on new layers of irony and poignancy in light of the split. Kidman, now 58, shared in that conversation how the dissolution of her high-profile marriage to Cruise had instilled a cautious edge to her romantic outlook. “Maybe I’ve gotten a bit more trepidatious, but I’m always trying to be as open as possible,” she explained. “I just prefer to live in the world that way. I’m wary at times, and I’ve been hurt, but at the same time I much prefer a warm approach rather than a prickly shutdown approach.” These words, spoken years before the current upheaval, underscore a woman who has repeatedly chosen vulnerability over walls, even as life’s twists tested her resolve. As fans and insiders alike process the end of what was once hailed as one of Hollywood’s most enduring power couples, let’s delve into the intricate tapestry of Kidman’s romantic journey—from the fairy-tale beginnings with Cruise to the passionate union with Urban, and now, the bittersweet unraveling.

Kidman’s story with Tom Cruise began like a scene from one of her romantic dramas: whirlwind, intense, and seemingly destined for eternity. The pair met in 1989 on the set of Days of Thunder, a high-octane racing film where Cruise played a hotshot driver and Kidman his love interest. At the time, Kidman was a 22-year-old rising star from Sydney, fresh off acclaimed roles in Australian cinema like Dead Calm. Cruise, 27, was already a megastar, riding high on hits like Top Gun and Rain Man. Sparks flew immediately; Cruise later recalled in interviews how he was “instantly” smitten, describing Kidman as “stunning” and possessing an “infectious laugh.” Their on-screen chemistry translated off-screen, leading to a secret wedding on Christmas Eve 1990 in Telluride, Colorado—a intimate ceremony attended only by family and close friends, far from the prying eyes of the media.

The marriage thrust Kidman into the stratosphere of fame. Together, they adopted two children: Isabella “Bella” in 1992 and Connor in 1995. The family became a symbol of Hollywood royalty, gracing magazine covers and red carpets with their picture-perfect image. Professionally, the duo collaborated on acclaimed projects like Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut (1999), a psychological thriller that explored marital fidelity and desire—ironically, amid rumors of strain in their own relationship. Kidman has spoken fondly of those early years, crediting Cruise with helping her navigate the cutthroat industry. In a 2018 interview with Vanity Fair, she reflected, “I was young. I thought, ‘Wow, this is amazing.’ But marriage is hard work.”

Yet, cracks began to appear. By late 2000, whispers of discord grew louder, fueled by Cruise’s deepening involvement in Scientology—a faith Kidman never fully embraced. Reports suggested ideological differences, with Kidman’s Catholic upbringing clashing against the church’s doctrines. In February 2001, Cruise filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The split blindsided Kidman; she was pregnant at the time but suffered a miscarriage shortly after, adding layers of personal grief to the public spectacle. In court documents, Kidman contested Cruise’s claim that they had separated in December 2000, insisting it was February 2001. The divorce was finalized in August 2001, with joint custody of the children—who, over time, grew closer to their father and the Church of Scientology, straining their relationship with Kidman.

The aftermath was brutal. Kidman, thrust into singlehood at 34, faced relentless tabloid scrutiny. “I was reeling,” she admitted in a 2006 Ladies’ Home Journal interview. “I didn’t think life existed after divorce.” Yet, this period marked a professional renaissance. Freed from the shadow of being “Mrs. Cruise,” Kidman delivered powerhouse performances in The Hours (2002), earning her an Academy Award for portraying Virginia Woolf, and Moulin Rouge! (2001), which garnered her first Oscar nomination. She channeled her pain into art, later saying the divorce fueled her drive. “It made me stronger,” she told Oprah in 2001. “I had to find my own voice.”

It was in this vulnerable state—wary from heartbreak but determined to remain open—that Kidman encountered Keith Urban. The meeting occurred in January 2005 at a G’Day USA gala in Los Angeles, an event honoring Australian talent. Urban, a New Zealand-born, Australia-raised country singer, was riding high on hits like “Somebody Like You.” He later confessed to being starstruck: “I felt such an unbelievable sense of peace and calm when I met her.” Kidman, too, felt an instant connection, though caution lingered. As she recounted in that resurfaced Harper’s Bazaar piece, Urban’s first words to her were probing yet gentle: “How’s your heart?” Her reply? “Open.” This exchange, simple yet profound, set the tone for their romance.

Their courtship was swift but not without hurdles. Urban proposed in 2006, and they wed that June in a fairy-tale ceremony at St. Patrick’s Estate in Sydney, attended by 230 guests including Hugh Jackman and Naomi Watts. Kidman wore a Balenciaga gown, and Urban serenaded her with “Making Memories of Us.” Early challenges emerged when Urban entered rehab for substance abuse just four months into the marriage. Kidman stood by him, later calling it a “miracle” in a 2018 People interview: “We got through it together.” Their bond deepened with the birth of daughters Sunday Rose in 2008 and Faith Margaret in 2010 via surrogate.

For years, Kidman and Urban epitomized marital bliss. They balanced demanding careers—her with blockbusters like Big Little Lies and The Undoing, him with sold-out tours—while prioritizing family. Public displays of affection were commonplace: Urban dedicating songs to her at concerts, Kidman gushing about his support during her 2018 Golden Globe win. In a 2020 InStyle chat, she revealed their secret: “We text all day. We’re like teenagers.” Urban echoed this at the 2024 AFI Life Achievement Award for Kidman, calling her his “real-life princess” and recalling his nerves before their first call.

Yet, beneath the surface, strains accumulated. Sources close to the couple, speaking to TMZ and People in the wake of the separation announcement, paint a picture of a relationship frayed by distance and diverging paths. They’ve been “living separately for a while,” with Kidman based in Sydney and Urban touring globally. Insiders claim the split was “one-sided,” initiated by Urban amid frustrations. “Keith called her out in a confrontation that left her shattered,” a friend told Daily Mail, citing Urban’s resentment over Kidman’s intense work schedule and perceived emotional unavailability. Another source to E! News noted Kidman’s devastation: “She didn’t want this. She’s been fighting to save the marriage.”

Clues to the impending split were subtle but telling. The couple hadn’t been photographed together since June 2025 at a FIFA event. Kidman’s solo appearances at premieres for Practical Magic 2 and Urban’s tour absences fueled speculation. Page Six compiled hints: cryptic social media posts, Kidman’s evasive answers about marriage in recent interviews, and reports of separate residences—including a $10 million Sydney penthouse for Kidman and Urban’s Nashville farm. Their daughters, now teens, have been shuttled between parents, adding emotional complexity.

Kidman’s family has rallied around her, with sister Antonia providing steadfast support. “The entire Kidman family has come together,” a source told People. This echoes the solidarity she found post-Cruise, when she leaned on loved ones to rebuild. As for divorce proceedings, neither has filed as of September 30, leaving room for reconciliation—though insiders doubt it. “It’s kind of inevitable,” one friend said of Urban’s circle.

Reflecting on Kidman’s journey, her “wary yet open” philosophy resonates deeply. From the ashes of one marriage rose another, filled with love and growth. Now, facing another crossroads, she may draw on that same resilience. As she told Harper’s Bazaar in 2021, emphasizing mutual give-and-take: “We’re always working through stuff, but it’s very much love based.” Whether this chapter closes definitively or evolves, Kidman’s story continues to inspire—a testament to embracing life’s uncertainties with an open heart.

In an era where celebrity splits dominate headlines, Kidman’s narrative stands out for its humanity. She’s not just a star; she’s a woman who’ve loved fiercely, lost profoundly, and dared to try again. As fans mourn the end of “Nic and Keith,” they celebrate her enduring spirit. After all, in her own words, openness triumphs over shutdown—even when the heart aches.