From ‘Babygirl’ to Goodbye - Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's Divorce
Why their split shocked fans and how their love story is still etched in tattoos and memories.
Long marriages in Hollywood often feel like rare exceptions, and when one ends, fans take notice. That’s why the news of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s separation has been so striking. For many, it marks the closing of a chapter in one of Hollywood’s most admired love stories.
After almost two decades together, the pair have filed for divorce, bringing an end to what many saw as one of the most enduring marriages in the entertainment world.
According to court filings, the split has been attributed to “marital difficulties and irreconcilable differences.” The paperwork includes both a marriage dissolution and a childcare plan that was mutually agreed upon.
The documents show that Kidman will serve as the primary residential parent for their two teenage daughters, Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14. She will have custody for 306 days of the year, while Urban will spend 59 days annually with them.
Interestingly, neither party will receive spousal or child support. Since both Kidman and Urban earn more than $100,000 per month, the court determined that support payments were unnecessary.
What drew extra attention, however, was mention of what some outlets have called Urban’s “cocaine clause,” an alleged stipulation tied to the singer’s past struggles. While details remain private, its presence in the filings has sparked discussion.
Kidman and Urban’s seemingly stable marriage ended.
Kidman and Urban married in 2006 in Sydney, Australia, after a whirlwind romance. Over the years, they built a family while balancing two high-profile careers - hers in film, his in country music.
For fans, their marriage stood out as one that seemed stable in a world where celebrity unions often collapse under the spotlight. As soon as news of the divorce spread, fans began revisiting memorable moments from their relationship, particularly Urban’s many tattoos that were dedicated to Kidman.
commons.wikimediaUrban’s “babygirl” tattoo was a heartfelt tribute to Kidman, symbolizing his nickname for her long before the film of the same name.
Urban’s tattoos served as visible tributes to his wife, and each one carried a personal story.
“Babygirl” neck tattoo: Long before Kidman starred in the 2024 film Babygirl alongside Harris Dickinson, Urban had already inked the word on his neck. It wasn’t a film reference - it was his nickname for Kidman. She once told W Magazine:
“Keith’s not allowed to call anyone else babygirl. But now, because of the film, it’s taken on a different meaning. So he’s like, ‘No, I still have total rights over babygirl!’”Fans spotted the tattoo again in 2023, when Urban shared a video on Instagram. Two years earlier, he even used the nickname in a heartfelt anniversary post:
Getty ImagesKeith Urban’s tattoos for Nicole Kidman span from a bold bicep piece to knuckle ink and her full initials on his wrist.
“Nicole” bicep tattoo: Another tribute came in 2007, when Urban had Kidman’s name tattooed in large letters on his upper arm. He showed it off at the Live Earth concert in New York that year, and over time, he added more embellishments to the design. The tattoo was also noticeable during his time as a judge on American Idol between 2013 and 2017.
“Mary” knuckle tattoo: Urban took things further by tattooing Kidman’s middle name, “Mary,” across his knuckles. It was first noticed at the 2021 ACM Awards. Later that year, he explained in an interview with QX104 Country that the tattoo complicated his jewelry choices: “I realised that I suddenly can’t wear any rings on that hand because otherwise her name becomes… various [words].”
“NMK” wrist tattoo: Perhaps the most layered of all, Urban added Kidman’s full initials, “NMK,” to his wrist. This piece was designed to cover up an older tattoo he had gotten with model Niki Taylor, a former girlfriend. By incorporating Kidman’s initials into the design, Urban reshaped a past mark into something new for his marriage.
Getty Images
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban ended nearly 20 years of marriage with a private and respectful divorce.
For Urban, this was his first marriage. For Kidman, it was her second. She had previously been married to Tom Cruise from 1990 to 2001. With Cruise, she shares two adopted children: Isabella, 32, and Connor, 30.
The split from Urban closes a long chapter in Kidman’s life, one that spanned nearly 20 years and included not just family milestones but also countless public moments where the two supported each other’s careers.
While the divorce may feel abrupt to fans, the couple’s agreement suggests they’ve taken care to handle the situation privately and with respect, especially when it comes to their daughters.
commons.wikimedia
Hollywood splits often make headlines for their drama, but in this case, Kidman and Urban appear intent on keeping things simple. With no disputes over spousal or child support, it’s clear both are financially secure and more focused on avoiding conflict than fueling it.
For fans, what remains are the memories of their years together - the heartfelt tributes, the public moments of affection, and the tattoos that symbolized their bond. Those permanent marks now stand as quiet reminders of a shared history, even as each moves forward on a separate path.
