Celebrity breakups that made us cry too

Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert (2011–2015)

Country fans were heartbroken when Nashville’s golden couple called it quits after four years of marriage. Rumors of distance and alleged betrayals only fueled the emotional fire, leaving fans stunned.

While rumors of distance circulated, neither party publicly confirmed infidelity. Post-split, Shelton went on to marry Gwen Stefani in July 2021, and Lambert married New York City Police Department officer Brendan McLoughlin in January 2019.

Kim Kardashian & Kanye West (2014–2021)

Married in May 2014, they announced their separation in early 2021 and divorce was filed in February 2021, with finalization in November 2022. Their relationship reportedly deteriorated amid Kanye West’s highly publicized mental-health challenges and controversial behavior starting around 2016.

While many sources describe Kim reclaiming her personal well-being post-divorce, direct quotes suggesting the split “broke the family’s heart” or restored her “sanity and peace” were not found in reliable reporting.

Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner (2005–2015)

America rooted hard for this Hollywood power pair, but ten years in, Ben’s personal battles started taking a toll. Their dreamy “peach farm life” faded fast, and so did the marriage.

The couple wed in June 2005, separated a decade later in June 2015, and formally divorced in October 2018.

Over that time, Affleck publicly acknowledged struggles including alcohol dependency and the pressures of fame, though neither party has solely attributed their split to those challenges.

Miley Cyrus & Liam Hemsworth (2009–2019)

After years of makeups and breakups, fans finally got a wedding, but the honeymoon didn’t last long. Miley filed for divorce just months after the vows, breaking hearts everywhere.

Her post-split era was bold and unapologetic, with “Flowers” sending a clear message of independence. Meanwhile, Liam quietly found solace with model Gabriella Brooks.

Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie (2005–2016)

They built a globe-trotting family that seemed straight out of a movie, but behind the scenes, tension was boiling. Custody battles and that infamous plane fight shattered the illusion.

Their once‑glamorous global family fell apart amid serious legal battles, including custody disputes and a widely publicized 2016 private‑jet incident.

Jolie eventually sold her stake in their Château Miraval vineyard to a firm tied to Russian investor Yuri Shefler in 2021, further intensifying the legal wrangle.

Brad Pitt & Jennifer Aniston (2000–2005)

Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston were Hollywood’s golden couple, so their split shocked the world. The drama grew when Pitt’s affair with Angelina Jolie made headlines, turning their breakup into a global story.

Their breakup surprised fans worldwide amid public scrutiny, especially after Brad began dating Angelina Jolie later in 2005. Jolie had adopted Maddox (2002) and Zahara (2005); Brad Pitt later legally adopted both children when their relationship progressed.

Tiger Woods & Elin Nordegren (2004–2010)

Tiger Woods’ cheating scandal in 2009 shook the sports world and shattered his clean-cut image. Fans were stunned as the golf legend’s private life became public, marking a major fall from grace.

Elin walked away with a $100M divorce deal and enrolled in school to become a psychologist. Call it classy revenge with a degree.

Alec Baldwin & Kim Basinger (1993–2002)

This high-profile split got extra ugly when a vicious voicemail from Alec to daughter Ireland leaked. It was raw, messy, and impossible to ignore.

Kim later called Alec Baldwin a “tin pot tyrant,” and the public drama kept rolling. Amazingly, they patched things up by 2016, for their daughter’s sake.

Elvis & Priscilla Presley (1967–1973)

The King’s controlling grip on Priscilla led her to walk out of Graceland in search of her own identity. Even Elvis couldn’t hold her back forever.

After the divorce, Priscilla glowed up, starring in Dallas and managing Lisa Marie’s early career. She showed the world she was more than just a rock star’s wife.

Tina & Ike Turner (1962–1976)

Tina’s escape from Ike was the stuff of legends; she ran with just 36 cents and a Mobil credit card. The years of abuse were finally over, and her comeback was just starting.

Her rise from survivor to icon came full circle with “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” Tina didn’t just survive, she conquered.

Justin Bieber & Selena Gomez (2010–2018)

Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez shared an on-and-off relationship from around 2010 to 2018. They briefly split after a reported fight at Coachella in April 2014.

Their breakup inspired emotional songs like “Sorry” and “Lose You to Love Me.” Though not formally confirmed, they generated tension again during an interaction at the 2023 VMAs that fans interpreted as a “cold shoulder.”

Sonny & Cher (1964–1975)

Cher’s world turned upside down when she discovered Sonny secretly held 95% control over their entire entertainment empire. Feeling betrayed and trapped, she filed a lawsuit that famously cited “involuntary servitude,” making headlines across the nation.

The divorce didn’t slow her down, Cher skyrocketed with solo hits like “Believe,” becoming a pop icon. Meanwhile, Sonny took a political turn, eventually landing in Congress. They may have split, but both proved they could thrive on totally different stages.

Stanley Tucci & Kate Tucci (1995–2002)

Their marriage unraveled when Stanley Tucci’s role in Frankie and Johnny led to a real-life backstage romance with Edie Falco. Art imitated life, and not in a good way.

Tucci married Kathryn Spath in 1995 and they raised three children. While performing in the Broadway revival of Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune in 2002, Tucci briefly had an affair with Edie Falco.

Falco later noted the relationship ended quickly and that Tucci remained committed to his family. The couple reconciled for several years before Kate’s death in 2009.

Laura Prepon and Ben Foster’s split after six years of marriage. This adds another layer to Hollywood’s growing list of quiet breakups.

Kelly Clarkson & Brandon Blackstock (2013–2020)

Kelly’s split from Brandon shocked fans, not just emotionally, but financially. The Voice coach was ordered to pay a jaw-dropping $1.3 million a month in support, turning a once-sweet love story into a headline-making financial saga.

But Kelly didn’t stay down for long. She poured every ounce of heartbreak into her raw, emotional album Chemistry, which resonated with millions. From pain came power, and platinum.

Meanwhile, another celebrity split is making headlines. Check out how Cardi B and Offset’s divorce battle is intensifying. See what’s unfolding behind the scenes.

Read More From This Brand:

• Angelina Jolie Opens Up About Her Kids’ Private Lives
• Recent Celebrity Breakups That Shocked Fans
• Celebrity Couples Who Surprised Fans with Weddings

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.