Over two years since their separation announcement, Julianne Hough, the beloved Dancing with the Stars judge, officially filed for divorce from Brooks Laich in November 2020, embarking on a reflective journey about her past relationships and the reasons behind their demise. During a heartfelt episode of Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert podcast on August 12, the 36-year-old artist candidly opened up about the intricacies of her previous unions and the challenges that ultimately led to the conclusion of her marriage to Brooks.
"I sense that our relationship and marriage were impeccably aligned, and so is its conclusion," she mused. "We both carry the weight of regret, acknowledging that our maturity perhaps wasn't sufficient to hold us together." She delved deeper into the dynamics, painting a picture where "he was contracting, while I was expanding; a dance we struggled to synchronize."
"We found ourselves lost in the shuffle, each retreating to our protective shells," Hough continued, her voice tinged with sadness. "We've come to terms with our journey's outcome, yet it saddens us deeply, for I've only known the company of remarkable individuals." Despite the path they've chosen to walk apart, she praised Laich, 41, as "possessing the most profound heart I've ever had the honor to be entwined with."
Their love story began in November 2013, blossoming into a two-year romance before they announced their engagement on Instagram in August 2015. Amidst the picturesque backdrop of Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho—a place dear to Hough's heart—the couple exchanged vows on July 8, 2017, in a fairy-tale wedding. "When I introduced Brooks to the lake, he fell irrevocably in love, and we knew this was where our dreams of a shared future would flourish," she reminisced to PEOPLE.
However, the pandemic's isolation tested their bond, and amidst swirling rumors of trouble, they announced their separation in May 2020, issuing a joint statement filled with love and respect. "We've navigated this difficult decision with tenderness and deliberation, cherishing the love and admiration we hold for each other," they wrote, requesting privacy as they moved forward.
Despite whispers of a reconciliation, Hough filed for divorce a few months later, with a source revealing to PEOPLE that "though they attempted to reconcile, Julianne realized her freedom brought her joy, and Brooks, though willing to accommodate, had his limits." Their divorce was finalized in June 2022.
In a subsequent conversation with PEOPLE, the accomplished dancer confessed to being single yet open to love's embrace. "My heart stands wide open, ready to welcome whatever feels authentic," she shared, asserting that she wouldn't force a romance that lacks its natural flow. Embracing her life as a singleton, she remained hopeful, stating, "I'm content in this moment, but I'm also open to whatever comes my way. It would have to be something truly extraordinary."
