Patrick Dempsey and Wife Jillian: A Journey of Love and Growth
Explore the enduring love story of Patrick Dempsey and wife Jillian Dempsey, as we trace their relationship from their 1999 wedding to the present Join us on a journey of ups and downs, milestones and moments, that have shaped their bond over the years
Patrick Dempsey and his wife, Jillian Dempsey, continue to thrive together despite facing various challenges in the spotlight. Patrick first encountered Jillian as a customer at her hair salon and confessed to People in November 2023 that he fell in love with her instantly.
Entering the room where she was working, I was immediately captivated by her presence. In 1997, their relationship took a romantic turn and they tied the knot two years later. Since then, they have become parents to three children.
Although this couple has mostly kept their relationship private, Patrick and Jillian made news headlines in 2015 when she initiated divorce proceedings. The actor's decision to leave his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd on Grey's Anatomy in April of that year was partially driven by his desire to prioritize his family and spend more quality time with them.
The Dempseys ultimately decided to end their separation, and Patrick later clarified their reconciliation with Jillian.
"I wasn't willing to give up on our marriage," he shared with People in September 2016. "I felt like we hadn't put in all the effort, and both of us wanted to do that work. That's where it all began."
The couple participated in couples counseling, emphasizing its significance, to address their issues and strive for personal growth. Their aim was to set a positive example for their children, demonstrating that differences can be resolved through work and communication. Check out the following timeline detailing Patrick and Jillian's enduring love story:
July 1999
Patrick and Jillian officially tied the knot.
Patrick Dempsey and Jillian Fink. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
February 2002
The couple welcomed their first child together, Talula Fyfe.
February 2007
Patrick and Jillian welcomed twin boys: Darby Galen and Sullivan Patrick.
January 2015
Jillian filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. She sought spousal support and joint custody of their three kids.
Talula Dempsey, Darby Dempsey, Sullivan Dempsey, Patrick Dempsey and Jillian Fink. Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for AlphaTauri
November 2015
A source told We that Patrick and Jillian were “trying to be a couple again” despite their breakup. They were spotted holding hands that same month.
May 2016
Patrick verified that he and Jillian had rekindled their relationship. "Yes, I believe so," he mentioned in an interview with ES Magazine. "Maintaining a successful partnership requires effort and prioritization. Some things inevitably need to be sacrificed."
November 2016
Us confirmed that the duo had called off their divorce.
July 2018
The couple celebrated their 19th anniversary at their wedding location. “This spot 19 years ago, today !” Patrick captioned an Instagram post.
Jillian Fink and Patrick Dempsey. Courtesy of Patrick Dempsey/Instagram
November 2022
Patrick candidly revealed that individual and couples therapy helped him and Jillian save their marriage.
"Why not make use of those tools? Seek someone's perspective. What I've discovered is that I perceive things differently when I'm in a therapist's office due to the slight emotional detachment we have," he explained to Fatherly. "There's an opportunity to comprehend your viewpoint and understand your feelings. I don't want you to experience that, so let's work on it together."
November 2023
Patrick said he tries to be a “better person” and “present” in his marriage. “And to listen to what the needs are of the family and provide from that perspective,” he told People.
