Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd Rick Diamond/Getty Images
Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd have ended their five-year marriage, according to confirmation received.
Morris, who is 33 years old, filed for divorce on October 2, stating "irreconcilable differences" as the cause for their separation in documents obtained by Us. The date of their separation aligns with the filing date, and the couple had a prenuptial agreement in place.
Morris and Hurd, aged 36, first crossed paths while co-writing the popular Tim McGraw song "Last Turn Home" in 2014. Their initial collaboration sparked a friendship, which eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship. They officially started dating in 2015, and two years later, Hurd proposed to Morris. The couple eventually tied the knot in Nashville in March 2018.
In a recent interview with We, one year after their wedding, Morris expressed her immense admiration for her husband and their long-standing relationship as creative partners. She shared, "We were brought together six years ago to write a song. At the time, we were complete strangers, but from there, our connection grew naturally, and music has always played a central role in our love for each other."
According to Morris, country artists looked up to Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman as an example of how to maintain a successful marriage while on the road. She mentioned that they have a "two-week rule" and admired how they made it seem so effortless, which gave her and Ryan hope that they could achieve the same. Morris admitted that they prioritized their relationship and managed to strike a good balance in their busy schedules, especially now that they are married.
The couple, who are now estranged, welcomed their first child, a son named Hayes, in March 2020. Morris expressed her joy during an interview on The Bobby Bones Show that August, mentioning how having a child during the pandemic brought magic into their lives. She also mentioned that Hayes was a welcome distraction during a time when touring was not possible.
Before their separation, Morris and Hurd worked together on several songs, including his 2021 ballad "Chasing After You" and her 2022 single "I Can't Love You Any More." Hurd was also a strong supporter of Morris during her publicized conflict with Jason and Brittany Aldean last year.
In August 2022, Morris publicly criticized Brittany, aged 35, on social media for her controversial remarks regarding gender affirming care for transgender youth. Despite the ensuing backlash, Hurd promptly expressed support for his former wife.
"Making derogatory comments about transgender children is not an act of bravery," he tweeted at that time. "I commend Maren for defending them. The notion of 'shut up and sing' only applies to those you disagree with."
He further stated, "Numerous individuals have claimed that our career is finished, as if her previous statement had no impact. In all honesty, we are doing quite well. Our tours are successful, we have a beloved son, and I assure you, she will not remain silent anymore."
In a recent development, Hurd defended Morris once again following her subtle indication of permanently departing from the country music industry. (In September, she unveiled an EP titled The Bridge, featuring powerful tracks such as "The Tree" and "Get the Hell Out of Here.")
“She deserves to be celebrated, not merely tolerated,” Hurd expressed on Instagram on September 20, accompanied by Morris’ album cover. “I am amazed by the positive impact these two songs have had on people's lives, not just those who love them but also those who needed them. ... Many would choose to stay quiet and collect their paycheck, as the barrage of negative comments is genuine and challenging."
Hurd passionately voiced his frustration at the relentless online criticism Morris receives for her progressive beliefs. He emphasized that she deserves recognition and appreciation for the weight she carries on behalf of all artists and fans who share her views. “I'm eager to create music that aligns with the same spirit, no matter what that may be,” he concluded, adding, “Love you, MM. Stay strong and keep pushing forward.”