Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd's love story had all the ingredients of a heartfelt country ballad before their eventual separation.
The couple first crossed paths during a writing session for Tim McGraw's track "Last Turn Home" in 2013. After two years of being friends, their bond blossomed into a romantic relationship. Hurd immortalized their journey in his 2017 composition "Love in a Bar."
"He sings of us merely being friends, idly spending time together with the hope that someone would dare to take a step further," he expresses. "We've silently communicated our feelings through our eyes all this time, and you possess my entire heart."
In July 2017, Hurd proposed to Morris, and the two of them exchanged vows in March 2018. One year later, Morris enthusiastically spoke about her experience as a married woman.
Morris spoke exclusively to We about how much she has learned from Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman about maintaining a romance while on the road. She mentioned that they have a "two-week rule" and that their relationship looks so normal, which gives her and Ryan hope that their own relationship can be normal too. They strive to find a good balance in their own relationship.
In March 2020, Morris and Hurd welcomed their first child, and three years later, on their fifth wedding anniversary, Morris filed for divorce, as confirmed by Us in October 2023.
Scroll through for more about Morris and Hurd’s relationship:
Credit: Shutterstock (3); Courtesy Maren Morris/Instagram
Country Singers Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd’s Relationship Timeline
Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd's relationship had all the elements of a captivating country ballad until they decided to end it.
The pair initially crossed paths while collaborating on the song "Last Turn Home" for Tim McGraw in 2013. After being friends for two years, their connection evolved into a romantic one. Hurd beautifully depicted their journey in his poignant 2017 tune, "Love in a Bar."
"He croons, 'We were mere friends, simply lingering / Just seated, anticipating someone to venture beyond the boundaries,' he reveals. 'And all along, we've been expressing it through our eyes / That you possess my entire heart.'
Hurd popped the question to Morris in July 2017, and the pair exchanged vows in March 2018. A year later, Morris effusively expressed her delight in married life."
She shared exclusively with We that she has gained valuable insights on maintaining a romantic relationship while traveling from Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman. The couple follows a "two-week rule" and their ability to make it appear so effortless gives her and Ryan a sense of hope that their relationship can also be ordinary. They strive to achieve a healthy balance. Morris and Hurd welcomed their child in March 2020, and three years later, on October 2023, it was confirmed by Us that Morris had initiated divorce proceedings.
Scroll through for more about Morris and Hurd's relationship:
Credit: Shutterstock (3); Courtesy Maren Morris/Instagram
Country Singers Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd’s Relationship Timeline
Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd's love story embodied the essence of a classic country ballad, but eventually came to an end.
Their paths crossed while collaborating on the creation of Tim McGraw's song "Last Turn Home" in 2013. Over the course of two years, Morris and Hurd fostered a friendship that eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship. Hurd candidly shared their remarkable journey through his heartfelt tune "Love in a Bar" in 2017.
"He sings about us being merely friends, casually spending time together, waiting for someone to take a leap. All along, we've been conveying our feelings through our eyes, and you possess my entire heart."
Hurd popped the question to Morris during July of 2017, and the couple exchanged vows in March of 2018. Reflecting on a year of wedded bliss, Morris joyfully expressed her love for married life.
Morris exclusively shared with We that she has gained invaluable knowledge from Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman regarding how to sustain a romantic relationship while constantly being on the road. She admired their implementation of the "two-week rule," finding inspiration in how effortlessly they made it seem like a normal part of their lives. This gave Morris and Ryan the hope that they too could create a sense of normalcy amidst their busy schedules. Their aim is to achieve a healthy balance in their relationship. Following their fifth wedding anniversary in March 2020, Morris and Hurd welcomed their child into the world. However, it was confirmed by Us in October 2023 that Morris had filed for divorce.
Scroll through for more about Morris and Hurd's relationship:
Credit: Amy Harris/Shutterstock
2013
The duo met during a writing session in Nashville.
Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
2015
The twosome’s relationship went from platonic to romantic in 2015.
Credit: Debby Wong/Shutterstock
2017
Hurd popped the question on July 3, 2017.
Credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock
2018
Us broke the news in March 2018 that the twosome exchanged vows in Nashville.
Credit: Frederick Breedon/PictureGroup/Shutterstock
2018
Morris embarked on a massive international tour alongside Niall Horan shortly after their wedding, making it one of the most challenging parts of their relationship. Reflecting on the experience, the "Make Out With Me" artist shared with Esquire that it surpassed all previous touring commitments in terms of both duration and global reach. The intense schedule meant Morris was away for longer periods than ever before.
According to her, it was a challenging summer and they attended therapy sessions together. In 2019, she revealed to the magazine that they had become much closer as a result of making difficult choices and engaging in challenging discussions about their future. She expressed her deep love for him and how she now appreciates him in ways she never thought possible.
Credit: AFF-USA/Shutterstock
2019
Morris announced in October 2019 that she was pregnant with their first child.
Credit: Courtesy Maren Morris/Instagram
2020
The couple welcomed their first child together, a baby boy, in March 2020. “Hayes Andrew Hurd. 3/23/20. Love of our lives,” the "Girl" singer wrote via Instagram.
Credit: Courtesy Maren Morris/Instagram
2020
Hurd fired back at mom-shamers after Morris was criticized for drinking on a pool float while holding Hayes, who was 3 months old at the time.
"I want to acknowledge that my wife is a remarkable mother, and although she doesn't require my defense typically, I feel compelled to express it," he posted on Instagram in July 2020. "Contrary to any concerns, our child was not in any danger while on a float in shallow water under the supervision of an adult, with five additional individuals present solely for capturing a photograph."
Credit: Courtesy Maren Morris/Twitter
2020
"This weekend, I had the incredible experience of venturing to the highest point, feeling on top of the world. Engaging in delightful conversations over martinis, I gazed upon the breathtaking Smoky Mountain landscape alongside my beloved companion," the "Feels" singer shared on Twitter in November 2020, cherishing the occasion of her spouse's birthday surrounded by the beauty of the Tennessee mountains. "Wishing you a joyous birthday, my dear."Credit: Ryan Musick/Courtesy of Academy of Country Music/Shutterstock
2021
In April 2021, the pair performed together for the first time, singing "Chasing After You" at the 56th annual Academy of Country Music Awards.
Credit: Courtesy Maren Morris/Instagram
2021
Morris lauded Hurd's parenting abilities in an Instagram post she posted in June 2021. "Happy Father’s Day @ryanhurd," she wrote, while sharing a video of her husband cheerfully bonding with their son. "You have a knack for this, you're truly exceptional at being a father."
Credit: Amy Harris/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
2021
The couple showcased their talent in a captivating performance at the ACM Party for a Cause in Nashville.
"Last night under the stars
," Morris captioned an Instagram picture of herself on stage in August 2021.Credit: Sanford Myers/AP/Shutterstock
2021
Hurd credited his wife's assistance in helping the creation of his debut album, Pelago.
The existence of the album is owed to her collaboration on "Chasing After You" and her unwavering support over the past few years, as shared with E! News in October. He expressed his enthusiasm for it, stating that he believes it showcases his best songwriting. He also mentioned his profound love for the album. Additionally, the talented artist behind "Craving You" is acknowledged as a cowriter on the record, expressing her pride on Twitter.
“I cannot contain the tears in my eyes today," tweeted Morris on October 15 while sharing Hurd's own post announcing the release of the record. "It is incredibly difficult for a new artist to release a complete album in a world obsessed with EPs and 'dropping singles,' but he managed to do it. I am the proudest wife and co-writer alive on this planet today. So, spread the word."
Credit: Ed Rode/AP/Shutterstock
2021
The couple celebrated their joint nomination for Music Video of the Year at the CMAs in November 2021 for their duet “Chasing After You.” For Hurd, it was his first CMAs nomination as an artist. After the festivities, Hurd took to Instagram to express his excitement, stating, "It was an incredible night! Congrats to all the winners. I'll never forget being nominated for the first time! Now let's go get that NUMBER 1!" Meanwhile, Morris shared multiple photos on Twitter from their night out, calling her husband her "bae" and adding the unrelated question, "Is Postmating Taco Bell today officially rock bottom?"
Credit: Stephen Greathouse/Shutterstock
2022
The ACM Award nominations of the songstress of "Circles Around This Town" and her country crooner spouse marked the first time since 2017, when Tim McGraw and Faith Hill achieved the same feat, that a married couple has been recognized in the same year. The duo further impressed by perfectly coordinating their attire in golden-brown hues during their red carpet appearance at the March 2022 awards show.
Credit: Jordan Strauss/AP/Shutterstock
2022
Morris was dressed in a snakeskin outfit at the Grammy Awards in April, while her husband donned a gold suit. They playfully teased their son on E! saying, "It's time for you to go to bed, Hayes! We miss you!"
Credit: Mark Humphrey/AP/Shutterstock
2022
After taking a stroll down the red carpet of the CMT Music Awards, Morris sought the assistance of her spouse to deliver a captivating live rendition of her latest track, "I Can't Love You Anymore," making its debut at the prestigious event.
Credit: John Amis/AP/Shutterstock
2022
“I get to see him naked,” Morris captioned a pic with her husband after their Stagecoach Festival duet.
Credit: Courtesy of Ryan Hurd/Instagram
2022
“Wishing a joyful Mother’s Day to the lovely Mama of Hayes. We feel incredibly fortunate to belong to you,” expressed Hurd on Instagram in May 2022. “His life is filled with thrilling adventures, and I wouldn’t alter a single aspect. We hold immense love for you!”
Credit: Courtesy of Maren Morris/Instagram
2022
Morris expressed her fondness for him and stated that she would deeply miss him during the upcoming summer. This heartfelt message was shared on social media in June 2022, following a delightful date night with her husband in Nashville, as she made final preparations for her tour.
Credit: Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
2022
Morris' husband, Hurd, expressed his admiration for her after she called out Brittany Aldean for apparent transphobia. He took to Twitter to assert that attacking transgender children for personal gain is not courageous, and he commended Morris for standing up for them. Hurd also found it satisfying that their conversation with Aldean was a normal and open discourse, countering the notion that musicians should only focus on performing. Despite receiving criticism and claims that their career will suffer, Hurd reassured that they are doing well with successful tours and the love they share for their two-year-old child. He further emphasized that Morris will not be silenced and will continue to express herself.
In an additional tweet, he expressed his admiration: "I consistently endorse and cherish Maren; although I may not be very active online, I take immense pride in her and always will. I align myself with everything she represents."
Credit: Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
2022
Hurd accompanied Morris to the iHeartRadio Festival in Las Vegas, where they walked the red carpet together before her musical set.
Credit: Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
2022
“I can’t fathom performing last night’s show without you,” Morrison exclaimed on her Instagram Story, featuring a clip from their unexpected joint performance at her headline event at the iconic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. “‘I can’t possibly love you any more than I do at this moment’ simply falls short, as I am certain that tomorrow my love for you will exceed all bounds.”
Credit: Courtesy of Maren Morris/Instagram
2022
Morris celebrated her three Grammy nominations in November 2022, including one she shared with Hurd, who co-wrote "Circles Around This Town." The Humble Quest track received nods for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance. "It is a privilege to do life and music with you," wrote the "Tall Guys" songstress on Instagram, alongside a photo of herself with her husband. "You never force me to choose between one or the other. It's a mix of beautiful, frustrating, jet-lagged, exciting, and all-encompassing. And hey, we even received a nomination together for freaking country song of the year. Music may have been my first love, but you are my last love, @ryanhurd."
Credit: Jordan Strauss/AP/Shutterstock
February 2023
Morris made a stylish appearance alongside Hurd at the 2023 Grammy Awards to honor her nominations for Humble Quest and "Circles Around This Town," a song that the couple collaborated on.
Credit: Courtesy of Maren Morris/Instagram
June 2023
The duo made an appearance at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour show in Chicago, where Morris couldn't contain her excitement to finally perform the "You All Over Me" duet live for the very first time.
Credit: Rick Diamond/Getty Images
October 2023
Morris has officially filed for divorce, stating "irreconcilable differences," according to official sources. The news of their split emerged less than a month after Hurd publicly supported Morris for her choice to depart from country music. In a heartfelt Instagram post back in September 2023, he expressed, "She should be praised and embraced, not merely accepted."