Why did Dakota Johnson and Martin part ways?
Hollywood actress Dakota Johnson and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin have separated after eight years together, with sources confirming the split stems from diverging careers and a relationship that had gradually stalled.
The couple, who first began dating in 2017 and were reportedly engaged, have now ended their relationship.
Sources close to the pair say the decision was amicable, but Johnson, 35, is said to be heartbroken, particularly over losing daily contact with Martin’s two children, Apple and Moses, from his previous marriage to Gwyneth Paltrow.
“Dakota wanted this relationship to work,” a source told The Sun. “She not only loves Chris but also his kids, and that loss feels incredibly painful. The decision to end things was mutual, but Dakota is finding it hard to move on.”
A major factor in the split appears to be their demanding careers. Chris, 48, has been on a global tour with Coldplay for the past three years, while Dakota has maintained a busy filming schedule.
The lack of quality time and a clear path toward settling down reportedly became insurmountable obstacles.
“Settling down—as in Chris taking his foot off the pedal—just wasn’t on the table,” the source added. “And ultimately, that was one of the many straws that broke the camel’s back.”
Insiders say the breakup didn’t happen overnight. The couple had been going through a cycle of breaking up and reconciling for some time. “Breakups aren’t always instant,” said another source to MailOnline.
“Sometimes it worked when they were apart because absence made the heart grow fonder, but when they reunited, the small cracks kept growing.”
RECOMMENDED STORIES
-
All about Seargeoh Stallone: The special son of Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone
-
Hollywood star Billy Zane transforms into Marlon Brando for new biopic
-
Sharon Stone accuses late Hollywood producer of pressuring her for sex
Dakota was last seen in New York City on Wednesday, hours before the news of the breakup surfaced, noticeably without her engagement ring.
She was also spotted recently spending time with Chris’s ex, Jennifer Lawrence, leading to speculation about the state of their relationship.
View this post on Instagram
The couple had earlier weathered a brief split in 2019, allegedly due to disagreements over having children.
At the time, they reconciled quickly and continued to be seen together in public, including with Martin’s ex-wife, Gwyneth Paltrow, and her husband, Brad Falchuk, forming what was often described as a “modern family”.
Gwyneth had publicly expressed her fondness for Johnson, saying in a 2020 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, “I love her. I adore her. She’s become part of our family.”
In a 2024 interview, Dakota had spoken warmly about Martin’s children, saying, “I love those kids like my life depends on it. With all my heart.”
While the split marks the end of an era for one of Hollywood’s most low-key but beloved couples, sources say there remains a small chance for reconciliation. “Right now, being separated might be what they need if there’s going to be any future for them together,” the insider noted.
For now, both stars appear focused on their individual careers and healing from a relationship that, while deeply affectionate, ultimately couldn’t withstand the strain of two demanding lives.
