Updated: June 11, 2026
Julianne Hough, the vibrant Dancing with the Stars star, actress, and dancer, has always lived life in the spotlight. Her marriage to former NHL player Brooks Laich captured hearts, but like many high-profile relationships, it had its challenges. Today, fans remain fascinated by their story—especially as the pair continues to show genuine respect and friendship years after their split.
In this post, we dive into their journey, the reasons behind the divorce, and where they stand now. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious about celebrity relationships, here’s a clear, heartfelt look at Julianne Hough ex husband and the lessons their story offers.
Table of Contents
Who Is Brooks Laich? Julianne Hough’s Ex-Husband Profile
Brooks Laich is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player known for his time with the Washington Capitals and other NHL teams. Born in 1983, he built a solid career as a forward before transitioning into life after sports, including podcasting, wellness advocacy, and personal growth explorations.
Key facts about Brooks Laich:
- Career Highlights: Played over 700 NHL games, known for his work ethic and leadership.
- Personal Interests: Passionate about mindfulness, fitness, and self-discovery after hockey.
- Current Life: Engaged to KatrÃn Tanja DavÃðsdóttir; the couple announced their pregnancy in 2025 and have been warmly supported by Julianne.
Laich brings a grounded, athletic energy that complemented Julianne’s creative, expressive personality during their time together. Their connection felt authentic to many observers—two driven individuals finding common ground amid busy careers.
How Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich Met and Fell in Love
The couple’s romance began in late 2013. After years of high-profile dating (including her notable relationship with Ryan Seacrest), Julianne connected with Brooks through mutual friends. Their bond grew quickly, leading to an engagement in 2015 and a beautiful wedding in July 2017.
What made their relationship special? Shared values around health, adventure, and personal evolution. They often spoke about supporting each other’s dreams—Julianne in entertainment, Brooks in his post-hockey chapter. Fans loved seeing them travel, train together, and appear on red carpets as a united front.
Yet, as with many marriages, underlying dynamics surfaced over time. Julianne later shared candid insights, noting that aspects of their dynamic sometimes made her feel like a “little girl,” which contributed to feelings of imbalance as she sought deeper personal growth.
The Divorce: Timeline, Reasons, and Lessons Learned
Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich announced their separation in May 2020 after nearly three years of marriage (and about seven years together total). They released a joint statement emphasizing love and respect, choosing to part ways thoughtfully. Julianne filed for divorce in November 2020, and it was finalized in 2022.
Timeline at a Glance:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Met | December 2013 |
| Engaged | August 2015 |
| Married | July 8, 2017 |
| Separated | May 2020 |
| Divorce Finalized | February/June 2022 |
| Current Status | Amicable co-existence |
The split wasn’t dramatic or filled with public drama. Both have reflected positively: Julianne described the marriage as one of the “greatest things” for her growth at that time, while Brooks has focused on his own journey of self-exploration.
- Common Challenges: Differing needs for independence and evolving identities.
- Positive Takeaway: They modeled mature communication, avoiding bitterness.
- Public Reaction: Fans appreciated their grace, proving it’s possible to outgrow a relationship without tearing each other down.
Their story highlights that even loving partnerships can end when individuals need space to become their fullest selves.
Life After Divorce: Friendship and New Beginnings
Remarkably, Julianne and Brooks have maintained a friendly relationship. In July 2025, Julianne shared a joyful “special day on the lake” with Brooks and his pregnant fiancée KatrÃn, showing real maturity and kindness.
Julianne has thrived professionally as a DWTS co-host and continues exploring her creative passions. Brooks is building a family and embracing fatherhood. Their ability to celebrate each other’s happiness stands out in Hollywood.
This post-divorce harmony offers hope: endings can lead to beautiful new chapters when handled with respect.
Conclusion: What We Can All Learn from Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich
Julianne Hough ex husband Brooks Laich represents more than just a chapter in her life—he’s part of a story about growth, love, and graceful transitions. Their marriage brought joy, their divorce brought clarity, and their ongoing friendship proves that mutual respect endures.
In relationships, prioritize open communication, personal evolution, and kindness—especially when paths diverge. Whether navigating your own journey or simply admiring theirs from afar, their experience reminds us that love comes in many forms, and moving forward with an open heart is always possible.
What do you think of their co-parenting energy? Share your thoughts in the comments! For more celebrity relationship insights, stay tuned.