Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson’s long, private romance ends abruptly after nearly eight years.
The Coldplay frontman, 48, and the Fifty Shades of Grey star, 35, were first linked in 2017 and have since kept their romance fiercely private. Despite engagement rumours and public appearances, they never married and often avoided confirming or denying speculation about their status.
Multiple insiders have confirmed the split, claiming the separation feels “final this time.” Neither Martin nor Johnson has publicly commented, but they’ve been noticeably absent from one another’s public outings in recent weeks.
Their long-standing relationship had its share of ups and downs. They were rumoured to have split briefly in 2019 before reconciling later that year. In 2020, fans speculated that Johnson was engaged to Martin after she was spotted wearing a striking emerald ring. Those rumours persisted for years, and by 2024, sources said they had been engaged for six years but were in no rush to tie the knot.
Despite the speculation, they appeared solid for much of 2024. They travelled together, attended events side by side, and were seen enjoying quiet moments away from the spotlight. Johnson was spotted cheering Martin on from the side of the stage during Coldplay’s headline set at Glastonbury, silencing suggestions of trouble in paradise.
In early 2025, the couple were photographed strolling hand in hand through Mumbai’s Hanging Gardens during Coldplay’s international tour. Johnson, always known for her understated elegance, looked relaxed beside Martin. They seemed perfectly in sync. But behind the scenes, insiders say two major conflicts began to surface — ultimately leading to the relationship’s breakdown.
Though the nature of those issues hasn’t been disclosed, the decision to part ways appears to have been mutual. As one source put it bluntly: “It feels final this time.”
Their conflicting schedules may have played a role. Martin’s globe-spanning tour with Coldplay has kept him on the road for much of the year, while Johnson has remained tied to Hollywood projects and fashion campaigns. The physical and emotional distance may have simply become too much to bridge.
Last year, Johnson offered a rare glimpse into their private life. Speaking about Martin’s musical talent, she said: “I love watching him. I could watch him every day. I don’t know how to explain it. I feel like I’m watching my most favourite being do his most favourite thing.”
She also spoke warmly about his children, Apple and Moses, whom he shares with ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow. “I love those kids like my life depends on it — with all my heart,” she said.
Despite maintaining a low profile, the couple occasionally faced bizarre public moments. In one instance, a fan claimed Martin told her he was “single” at a festival — a rumour that Johnson quickly dismissed by showing up at his concert just weeks later.
Now, the whispers of trouble have proven true. What began as a promising and intimate connection between two high-profile stars has seemingly ended for good.
Whether either party will address the breakup publicly remains to be seen. For now, fans are left to reflect on a rare Hollywood romance that quietly defied conventions — only to meet a quiet, perhaps inevitable, end.
