Last month, we reported that the Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman and her country music star husband Keith Urban had separated after 19 years of marriage. At the time, insiders were claiming that Kidman was desperately “fighting to save her marriage.” They also alleged that she’d felt “blindsided” by Urban wanting to separate.
Hours later, however, Kidman, 58, officially filed for divorce from Urban, 58. This came amidst rumors that Urban had already moved on with a “new girlfriend.”
Now, insiders are speaking out to reveal that Urban has been getting emotional support from the country music legend Dolly Parton amidst this divorce battle. Indeed, while many of the former couple’s friends have taken Kidman’s side, Parton is reportedly standing by Urban in a big way.
Urban Leans On Parton Amidst Divorce
Throughout this difficult time, Parton, 79, has been a shoulder for Urban to cry on.
“Dolly’s one of the few friends Keith’s been confiding in,” an insider told Heat World. “He values her opinion and wise take on life more than pretty much anyone else, so her advice has been a major boost as he looks to reset and go again.”
“He’s been very open with her, checking in for long chats and baring his soul about how things fizzled out years ago, that he means no harm towards Nicole but it feels too raw and awkward right now to be in touch as they both need space and time to heal,” the source continued. “Dolly’s told him that’s all well and good but right now he must be sensitive to Nicole’s feelings, be there for the kids first and foremost, and work through their issues peacefully and with respect.”
That sounds like some wide words from a wise woman!
The insider went on to say that Parton has even offered to act as a “mediator” if Urban needs one.
“She’s offering to act as a makeshift mediator if Keith thinks that will help,” the source stated. “She thinks Dollywood [her iconic theme park in Tennessee] would be the perfect neutral ground for a clear-the-air meeting and she’s more than happy to host.”
“She always says being kind is what people remember and she’s been telling Keith to let go of his pride and take the high road no matter what, for the sake of his own conscience and most of all for his kids,” the insider added.
Parton Is A ‘Romantic’
This comes after a difficult year for Parton. Back in March, her husband Carl Dean, who she was married to for nearly 60 years, died at the age of 82. Though the grieving process has been understandably difficult for Parton, she’s still a huge believer in love.
“Dolly’s such a big believer in marriage and such a romantic so she took it hard when she found out Keith and Nicole were calling it quits,” the source explained. “She really thought they were going to go the distance, everyone in Keith’s life did.
“Dolly’s not being judgmental about it, she’s a very accepting person,” the insider continued. “Whenever people bring this up she always says no one should judge the situation because they haven’t walked in Keith and Nicole’s shoes. But of course she’s hoping they can find a way to call off this divorce and find their way back to each other. Dolly is always so optimistic and she’s still holding out hope that love will win.
Parton Has Urban’s Back
Parton has been friends with Urban for over twenty years. Indeed, he reportedly reminds the “Jolene” singer of her brothers. That being said, Parton still loves Kidman and is urging Urban to do “right” by the actress.
‘She’s doing her best to guide him through this and help him handle the break-up with as much grace as possible,’ the insider stated.
“She keeps reminding him that love doesn’t have to disappear just because a marriage ends. And she has a way of talking sense into people without shaming them, so everyone’s hoping she’ll get through to Keith. Dolly has Keith’s back, but she’s very clear she still thinks the world of Nicole,” the source added. “Everyone saw how Nicole helped Keith turn his life around, that can’t just be forgotten now that they’re splitting up and Dolly is very quick to remind Keith of that, and all their mutual friends, too.”
Parton is currently dealing with various “health challenges” that forced her to postpone her Las Vegas residency from December of this year to September of 2026. Though Parton is currently resting, she’s still going above and beyond to help Urban. According to the insider, this is typical of Parton, who is a truly loyal friend.
“What’s really impressive is she’s doing all this from her sick bed,” the insider concluded. “She never stops caring about other people and trying to help, Keith is lucky to have her to lean on through this because she’s always going to have his best interest at heart.”
Divorce is never easy, particularly after so many years together. God bless Parton for stepping up to help her friend Urban when he needs it most. In the end, we should all be so lucky to have a friend like Dolly Parton in our corner!