Country music star Keith Urban publicly acknowledged his ex-wife Nicole Kidman's 59th birthday on Saturday, marking the first time he has directly addressed the Oscar-winning actress since their divorce was finalized earlier this year.
The four-time Grammy winner posted a simple message reading "happy birthday nicole mary!!!!!!!!!!!!" on his Instagram Stories, set against a purple-and-teal background . The message came six months after the former couple legally dissolved their 19-year marriage .
Urban's use of Kidman's middle name added a personal touch to the gesture, signaling that the pair remain on civil terms despite the high-profile split . The "Somebody Like You" singer has largely remained silent about the divorce since it was finalized.
Kidman, who did not publicly acknowledge Urban's birthday message, shared her own celebration post featuring a selfie from a mountain hike. "Another trip around the sun," she captioned the image. "Thank you for all the birthday love xx #SummerSolsticeBaby" .
The birthday exchange comes amid reports of family tensions following the couple's separation. Court documents obtained following the January 6 divorce finalization revealed that Kidman would serve as the primary residential parent for their daughters, Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 15 . The custody arrangement reportedly grants Urban visitation every other weekend .
Urban's birthday outreach comes just one day before Father's Day, when Kidman reciprocated with her own public gesture. The "Practical Magic" actress shared a throwback photograph of Urban carrying their two daughters on his shoulders, alongside a childhood photo with her late father, Antony Kidman . "Happy Father's Day to all the fathers," she wrote on her Instagram Stories .
The couple, who married in 2006 after meeting in Los Angeles, surprised fans when they announced their separation in September 2025 . Kidman filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences, and the split was finalized after Tennessee's mandatory 90-day waiting period .
Under the terms of the marital dissolution agreement, both parties waived claims for spousal and child support . According to court documents, the settlement specified that neither parent would speak negatively about the other and would encourage their daughters to maintain loving relationships with both parents .
Following the separation, Kidman has spoken sparingly about the personal transition while maintaining an optimistic outlook. In a March interview, she emphasized her commitment to her family's well-being . "What I'm grateful for is my family and keeping them as is and moving forward," she explained. "I'm staying in a place of, 'We are a family,' and that's what we'll continue to be" .
In recent months, speculation about family dynamics surfaced when Sunday Rose briefly unfollowed Urban on Instagram before re-following him hours later, fueling rumors about post-divorce tensions . Reports suggested the couple's daughters had experienced difficulties adjusting to the new family arrangement .
Both Kidman and Urban have maintained professional focus amid the personal transition. Urban's friend and fellow musician Russell Dickerson recently shared that the country singer has been channeling his energy into creative pursuits . Meanwhile, Kidman has continued her acting career with the same determination that has defined her decades in Hollywood.
The former couple's public exchanges represent a carefully managed approach to co-parenting in the spotlight. Their mutual acknowledgments of birthdays and holidays indicate a commitment to maintaining stability for their daughters while navigating separate lives.
For the couple's supporters, these gestures offer reassurance that the two entertainers can remain respectful despite the end of their nearly two-decade partnership. The measured nature of their interactions aligns with the professional approach both have taken to their personal lives in recent months.
As both artists continue their respective careers, the priority remains supporting their teenage daughters through this transition. The custody arrangement, while favoring Kidman as the primary parent, preserves Urban's regular involvement in their lives, reflecting the couple's stated commitment to co-parenting.
The birthday tribute and Father's Day acknowledgment illustrate how high-profile divorces can proceed with dignity when both parties prioritize mutual respect. These small but significant gestures have resonated with fans observing the former couple's ability to navigate a new chapter with grace.
Kidman and Urban, once considered one of Hollywood's most stable couples, now join the ranks of entertainment figures who have demonstrated that even after marriage ends, family commitments endure. Their public handling of post-divorce relations sets an example for maintaining civility in the complex landscape of celebrity co-parenting.
The singer and actress are reportedly focused on their individual projects and finding their footing in this new chapter of their lives. Urban has been working on new music, while Kidman continues to pursue film projects and personal adventures.
As the summer unfolds, the former couple's ability to exchange goodwill publicly suggests they remain committed to navigating their new relationship with maturity. Whether this spirit of cooperation continues remains to be seen, but for now, the pair appear to be managing the transition with dignity and respect for one another.
