James Johnson
After nearly three decades of marriage, Furness opens up about heartbreak, healing, and personal growth in the wake of her separation from the Hollywood star.
Deborra-Lee Furness has spoken out for the first time since her divorce from Hugh Jackman was finalized, sharing a deeply personal reflection on betrayal, resilience, and finding meaning in adversity.
In a heartfelt statement to the Daily Mail on Tuesday, May 27, the 69-year-old Australian actress and philanthropist expressed compassion for those who have experienced similar emotional pain. “My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal,” she said.
Furness and Jackman, 56, were married for 27 years before announcing their amicable separation in 2023. The couple, who wed in 1996, share two children: Oscar and Ava. Their divorce, reportedly uncontested, is now finalized, needing only a judge’s sign-off.
Calling their split “a profound wound that cuts deep,” Furness emphasized that her spiritual beliefs have helped her navigate the pain. “I believe in a higher power and that God/the universe, whatever you relate to as your guidance, is always working FOR us,” she explained. “This belief has helped me navigate the breakdown of an almost three-decade marriage.”
The Emmy-winning producer said the experience brought unexpected growth. “Even when we are presented with apparent adversity, it is leading us to our greatest good, our true purpose. It can hurt, but in the long run, returning to yourself and living within your own integrity, values, and boundaries is liberation and freedom,” she shared.
Among her key takeaways is the belief that “none of this is personal.” Furness reflected on the broader spiritual journey behind relationships, noting: “We are all on our individual journeys and I believe that the relationships in our lives are not random. We are drawn to people, we invite them in, in order to learn our lessons and to recognize and heal the broken parts of ourselves… I remain grateful.”
Jackman, meanwhile, was recently seen publicly spending time with his former Music Man co-star Sutton Foster, 50, sparking speculation among fans. Foster, who filed for divorce from her husband Ted Griffin in late 2024, has called Jackman “one of the greatest guys ever” and a “joyful” presence, as she described during a 2022 appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers.
Furness and Jackman had previously announced their separation in a joint statement to PEOPLE in September 2023:
“We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.”
While their romantic chapter has ended, Furness’ words offer a powerful message of acceptance, healing, and the strength to move forward.
