Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson Reportedly End Their Eight-Year Relationship

After almost eight years spent in a quiet yet affectionate relationship, Coldplay's frontman Chris Martin and actress Dakota Johnson have reportedly parted ways for good. According to People magazine, the two began dating in 2017 and have now reached an agreement to end their long-term romantic relationship. This update came just weeks after they were seen spending time in mid-May at or near their joint Malibu home they moved into in 2021. This was the very relationship that many had adored for its low-key profile, and now with this reported split being definite, it's the end of an era for couples famous for their celebrity discretion and earnest connection.

A Romance That Stayed Mostly Out of the Spotlight

Notwithstanding their choice to remain out of the public eye, Martin and Johnson sporadically shared a few treasured glimpses into their life together over the years. For one, in a defining moment, Martin made a surprise cameo during Johnson's Zoom press interview for Cha Cha Real Smooth in 2022, a demonstration of their playful relationship. Likewise, at a Coldplay concert in London, Martin stopped midway through the performance of "My Universe" (a collaboration with BTS) to acknowledge Johnson in the crowd, saying, "This is about my universe, and she's here." Infrequent as they were, these moments attested to the real affection they held for each other behind the scenes.

Speculations About Engagement and Domestic Life

Unlike even the most celebrity couples, Martin and Johnson quietly and evenly shared their life. Starting in 2024, swirling rumors suggested the two had possibly been secretly engaged for years, although they never publicly confirmed or denied these claims. Johnson discussed their life at home in an interview with Elle UK in 2021, highlighting how much they enjoyed their home life as much as a night out, which signaled both their desire for peace and privacy while at home. Yet, the absence of wedding planning seemed reflective of their happiness of simply being together, until now.

Their Past and Future Beyond the Relationship

On the other side, both stars had long histories with one another. Martin was formerly married to actress Gwyneth Paltrow and has two children, Apple and Moses, with her. And as we know, Johnson formed a close relationship with Martin's children, and once stated in an interview with Bustle in 2024, “I love those kids like my life depends on it.” Whatever the circumstance of the breakup, likely, emotion will not leave. For that reason, while the reason for the split grows unclear, what their relationship leaves behind is a genuine and respectful relationship—one that won't be easily forgotten by those who followed their story.