Dakota Johnson And Chris Martin Ends Relationship Of Nearly 8 Years

In unexpected news, Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin have split after dating for nearly eight years. The pair, who first piqued public interest in 2017, have quietly called it quits, sources confirmed to People on June 4. It surprised many fans who had followed them from what felt like a cryptic relationship to a quiet, private love story.

The pair, relatively private in their personal lives, had surprised tabloid readers six years earlier with their undercover style and skill in keeping people from noticing things. Dakota, an actress best known for her part in Fifty Shades of Grey, and Chris, the frontman of the world-renowned rock band Coldplay, were first romantically linked in late 2017. The couple was known for their privacy regarding their relationship. Although there were plenty of rumors and speculation over the years, the couple never confirmed or denied many details of their personal life, preferring to keep the intensity of their connection outside the constant spotlight of media scrutiny.

There were rumors that they were headed for Splitsville, which Dakota and Chris shot down promptly. "Not true," said a representative for the couple at the time. "They are happily together." But they officially called the end of their almost-decade-long relationship despite this public reassurance, leaving a lot of people wondering what happened to cause the breakup.

The cause behind the breakup hasn't been specified, but sources say the split was amicable. With Dakota now very focused on her blossoming career and Chris having to manage his music career, family life, and a busy tour schedule, the two simply fell out of love. They had always emphasized their independence, and both cherished their privacy, which is why the breakup was even more of a shock. If they were together, fans barely knew because they had all but fallen off the radar regarding the dynamic between them.

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During their time together, the two were openly handsy in public but remained incredibly private about the details of their relationship. In an interview with Rolling Stone last December, Chris discussed the significance of love and privacy and said that while romantic relationships are vital in life, making sure they're "precious and private" is equally important. His words spoke to his strong connection with Dakota, but it's evident now that the relationship is over.

Dakota and Chris appeared to handle the relationship with a smattering of grace as all eyes were focused on them due to their famous statuses. The couple was never shown engaging in very public displays of affection, but there were nuances of their relationship to be seen. They were frequently spotted at private events together, supporting each other, and Dakota even showed up at Coldplay concerts on more than one occasion. Their relationship, which was often depicted as low-key yet heartfelt, endeared them to fans for their common touch amid their public lives.

The two's breakup also signifies the end of a chapter in their personal lives. Chris has two children with his ex-wife, Gwyneth Paltrow, and has always been close to his family. Dakota, on the other hand, has largely kept her family life under wraps. Though neither has said anything publicly about the matter yet, fans are left to wonder where each of the two is headed, personally and in their continued devotion to privacy.

But for now, as Dakota and Chris march forward in their own directions, we can all look back on their quiet but steadfast courtship and reminisce with fondness. And even though they broke up, the choice is true to the nature of their relationship, a love that existed but that the world didn't often see. The love affair might be over, but respect and admiration for each other is perhaps another way of being part of your enemy's legacy.