Dakota Johnson, Chris Martin walk away from 8-year relationship, again

After nearly eight years of navigating the highs and lows of a very private romance, Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin have called it quits, and sources say this time, it is the real deal. While the couple was spotted together as recently as mid-May in Malibu, insiders close to the duo insist, “It feels final this time.”

Dakota Johnson, Chris Martin walk away from 8-year relationship | Credit: X

A relationship marked by engagement rumours and privacy

The Materialists star, 35, and Coldplay frontman, 48, were first romantically linked in 2017. Their relationship has been peppered with engagement rumours, family holidays, and moments of “are-they-aren’t-they?” curiosity from fans. In early 2024, it was confirmed that they had actually been engaged “for years,” but were in no rush to walk down the aisle, a detail that may now seem telling.

Dakota Johnson, Chris Martin walk away from 8-year relationship | Credit: X

What led to the breakup of Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin?

What went wrong between the two A-listers? According to sources, balancing demanding careers, a blended family, and differing views on marriage may have finally taken their toll. Dakota, in a recent Los Angeles Times interview while promoting her upcoming film, posed a pointed question: “Why is divorce bad? Why do people have to get married at a certain age or only once?” Many believe this might reflect deeper feelings about her long-standing relationship.

Dakota Johnson, Chris Martin walk away from 8-year relationship | Credit: X

Though they kept much of their romance under wraps, Dakota was known to be close to Chris’ children with ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow, Apple, 21, and Moses, 19. She once said she loved them “like her life depended on it.” Likewise, her admiration for Martin on stage was no secret, having once said she could “watch him every day.”

This time, the split feels final - Sources

Their breakups in the past had been followed by reconciliations, but something about this split feels more resolute. A source explained that while they had “issues” and took “breaks” before, they always found their way back. This time, neither party nor their reps have commented, and that silence speaks volumes.

Dakota Johnson, Chris Martin walk away from 8-year relationship | Credit: X

As Dakota preps for the release of Materialists alongside Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal, and Chris continues touring with Coldplay, fans are left to wonder: was it timing, distance, or simply the end of the road?

Whatever the cause, Dakota and Chris’ quiet, artistic love story has taken its final bow, and it looks like this time, it is curtain closed for good.