HGTV’s Jen Hatmaker Reveals Whether She Considered Staying in Marriage After Husband’s Affair
Jen Hatmaker’s Decision: Did She Ever Consider Staying in Her Marriage After the Affair?
When HGTV personality Jen Hatmaker uncovered her husband Brandon Hatmaker’s infidelity, she immediately knew the marriage could not continue. In a heartfelt conversation on “The Jamie Kern Lima Show” podcast, Jen, 51, revealed the instinctive clarity she felt upon learning about the betrayal. “I didn’t want to stay married,” she confessed. “When your spouse creates such an alternative life for himself and abandons everything — his own character and will and story and marriage and family and place in the world — there are red flags. Something is wrong. That’s not the product of a healthy, functioning marriage.”
Jen’s revelation sheds light on the emotional turmoil that many face when confronted with infidelity. Despite the pain, she was resolute in her decision, recognizing that the foundation of their relationship had been deeply compromised. “There were so many parts of our marriage that have left us both lonely, disconnected, functioning as roommates,” she explained. This candid admission highlights the complexity of long-term relationships and the silent struggles that can precede a public crisis.
The Timeline and Impact of the Affair on Jen Hatmaker’s Life
Jen detailed the moment she discovered the affair in her memoir, Awake: A Memoir. On July 11, 2020, in the early hours of the morning, she woke to the sound of Brandon whispering on the phone to another woman. The next day, she asked him to leave their home, marking the end of their 26-year marriage. The timing coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, a period already fraught with isolation and emotional strain. “In those earliest days of just mayhem — absolute mayhem — and it was COVID and July of 2020, so we were isolated and hurting collectively,” Jen recalled.
Despite the chaos, Jen’s resolve never wavered. When asked if she ever entertained the idea of salvaging the marriage, she was clear: “I can absolutely understand the instinct to go, ‘What if we patched it up enough so that it could function OK, put it in a drawer and shut it.’ I get the impulse. But I didn’t want that. I wasn’t being strategic. I was responding instinctively.”
Brandon Hatmaker publicly addressed the affair months later, expressing remorse in a statement on Substack. “The lowest moment of my life was my very public affair five years ago,” he wrote. “I caused so much pain, so much humiliation and I brought so much confusion into the lives of many people that I loved.” Despite his apology, Brandon has since chosen to close that chapter and refrain from further public discussion.
Life After Divorce: Jen Hatmaker’s Journey to Healing and New Beginnings
Following the end of her marriage, Jen Hatmaker has embraced a new chapter filled with gratitude and joy. She has found love again with boyfriend Tyler Merritt and continues to thrive professionally, celebrating the release of her memoir. “I’m stunned at the joy that I’ve discovered,” she shared. “I didn’t know I was going to be happy. I didn’t know I could write my own way out.”
Jen’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of self-discovery. While the betrayal was devastating, it ultimately led her to a place of healing and renewed purpose. Her openness about the experience offers hope to others facing similar challenges, emphasizing that life after heartbreak can still be full of happiness and growth.
Conclusion
Jen Hatmaker’s candid reflections on her decision not to stay in her marriage after her husband’s affair provide a powerful narrative of strength and clarity. Her journey underscores the importance of honoring one’s instincts and prioritizing personal well-being in the face of betrayal. If you or someone you know is navigating the complexities of infidelity and relationship challenges, Jen’s story may offer inspiration and reassurance. For more insights and updates on Jen Hatmaker’s life and work, be sure to follow her latest interviews and publications.
