Renée Zellweger’s former spouse has shared insights about their past marriage, reflecting after twenty years since their separation.
In 2005, Zellweger wedded country singer Kenny Chesney, but the union was brief, leading to a divorce shortly thereafter.
In his memoir, Heart Life Music, Chesney discusses his romantic relationships and how they often took a backseat to his music career. Following their split just months after their wedding, Zellweger cited ‘fraud’ as the cause, later explaining that this was legal terminology unrelated to Chesney’s character.
At the time, Zellweger released a statement saying: “I would personally be very grateful for your support in refraining from drawing derogatory, hurtful, sensationalized or untrue conclusions and greatly appreciate your understanding that we hope to experience this transition as privately as possible.”
Chesney also commented: “This is an incredibly sad time. I just hope everyone can respect the privacy that I know Renée has already asked for.”
Fast-forward two decades, Chesney reflects on his past relationships, including his time with Zellweger, and how they aligned with his demanding career.
“I had a couple relationships, but they always fell apart,” he wrote. “Any girlfriend, no matter how much I cared, was going to finish third or fourth, maybe even fifth.
“First, there was how music consumed me. Second, there was songwriting, followed by the fans, my career, and what that required.
“Then, there was my team, the people who’d thrown their dreams in with mine, as well as my island family.
“Always gone, always leaving. People say it’s a sacrifice, but if all you want is to make music that gives people the soundtrack for their life, how can that be anything but a blessing?”
The two seemed to maintain cordial relations post-divorce, with Chesney reflecting on their romance on The View, describing it as a youthful love.
“She and I fell in love like a couple of schoolkids,” he said.
“I’m glad to know that can happen, that that exists, and we still really care about each other. It would’ve been a bad thing if I hadn’t met her.
“She’s wonderful. I don’t want to sit here and go: ‘Poor me.’ I am totally blessed, and I’m grateful for it.”
Currently, Zellweger is in a relationship with TV host Ant Anstead, whom she encountered while filming Celebrity IOU: Joyride in 2021.