Everything HGTV Exes Jen and Brandon Hatmaker Have Said About Their Divorce

Jen and Brandon Hatmaker’s Divorce Announcement and Initial Reactions

In July 2020, HGTV fans were stunned when Jen Hatmaker, former host of *Your Big Family Renovation*, publicly announced her separation from husband Brandon Hatmaker after 26 years of marriage. The couple, who tied the knot in 1993 and share five grown children—Beth, Ben, Gavin, Remy, and Caleb—had long been admired for their strong family values and faith-based approach to life.

Jen took to Instagram to share the news, describing the split as “completely unexpected” and expressing her shock and heartbreak. She wrote, “We are real people managing this in our real life in real time, and we are doing the absolute best we know how to do.” Despite the pain, Jen asked fans to keep their family in their prayers and respect their privacy during this difficult time.

Shortly after, Jen filed for divorce in Hays County, Texas. At the time, neither Jen nor Brandon disclosed the reasons behind their separation, leaving fans and followers speculating about the cause.

Jen’s Emotional Journey Through Divorce and Healing

Jen has been open about the emotional toll the divorce took on her. In a poignant Instagram post, she shared two photos: one taken shortly after the split and another two years later. The first image captured the depth of her sorrow, a time she described as being “at the bottom of the ocean,” overwhelmed by grief and loss.

Reflecting on her journey, Jen wrote, “My face holds all the sorrow and shock and loss and grief I never wanted.” Yet, the second photo symbolized hope and resilience, showing how she rebuilt her life piece by piece. She encouraged others facing hardship to “hang on to all the good things you have the audacity to still fight for, still believe in.”

Jen further discussed her healing process during an appearance on the *Tamron Hall Show*, revealing that she initially felt her life was “ruined” and couldn’t imagine happiness beyond her marriage. However, over time, she realized that rebuilding was possible, emphasizing that healing is “slow” and “one day at a time.”

Allegations of Infidelity and Brandon’s Response

The divorce took a more public turn when Jen disclosed in her 2025 memoir, *Awake*, that Brandon’s affair was a significant factor in their split. She recounted overhearing late-night whispers and discovering evidence of betrayal on Brandon’s computer, which led to feelings of shock and devastation. Jen also expressed concerns about financial instability due to Brandon allegedly spending money on lavish gifts for his mistress.

Brandon responded to these allegations in a blog post, acknowledging his infidelity but providing additional context. He explained that their marriage had been deteriorating for years and that the affair was not a sudden decision but part of a painful ending. Brandon emphasized that while there are “no excuses” for his actions, the narrative was more complex than what was publicly shared.

He also addressed rumors about his current wife, Tina, clarifying that she was not involved in the affair and that their relationship began only after his divorce from Jen was finalized. Brandon expressed gratitude for the support he and his family received and announced that he would no longer discuss the details of the divorce, choosing instead to focus on healing and moving forward.

Exploring the Impact of Upbringing on Their Marriage

Jen has also spoken candidly about the role their evangelical Christian backgrounds played in shaping their relationship dynamics. On the *Jamie Kern Lima Show* podcast, she revealed that both she and Brandon entered marriage carrying “sexual shame” instilled by their religious upbringing. Jen described attending church-led sex education classes that framed sexuality as a “pure” gift reserved strictly for marriage, which created feelings of guilt and secrecy.

This upbringing, Jen explained, contributed to internal struggles and unspoken issues within their marriage, making it difficult to openly address problems. She reflected on how these early messages about purity and shame “seared into [her] psyche” and continued to affect her well into adulthood.

Moving Forward: New Relationships and Personal Growth

Since their divorce, both Jen and Brandon have embarked on new chapters in their lives. Brandon married Tina in December 2023, two years after his divorce was finalized. He credited Tina with helping him through a difficult period, stating she may have “saved [his] life.”

Jen, meanwhile, has been in a long-term relationship with author and activist Tyler Merritt. She continues to share her journey of healing and growth through her podcast *For the Love* and her writing, inspiring others with her message of hope and resilience.

Closing the Chapter and Looking Ahead

In a final blog post addressing the divorce, Brandon expressed his desire to “close that chapter” and focus on positive, life-affirming topics moving forward. He thanked supporters for their empathy and understanding and emphasized the importance of healing rather than dwelling on past mistakes.

Jen and Brandon’s story is a powerful reminder that even the most public and painful experiences can lead to growth, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

Conclusion

The divorce of HGTV’s Jen and Brandon Hatmaker was a deeply personal and transformative journey marked by unexpected heartbreak, public revelations, and ultimately, healing. Both have shared candid insights into their struggles with infidelity, faith, and rebuilding their lives after a long marriage ended. Their openness has resonated with many, offering hope to those facing similar challenges.

If you found this story inspiring or helpful, be sure to follow Jen and Brandon’s ongoing journeys and explore more stories of resilience and renewal. Don’t forget to share this article with friends who might benefit from its message of hope and healing.