The couple had been married for 27 years when they announced their separation in September 2023, claiming the desire to seek ‘individual growth’. In an interview with People, Jackman, 56, and Furness, 68, expressed their gratitude for spending nearly three decades as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our path is currently evolving, and we’ve made the decision to separate in order to pursue our individual growth. Our family is and will always be our top focus. We approach the new chapter with appreciation, love, and kindness. We appreciate your compassion and respect for our privacy as our family navigates this adjustment in all of our lives.”
They concluded, “This is the only statement either of us will make.”

Over the last two months, there has been speculation that Jackman has begun a romantic relationship with Broadway actor Sutton Foster, 49. They apparently met while performing in the musical The Music Man. Furness appears to have responded to the revelation of the purported romance. Furness ‘liked’ an Instagram post implying Jackman had ‘blindsided’ her by revealing his connection with Foster. Amanda de Cadenet, a British media figure, also chimed in on the topic, writing in a remark last month: “You are spot on with this one. I want you to know that my dear friend Deb is always ready to ignite at any moment. Meanwhile, an informant informed US Weekly that Sutton and Hugh’s connection was the reason Hugh and Deb separated. Despite the fact that many Broadway performers were aware of this, we chose to remain silent due to their striking beauty. Everyone honored their privacy. However, there were instances of an affair and overlap.

A source reportedly informed the Daily Mail that “Deborra-Lee had her suspicions when Hugh started working with Sutton. “Their friendship is no secret to her.” Jackman previously stated that he knew Furness was the right person for him within a few weeks of their initial meeting. In 2017, he told People magazine, “Deb was a big star.” Deb is in the front seat of the car when they pick me up. I will never forget. She removed her seatbelt, turned around, extended her hand, removed her sunglasses, and said, ‘Hi, I’m Deborra-lee Furness, glad to meet you.’ I recall thinking, ‘I like this chick.’”