Jillian Fink is the graceful wife of Patrick Dempsey, who has stayed by his side for over two decades. But their love story almost ended many years ago.
Patrick Dempsey and his wife of 23 years remain one of Hollywood’s most enviable couples thanks to their long-lasting marriage that has braved the test of time.
The couple met in 1994 and began dating barely three years after calling it quits with their respective partners. Two years into their relationship, the lovebirds started their life’s journey together, tying the knot in 1999.
They proceeded to welcome three children, Tallula Fyfe, born 2002, and twin boys Sullivan Patrick and Darby Galen, born in February 2007. Just when it seemed their lives as a family were finally falling in place, the two hit a rough patch, resulting in Fink filing for divorce.
Thankfully, they never went through with the split, as months later, the twosome was spotted holding hands on the red carpet as if to announce their reconciliation. They eventually dismissed the divorce filing and have lived in marital bliss ever since, with their three kids in tow.
How did Patrick Dempsey and his wife, Jillian Fink, manage to survive the most trying time of their marriage? Let’s have a rundown of the couple’s near divorce.
How Did Patrick Dempsey And His Wife Of 23 Years Save Their Dwindling Marriage?
Patrick Dempsey and Jillian Fink managed to save their marriage through therapy. The “Enchanted” actor once opened up about their journey to finding their way back to each other and how seeing a therapist played an essential role after their near divorce.
Aside from therapy, the actor’s determination to keep his family together and not let his wife go also played a part. Today, their near-divorce encounter stands as an inspiring story of how love prevailed to help other couples walk through their trying times.
A Look At Patrick Dempsey And Jillian Fink’s Near-Divorce
After fifteen years of marriage, Jillian Fink and Patrick Dempsey shocked the world with the news of their split. The divorce announcement hit many, as until then, fans believed the couple had a picture-perfect relationship. A statement released announcing their split read:
“It is with careful consideration and mutual respect that we have decided to end our marriage. Our primary concern remains the wellbeing of our children, and we ask with profound gratitude that you respect our family’s privacy at this very sensitive time.”
Fink filed for divorce in early 2015, citing irreconcilable differences. The hairstylist reportedly sought spousal support and joint custody of their three children.
Although the two never explicitly stated the reason for the breakup, several speculations sprang up at the time. Many attributed it to Patrick Dempsey’s packed work schedule, which caused him to devote more time to his work than his family.
This continued absence from his family’s life supposedly led them to butt heads continuously. In fact, an insider divulged at the time:
“They were never going to make it work, but they tried.”
According to the source, their divorce was a long time coming, owing to the constant misunderstanding and conflicts between the two.
Patrick Dempsey And His Wife Made It Work
Proving naysayers wrong, Dempsey and his wife embarked on the path to saving their marriage. The two decided to begin couple’s therapy, determined to put in the work.
According to Dempsey, he was unwilling to let his wife go, and his wife shared his belief. He told interviewers
“Our marriage was not something I was willing to let go of. I didn’t feel like we had done all the work. And we wanted to do that work. That’s where it all started. It’s always destabilizing when you’re potentially breaking up a family, or you have a big section of your life that’s ending.”
Their counseling sessions helped them find their way back to each other. In November 2015, months after their split, the couple was spotted holding hands in Paris. Coincidentally, Dempsey decided to bid farewell to his role in “Grey’s Anatomy,” giving him more time to spend with his family.
Then in November 2016, Fink reclaimed her place as the wife of Patrick Dempsey officially, filing to have the divorce papers dismissed. They have remained the ultimate representation of marriage success. On how they sustain their love and marriage, Dempsey once revealed:
“You’ve got to keep at it. You’ve got to communicate, and stay open and not get lazy. And not give up. And lot’s of sex!”
Years later, Patrick Dempsey and his wife of over two decades have made the most of their relationship advice, it seems.
Not only are they couple goals, but they have also maintained a “much healthier” marriage and even returned to the spot of their 1999 wedding to recreate their wedding day first kiss in honor of their 19th wedding anniversary. Priceless!