Keith Urban tells how Nicole Kidman chose love

June 18, 2024

Keith Urban spoke about Nicole Kidman’s unconditional love and resilience as she was honored at the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala.

On April 27, the Oscar winner received the Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognized her contribution to the arts. Dozens of her friends and colleagues were in attendance to share stories and praise Nicole, including Keith, who gave a touching speech about how much she had given to him even though she had every reason to walk away.

“We got married in June 2006 and barely four months after our wedding, my addictions… which I had really done nothing about, ripped our marriage to pieces,” he revealed in a video shared on June 18.

“After four months of marriage, I’ve been in rehab for three months,” he continued. “I had no idea what was going to happen to us… If you want to see what love in action really looks like, give it a try.”

Keith Urban praises Nicole Kidman’s “passion” for life

In an interview in 2022 with The timesKeith admitted that he used drugs and alcohol to cope with his early fame. He entered rehab in 1998, but relapsed eight years later, just as he was starting his life with Nicole Kidman.

“Nic stood up against every negative voice,” he added in his speech in April. “I’m sure even against some of her own voices, and she chose love. And here we are tonight, 18 years later.”

Keith Urban further praised Nicole Kidman’s passion for life and for always knowing the importance of “expressing feelings.”

“I wasn’t raised that way at all. So our girls are very lucky to be able to learn from you, baby,” he said.

Nicole was sitting in the audience with her two daughters, 15-year-old Sunday and 13-year-old Faith, and was visibly moved by his words.

“I know tonight is all about her work so far… but next year will mark 20 years of being madly in love with you,” Keith concluded. “Congratulations, baby. I love you.”

The cover image for this story is by Monica Schipper/WireImage.

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