In May, Blake Shelton made a comeback with his first album in four years, titled For Recreational Use Only. After primarily focusing on love songs for his wife Gwen Stefani, he surprised fans with a duet called “Hangin’ On,” marking their first collaboration on a breakup song. Blake explained that the track, which discusses the complexities of breaking up while wanting to stay together, was chosen because it’s simply “a bada*s country song.” He emphasized that it doesn’t reflect their current relationship status — “I hope.”
Recently, both fans and acquaintances have begun to worry that the song’s themes might resonate with their personal lives more than Blake intended. Notably, the couple hasn’t been seen together in public for months, with sources indicating that date nights and vacations have become rare. “Gwen and Blake have been spending an awful lot of time apart lately,” an insider revealed to Star.
A decade ago, the country singer and the pop star unexpectedly found love after ending their previous marriages — Blake with fellow country artist Miranda Lambert and Gwen with Bush’s lead vocalist Gavin Rossdale. Their shared experiences of heartbreak initially connected them on The Voice, and they married four years ago in a chapel Blake constructed at his ranch in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. They frequently showcased their affection on the NBC show until 2022, despite being an unlikely pairing, given Gwen’s fashion-forward California roots and Blake’s traditional country persona.
A Noticeable Shift
It has been seven months since they last appeared together on a red carpet during Blake’s hosting of the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary in March. Shortly after, Gwen shared family photos from a trip to the Ozarks, where Blake joined her and her three sons. She has also posted affectionate tributes for Father’s Day and Blake’s birthday. However, since then, their social media interactions have become noticeably quieter. When Blake acknowledged Gwen’s recent birthday on Instagram, his message was unusually brief for him.
Fans, accustomed to their public displays of affection, can’t help but notice this decrease in intimacy. Blake once remarked that showcasing their love publicly emphasized their connection and pride in each other’s achievements. Now, however, the sentiment seems less visible. “They’re both so different, and it’s becoming more evident,” a source remarked. Concerns about their future have arisen, suggesting they might become another Hollywood divorce statistic — something neither wishes for.
Different People
Blake has always loved the outdoors, stating that country music, fishing, and hunting bring him joy. In contrast, Gwen is more inclined towards urban life, admitting that she’s not as fond of the country lifestyle. Despite their differences, the couple has worked to find common ground, even gardening together at Blake’s ranch. However, sources indicate that Gwen feels isolated by the changes she made to accommodate Blake’s rural lifestyle, with limited excitement stemming from it.
More Time Apart
As Gwen prepares for a significant Las Vegas residency to celebrate No Doubt’s 30th anniversary, it will also mean more time away from Blake, who is busy with music, his restaurant chain, and various projects. Despite last year’s expressions of happiness in their marriage, concerns linger among friends that if they don’t reconnect soon, they might lose what made their relationship special.
This story originally appeared on Star.
