After over three decades of being together, celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe and her husband Rodger Berman have decided to go their separate ways. The couple, who have been married for 26 years, shared the heartbreaking news in a joint statement via Zoe’s Instagram account on Monday, September 9.
The announcement has left many fans and followers shocked, as the duo has been a well-known power couple in both the fashion and entertainment industries for years.
33 Years Together, 26 Years Married: A Long Journey Comes to an End
Rachel Zoe, 53, and Rodger Berman, 55, have been a couple since 1991, making their relationship span over three decades. Their love story began long before Rachel Zoe became a household name in the fashion world, and Berman made his mark in the banking industry. Over the years, their bond seemed to grow stronger, culminating in a beautiful family and several business ventures together.
In their joint statement, the couple revealed that they had come to the difficult but mutual decision to end their marriage after 26 years. “After 33 years together and 26 years married, Rodger and I have come to the mutual decision to end our marriage,” the announcement read. “We are incredibly proud of the loving family we have created and our countless memories together.”
This decision marks the end of a partnership that was both personal and professional, with the couple frequently collaborating on various business projects and supporting each other’s individual successes.
Co-Parenting as Their Top Priority: Putting Family First
While Rachel and Rodger may be ending their marriage, they were quick to reassure their followers that their family remains their top priority. The couple shares two sons, Skyler Morrison, 13, and Kaius Jagger, 10, and have always placed a strong emphasis on parenting.
In their statement, they emphasized that their focus would continue to be their children. “Our number one priority has been and will always be our children,” they wrote. “We are committed to co-parent our boys and to continue to work together within the many businesses we share.”
Zoe and Berman have always been vocal about the importance of family in their lives, often sharing glimpses of their parenting journey on social media. Their commitment to co-parenting suggests that, while their romantic relationship may be ending, their dedication to raising their children remains unwavering.
The couple has also stated that they plan to continue working together in the various businesses they co-own, indicating that their professional relationship will endure despite the personal changes in their lives.
A Request for Privacy During This Difficult Time
As they navigate this challenging chapter, Rachel and Rodger have asked for privacy. In their Instagram post, they kindly requested that the public respect their need for space as they adjust to life after their separation. “We ask for privacy during this time as we navigate this new chapter. With love and gratitude – Rachel & Rodger,” they concluded the statement.
This plea for privacy is understandable, given the intense scrutiny that public figures often face during times of personal upheaval. The couple’s fans, who have followed their journey for years, are likely to be supportive as Rachel and Rodger embark on this new path.
A Love Story in the Public Eye: From The Rachel Zoe Project to Fashionably Late
Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman’s relationship has been in the public spotlight for much of their time together, especially after the launch of Zoe’s popular Bravo reality series, The Rachel Zoe Project. The show, which aired from 2008 to 2013, documented the highs and lows of Zoe’s career as a celebrity stylist, while also giving viewers a glimpse into her personal life with Berman and their journey as a couple.
The series showcased not only Rachel’s meteoric rise in the fashion industry but also her close bond with Rodger, who frequently appeared on the show, offering support and sharing in both her professional and personal triumphs and challenges. Fans of the show came to know Rodger as a loving and supportive husband who played an integral role in Rachel’s success.
In 2015, the couple continued their on-screen partnership with the Lifetime show Fashionably Late with Rachel Zoe, which provided fashion tips and celebrity interviews. Berman co-hosted the show with his wife, offering his own insights into the fashion industry and their shared experiences.
In addition to their television work, Berman has also played a significant role in Rachel’s Climbing in Heels podcast on iHeartRadio, where he is listed as a co-host. The podcast provides listeners with behind-the-scenes stories from Zoe’s life in fashion, offering a more personal look into her world, with Rodger often adding his perspective.
Celebrating Milestones Together: A Relationship Full of Public Tributes
Despite their decision to part ways, Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman have shared countless moments of public affection and celebration throughout their relationship. Earlier this year, in February 2024, Zoe marked their 26th wedding anniversary with a touching Instagram post, expressing her love and admiration for her husband of over two decades.
Last year, in August 2022, Zoe took to Instagram to celebrate their 31st relationship anniversary, sharing a heartfelt tribute to Berman and their journey together. Her posts often showcased the couple’s strong bond and the deep respect they had for one another.
However, fans began to notice Berman’s absence from Zoe’s social media presence in recent months. His last significant appearance on her Instagram was during Father’s Day, when Zoe honored him with a heartfelt message. In her post, she wrote, “One of the best to ever do it. Our boys are the luckiest, and we are so grateful for you,” reflecting her appreciation for his role as a father to their children.
Navigating Marriage: Balancing Independence and Togetherness
Throughout their marriage, Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman have spoken candidly about the challenges and rewards of maintaining a long-term relationship, especially one that balances both personal and professional commitments. In an interview with PEOPLE in April 2021, Zoe shared her thoughts on how the couple managed to maintain their relationship while still allowing each other space to grow independently.
“The idea is that you’re dependent, but you’re independent; there’s the life you share, and there’s the life that’s yours,” Zoe explained. “That really takes the pressure off the other, because if you’re solely dependent on the other for your happiness and your purpose, that can’t really work.”
Rodger echoed these sentiments, adding that he believed the key to a successful relationship was supporting each other’s individual goals while maintaining a sense of unity. “I always find that the best relationships are the ones that you really root for the other person and you really try and help them in achieving their goals. Ultimately, your happiness is the other person being happy, right?”
These statements reflect the couple’s approach to marriage, which allowed them to pursue their own interests and careers while remaining connected as a couple. However, it seems that this dynamic has evolved over time, leading to their decision to part ways.
Moving Forward: A New Chapter for Rachel and Rodger
As Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman move forward with their lives, it is clear that their journey is far from over. While their romantic relationship may have come to an end, they remain committed to co-parenting their children and working together in their various business ventures.
The end of their marriage marks the closing of one chapter, but both Rachel and Rodger have emphasized that they will continue to support each other and focus on their family. Their ability to maintain a professional partnership, despite their personal separation, speaks to the respect and admiration they have for one another.
As they begin this new chapter, fans and followers will undoubtedly continue to support them in their individual and shared endeavors. For now, the couple has requested privacy, and it remains to be seen how their story will evolve in the coming years.