Renée Zellweger's ex husband explains why relationship 'fell apart' 20 years after their short-lived marriage

Renée Zellweger's ex husband has opened up about their past relationship, two decades on from their split.

Zellweger married country music star Kenny Chesney back in 2005, but their marriage only lasted a short period before they ended up getting a divorce.

Writing in his memoir Heart Life Music, Chesney opened up about his relationships, and how they always came second to his music career. When the pair split just months after tying the knot, Zellweger cited 'fraud' as the reason, later clarifying that the term was legal language and not a reflection of Chesney's character.

In a statement at the time, Zellweger said: “I would personally be very grateful for your support in refraining from drawing derogatory, hurtful, sensationalized or untrue conclusions and greatly appreciate your understanding that we hope to experience this transition as privately as possible."

Chesney also added: “This is an incredibly sad time. I just hope everyone can respect the privacy that I know Renée has already asked for.”

Zellweger in 2005 (J. Merritt/FilmMagic)

Fast-forward 20 years, and Chesney has spoken about his previous relationships, including his marriage to Zellweger, and how they fitted into his busy career.

“I had a couple relationships, but they always fell apart,” he wrote. “Any girlfriend, no matter how much I cared, was going to finish third or fourth, maybe even fifth.

“First, there was how music consumed me. Second, there was songwriting, followed by the fans, my career, and what that required.

“Then, there was my team, the people who’d thrown their dreams in with mine, as well as my island family.

“Always gone, always leaving. People say it’s a sacrifice, but if all you want is to make music that gives people the soundtrack for their life, how can that be anything but a blessing?”

Chesney has spoken out about his relationships (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMA)

It seems the pair were on civil terms after they split, with Chesney speaking about their relationship on The View, describing them as 'falling in love like schoolkids'.

“She and I fell in love like a couple of schoolkids,” he said.

“I’m glad to know that can happen, that that exists, and we still really care about each other. It would’ve been a bad thing if I hadn’t met her.

“She’s wonderful. I don’t want to sit here and go: ‘Poor me.’ I am totally blessed, and I’m grateful for it."

Zellweger is currently dating Ant Anstead (MEGA/GC Images)

Zellweger is currently dating TV presenter Ant Anstead, who she met on the set of Celebrity IOU: Joyride, back in 2021.