It’s been said that behind every strong man is an even stronger woman — and they don’t make them any more formidable than Oscar-nominated actress, Nicole Kidman .
Recently, country music superstar Keith Urban revealed to The Sunday Times just how instrumental Nicole was in his decision to get sober, and how in the end, she wound up saving his life .
Keith Urban is one of the most revered country music artists currently making music today.
Over the course of his career, Keith has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide. He is one of the most notable people in the music game!
He has over 30 Top 10 singles, and more than 20 No. 1 hits.
During that time, and unfortunately, like many people in Hollywood, Keith has fought hard to overcome his own personal demons. It was not an easy battle.
He suffered more than people realized.
Keith first checked himself into rehab back in 1998 as a result of his struggles with alcohol and substance abuse. The “Stupid Boy” singer’s second stint came in 2006, just four months after his marriage to Nicole Kidman.
“I don’t talk a lot about it.”
“Because I love my audience being able to just come and have a great time,” Urban told ‘The Times’.
Which I’m sure his audience appreciates.
“I’ve nothing against drugs or alcohol,” he went on to explain.
“Everyone does what they want to do to have a great time.”
“I just realized I’m allergic to it .”
Only instead of breaking out in a rash or itchy hives, Urban jests that alcohol causes him to break out in “cuffs”.
Well, handcuffs, that is.
The country star recalled growing up in a house with an alcoholic father . As a result, it took years for Keith to realize that he was hardwired the same way. Which can be a pretty hard mirror to look into.
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Keith admits that were it not for his marriage to Nicole, he’d never have been able to confront his addictions.
It’s perhaps not surprising at all to learn that Keith’s song “Thank You” was inspired by his loving and supportive wife.
This heartfelt ballad tells the story of how Keith ventured from the depths of depravity, into the arms of the woman he loves.
“I thank you for my heart, I thank you for my life.”
Yeah, if you’re reaching for the tissues, do not worry, you’re not the only one.
“And I thank God for grace and mercy, and that you became my wife ,” the chorus rings out.
BRB, just dabbing at my eyes over here.
Keith also made sure to note that his family was the strongest motivating factor in his decision to get clean.
“But I had to find a different way to be in the world,” Keith said retrospectively. “I’m glad it didn’t change anything about my music .”
This is far from the first time that Keith has credited Nicole with literally saving his life.
While making an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2010, Ellen brought up this very fact. “You kind of credit her for saving your life ?” the hostess asked rhetorically.
“Yeah, absolutely,” Keith replied without a moment’s hesitation.
Then again in 2016, during the reception for Keith’s Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit, Keith once again reiterated just how impactful Nicole’s love and support has been throughout his journey to sobriety.
“In so many ways, it was the most powerful act of love in reaching into the fire and pulling me out,” Keith explained.
The “One Too Many” singer didn’t mince words when he said that Nicole had quite literally risked it all.
She did this in order to trust him and to believe that he was capable of change.
Just this past year, in June of 2021, Keith and Nicole celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary.
I know, it feels like just yesterday that these two got together, but it’s true.
Which is a huge milestone, especially in Hollywood.
Keith commemorated their love with an adorable photo of the two of them from Christmas past, and a caption that read “My life started when you said ‘I do’ 5475 days ago today .”
