Chip And Joanna Gaines Open Up About Divorce Rumors: ‘They Have Changed’

The beloved stars of ‘Fixer Upper’, Chip and Joanna Gaines, are reportedly facing significant strains in their marriage as their rising fame and fortune create a widening gap between them.

According to an insider who spoke exclusively with Closer, the couple’s relationship has fundamentally altered under the pressures of celebrity. “Fame has changed both of them, and not for the better,” the insider revealed. “What was once a marriage is now mostly a business.”

At the heart of their marital discord are differing visions for their future projects. Chip, 49, and Joanna, 46, find themselves at odds over the direction of their renovation ventures.

“Joanna is pushing shows that focus on luxury renovation. Chip wants to focus on renovating modest homes. This business conflict has had a major impact on their marriage,” the source said. “They have changed — but nothing has changed as much as their marriage!”

“One thing that I would say is our superpower is that Jo and I are not quitters,” Chip told Hollywood Access in 2021. “Throwing in the towel is not something that, honestly, ever even comes to mind. And I would say that happened pretty early in our relationship, where we just thought, that’s interesting, that divorce or leaving one another is not really an option for us.”

New York, NY – April 23, 2019: Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines attend the TIME 100 Gala 2019 at Jazz at Lincoln Center

“Divorce or leaving one another is not really an option for us. And so somehow that little foundation has definitely served us well because things have definitely been challenging, we’re not perfect and we have issues and trials and errors just like anybody… We’re in it forever,” Chip said at that time.

The duo has captured the hearts of audiences with their knack for transforming dilapidated properties into stunning homes. Chip, a graduate of Baylor University with a degree in Business, brought his construction expertise and lively personality to the table.

Joanna also attended Baylor University, where she studied Communications. She is of Korean, Lebanese, and German descent and has become renowned for her distinctive interior design style, which beautifully melds rustic and modern elements. The couple met in Waco, Texas, married in 2003, and soon began their joint venture in renovating and flipping homes, laying the groundwork for their future success on television.

‘Fixer Upper’ first premiered in May 2013 and quickly became a staple for the network, drawing in millions of viewers with its charming blend of personal and property transformations. The process showed Chip’s construction and realty expertise and Joanna’s design skills. Typically, an episode begins with the Gaines showing one or more fixer-uppers to their clients and, once a home is chosen, Joanna designs while Chip leads construction. The show not only transformed homes but also helped revitalize neighborhoods and increase tourism in Waco, Texas, where it is filmed.

The show ran for five successful seasons before concluding in April 2018. Despite the end of the series, the Gaines continued to expand their brand. They launched the Magnolia Network, which replaced the DIY Network, featuring shows that align with their family-friendly and home improvement ethos. Additionally, they have multiple businesses under the Magnolia brand, including a real estate company, retail shops, and a restaurant.

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