Despite outward appearances, the marriages of celebrities can dissolve just as quickly as anyone else’s. Country music star Rodney Atkins, who by some accounts seemed to have one of the most solid marriages in show business, has announced that he and his wife plan to divorce after almost 13 years, citing irreconcilable differences.
The news comes on the heels of Atkins’ arrest on domestic abuse charges. His wife called police one morning in late November, claiming he had tried to smother her with a pillow after an all-night argument at their house in Tennessee. She also said their 10-year-old son witnessed some of the physical altercation. The accusations may come as a surprise to the singer’s fans. The couple seemed to have a strong relationship, based on their appearances together at industry events and in his music videos. But that notion is bound to be overshadowed by the details of their divorce proceedings.
After he filed for divorce, Atkins’ wife responded with a complaint of inappropriate marital conduct and asked to be awarded “care, custody and control” of the couple’s 10-year-old son. She also requested the court make an equitable distribution of their marital assets and debts, and to be awarded alimony and child support.
Atkins, who denies his wife’s domestic abuse claims, has counter argued that both he and his wife are fit parents and should be awarded joint custody. The court, meanwhile, has issued a temporary restraining order forbidding both Atkins and his wife from tampering in any way with their marital property and requiring them to keep records of their expenses that they can share with each other.
Despite their fame and wealth, this couple’s divorce will likely boil down the way most do: Child support, custody and the division of their property will all be decided in court. The only difference is that the proceedings will be much more public.
Source: CMT, “Rodney Atkins’ Marriage Dissolved Quickly After Wife Charged Assault,” Edward Morris, Dec. 15, 2011
