Author, speaker, podcaster, and former HGTV personality Jen Hatmaker has inspired millions through her books, faith discussions, and honest conversations about life. While much of her career has focused on family, personal growth, and community, one of the most talked-about chapters of her life has been her divorce from Brandon Hatmaker.
For readers searching “Jen Hatmaker ex husband,” Brandon Hatmaker was her longtime spouse, ministry partner, and television co-star. Their marriage lasted more than two decades before coming to an unexpected end in 2020, a life event both later addressed publicly from their own perspectives.
Who Is Brandon Hatmaker?
Brandon Hatmaker is an entrepreneur, former pastor, and community leader who became widely known through his marriage to Jen Hatmaker.
Together, the couple worked on ministry projects, public speaking engagements, and charitable initiatives for many years. Brandon also appeared alongside Jen on television, giving audiences a glimpse into their family life and shared work.
Although he largely remained behind the scenes compared to Jen’s publishing career, he played an important role in many of their joint ventures.
A Marriage That Lasted Decades
Jen and Brandon Hatmaker married in 1993, beginning a relationship that would span 26 years.
Over the course of their marriage, they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. As their careers evolved, they became well-known figures within Christian communities, frequently speaking about marriage, parenting, and personal development.
Their long partnership made the news of their separation especially surprising for many readers and followers who had watched their journey over the years.
Building a Family
One of the defining parts of Jen and Brandon’s marriage was their growing family.
Together, they raised five children, creating a home that frequently appeared in Jen’s books, podcasts, and public conversations.
Family remained central to much of Jen’s work, and many readers appreciated her openness about both the joys and challenges of parenting.
Their commitment to raising their children continued to be an important priority even after the marriage ended.
Ministry and Television
Beyond family life, Jen and Brandon collaborated on several successful projects.
They co-founded Austin New Church in Texas, where they worked together in ministry and community outreach. Their shared commitment to helping others became a defining part of their public image.
In 2014, the couple also starred in the HGTV series My Big Family Renovation, which followed their family’s efforts to renovate a historic farmhouse while balancing everyday life with five children.
The television show introduced the Hatmakers to a broader audience beyond readers of Jen’s books.
The Divorce Announcement
In August 2020, Jen Hatmaker announced that she had filed for divorce from Brandon.
The announcement surprised many supporters because the couple had long been viewed as an example of a strong partnership.
Although Jen initially shared only limited details, she acknowledged that the decision marked one of the most difficult periods of her life.
Following the announcement, she focused on healing, supporting her children, and continuing her writing and podcasting work.
What Jen Revealed
Jen later discussed the end of the marriage in her memoir Awake.
In the book, she explained that the relationship ended abruptly after she woke around 2:30 a.m. and overheard Brandon sending an affectionate voice message to another woman.
According to Jen’s account, that moment became the turning point that confirmed the marriage could not continue.
Rather than centering her memoir entirely on the breakup, she used the experience to explore themes of resilience, personal growth, and rebuilding life after unexpected change.
Brandon’s Public Response
Following the publication of Jen’s memoir, Brandon Hatmaker also shared his perspective publicly.
Writing on his Substack, Brandon acknowledged the affair and accepted responsibility for his actions. He described the experience as one of the lowest points in his life and expressed regret for the pain caused to his family.
Brandon also wrote about facing significant mental health challenges, explaining that he had experienced a difficult personal period lasting approximately three years before the marriage ended.
His reflections focused on accountability, healing, and the importance of seeking help during personal struggles.
Life After the Divorce
Since the divorce, both Jen and Brandon have moved forward in different ways.
Jen has continued writing bestselling books, hosting her popular podcast, speaking at live events, and discussing topics such as personal transformation, faith, relationships, and emotional well-being.
Her willingness to share difficult experiences with honesty has continued to resonate with readers seeking encouragement during life’s transitions.
Brandon has focused on personal growth and rebuilding his life while speaking openly about accountability and mental health.
A Respectful Perspective
Although the circumstances surrounding the divorce became public through Jen’s memoir and Brandon’s own writings, both have ultimately emphasized learning from the experience.
Their story highlights how long-term relationships can face unexpected challenges and how individuals often choose different paths toward healing and growth.
Rather than defining either person solely by the end of their marriage, many readers continue to follow their separate journeys as they focus on family, personal development, and future opportunities.
For anyone searching “Jen Hatmaker ex husband,” the answer is Brandon Hatmaker, her former husband of 26 years.
The couple married in 1993, raised five children, co-founded Austin New Church, and appeared together on HGTV’s My Big Family Renovation. Their marriage ended after Jen filed for divorce in August 2020.
In her memoir Awake, Jen revealed that she discovered Brandon sending an affectionate voice message to another woman, while Brandon later publicly acknowledged the affair and accepted responsibility. He also spoke candidly about his mental health struggles and the personal challenges he experienced before the marriage ended.
