Popular Christian author and television personality Jen Hatmaker has filed for divorce. The news comes after Hatmaker, the author of several books including 'For the Love' and 'Of Mess and Moxie', posted a message to social media asking for prayer and revealing that her family had hit an "unexpected crisis".
According to an article by investigative journalist Julie Roys, court records indicate that Hatmaker, 46, filed for divorce from her husband, Brandon, on August 21 - the filing does not specify a reason for the split.
Hatmaker confirmed the news in a post on Monday, writing: "I don’t know how to say this, and I still cannot believe I am even saying it, but Brandon and I are getting divorced." While not sharing specific details about the divorce, she added that it was "completely unexpected" and that she was "stunned", "shocked, grief-stricken, and broken-hearted" at the situation.
"Pray for us," she added. "Hold us so dear to your hearts. We have felt your prayers these last few weeks. We have experienced your mercy."
After a hiatus from social media, in her July post, Hatmaker again chose not to reveal the specific details of her situation to her many thousands of fans, remarking that there is a "difference between secrecy marked by shame, and privacy marked by discretion". She did, however, note that her family was navigating a difficult season and that she was working hard to help "steer toward healing and wholeness".
Hatmaker, who hosts the popular television series 'Your Big Family Renovation' on HGTV, hit the headlines in the US evangelical community back in 2016 when she voiced her support for same-sex relationships and marriage. The declaration resulted in Lifeway Christian Resources axing Hatmaker's popular Bible study materials.
“In a recent interview, [Hatmaker] voiced significant changes in her theology of human sexuality and the meaning and definition of marriage — changes which contradict LifeWay’s doctrinal guidelines,” LifeWay spokesman Marty King told the Baptist Press at the time. “As a result, LifeWay has discontinued selling her resources.”
The New York Times best selling author has an enormous social media following - over 700,000 on Facebook and more than 500,000 on Instagram.