Gavin Rossdale is notorious for leading a private life, but his marriage to Gwen Stefani was well publicised - particularly when the former lovebirds announced their decision to divorce in 2015. In a new interview with the Guardian, the Voice UK judge reflected on the painful period, describing the split as "the worst time of my life ever". He confessed: "Well, if you divorce America's sweetheart, you're in trouble. Or rather, if she divorces me… She's the mother of my children and one of the most incredible girls in the world."
The couple met in 1995 when both their groups - Bush and No Doubt - were on tour. After seven years of dating, they tied the knot in 2002 with a wedding in St Paul's, London and a second celebration was held in Los Angeles two weeks later. The stars went on to have sons Kingston, ten, Zuma, eight and Apollo, two, before Gwen filed for divorce last April, citing "irreconcilable differences".
Gavin Rossdale was married to American singer Gwen Stefani for 12 years
When asked if he still talks to the American singer, Gavin replied: "She has a boyfriend and she's busy… but I wish her all the happiness in the world, and that's the true sign of love. As I'm sure your favourite artist Sting said: 'If you love someone, set them free.'" The British rocker, who is also a father to model Daisy Lowe from his relationship with Pearl Lowe, also reflected on Gwen's song This Is What The Truth Feels Like, which stemmed from their shock break-up. "You know, I did hear it the other day in an airport," he noted.
Take a look into Gavin's marriage with ex-wife Gwen
Later adding: "I walked through the airport and they had one of those little kiosks playing it and I heard the song about how she used to love me. So I stood in the store and listened to it from beginning to end going: 'Okaaaay.'" Overcome with emotion, Gavin added: "As a songwriter, I thought it was an interesting lyrical twist… it's a lot. Divorce is a lot."
Gavin and Gwen announced their decision to split in 2015
Although the father-of-four's current relationship status is unknown, Gwen is now dating her co-star from The Voice, Blake Shelton. The 47-year-old recently opened up about how she coped with her painful divorce, by using music as an outlet. During an appearance on Good Morning America, she revealed: "I felt like, 'Wow, I can't go down. This is not who I am. I'm not going to fail.' I had to make something good out of it. So I tried to write because I know that that was my gift. And I was like, 'I'm going to do this. I'm going to make this into music.'"