Ashley Hebert, known for her season of The Bachelorette in 2012, has opened up about the profound stress that ultimately led to the end of her marriage to J.P. Rosenbaum. In a candid interview on the I Do, Part 2 podcast, Hebert described reaching a breaking point where she feared the relationship was detrimental to her well-being.
"I felt, you know how women hold in a lot of stress and it says it leads to autoimmune disease?" Hebert shared. "I'm like, 'This marriage is gonna kill me. It's gonna kill me.'"
Despite the intensity of her feelings, Hebert emphasized there is no lingering animosity toward Rosenbaum, with whom she shares two children: Fordham, 11, and Essex, 9. "We talk all the time," she noted, adding that she would even inform him of her public comments.
The decision to divorce after eight years of marriage was driven by a desire for personal health and longevity, particularly for the sake of their children. "I made the decision because I care about myself and my health a lot," Hebert explained. "Especially for the kids, my longevity and to be there for my kids."
Before finalizing their split in 2020, the couple attempted couples therapy in an effort to salvage their relationship. "I really wanted to see if there was a way to fix the issues," Hebert reflected. "I really did and I think he did too."
Hebert admitted she was initially "curious" if the challenges they faced were typical for long-term relationships. Ultimately, both arrived at the same conclusion: remaining in an unhealthy environment was not beneficial for their family.
"If you're in an unhealthy relationship, that's not good for your kids," Hebert stated. "Sticking around in unhealthy tension? That's not good for kids."
Reflecting on the difficult choice to end a marriage, Hebert offered a perspective of acceptance after genuine effort. "I think if it's unhealthy and you've worked at it—it's OK," she reasoned.