Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin's Time Apart Earlier This Year Was 'Good' for Their Relationship, Source Reveals

Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin are going strong as a couple after taking some time off earlier this year, a source close to the pair has revealed.

The source exclusively told Us Weekly that the couple, who have been dating since 2017, briefly split up just before Johnson went on a press tour for her upcoming movie Madame Web in early 2024. However, the time apart “did them good” and they reconciled when Johnson returned.

“Chris and Dakota did break up [earlier this year] just before she went on her press tour for Madame Web,” the insider shared. “It was a really difficult time for Dakota, but the space apart did them good, and when Dakota got back, they got back together.”

The source added that while the early 2024 period was challenging for Johnson, 34, the couple ultimately emerged stronger from the experience.

A Private but Committed Relationship

Johnson and Martin, 47, have kept their relationship very private since first being linked in 2017. However, in March 2024, multiple outlets reported that the pair had been engaged for years, though they were “not in a huge rush to get married and don’t have a final wedding date set just yet.”

A second source told Us that Martin was “one of the most important things to Chris is how beautifully Dakota fits into the lives of him and his children.” The Coldplay frontman shares daughter Apple, 20, and son Moses, 18, with his ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow, to whom he was married from 2003 to 2016.

Overcoming Challenges Together

Earlier this month, Johnson sparked breakup rumors when she was spotted without her engagement ring while Martin was touring with Coldplay in Europe. However, the actress’ rep quickly shut down the speculation, telling E! News on August 16th that the split reports were “not true” and that the couple is “happily together.”

Johnson’s rep’s statement came after the Fifty Shades of Grey star was photographed in Malibu, California, wearing an emerald ring on her left ring finger. The actress had previously been seen with a similar piece of jewelry in 2020, fueling speculation that she and Martin were engaged.

Embracing Blended Family Life

Despite the challenges, Johnson has embraced her role as a stepmother to Martin’s children with Paltrow. In a March 2024 interview with Bustle, the actress expressed her deep love for Apple and Moses, saying, “I love those kids with all my heart. With all my heart.”

Paltrow, who has since remarried to husband Brad Falchuk, has also welcomed Johnson into the blended family. A source told Us in April that while there was “some tension” between the two women when Johnson and Martin first started dating, that has since dissipated.

“It took quite some time, but eventually, Gwyneth saw how amazing Dakota treated her kids,” the insider shared. “Seeing her love them with her whole heart really changed the way Gwyneth felt.”

Paltrow herself gushed about Johnson during an October 2023 Instagram Q&A, saying, “We’re actually very good friends. I love her so much. She’s an adorable, wonderful person.”

Looking to the Future

Despite the ups and downs, Johnson and Martin remain committed to their relationship and are looking forward to the future together. The insider told Us that the couple plans to invite Apple, Moses, and Paltrow to their eventual wedding.

“They absolutely plan on having Apple and Moses there, and they wouldn’t feel complete without inviting Gwyneth too,” the source said. “Dakota and Gwyneth have grown very close over the years and they consider themselves family at this point.”

For Johnson, the idea of starting a family of her own is also on the table. In her Bustle interview, the actress expressed openness to motherhood, saying, “If it’s meant to be, I totally down for it.”

Embracing Life’s Fleeting Nature

Johnson has also been open about her personal growth and the lessons she’s learned from her relationship with Martin. In the same Bustle interview, she reflected on the fleeting nature of life, stating, “There’s so much to eat up, learn from, and experience and feel.”

The actress further shared, “I’m ready to be a mother, bring it on.” Her willingness to embrace the challenges and joys of life has undoubtedly strengthened her bond with Martin and his children.

Overcoming Obstacles Together

Despite the challenges they’ve faced, Johnson and Martin have proven their resilience as a couple. The brief split earlier this year, while difficult, ultimately brought them closer together and reaffirmed their commitment to each other.

As the source revealed, the time apart “did them good” and allowed them to return to their relationship with a renewed appreciation for one another. This ability to navigate hardships and emerge stronger is a testament to the depth of their love and connection.

A Supportive and Loving Partnership

Johnson’s support for Martin has been evident throughout their relationship. In June 2023, the actress stepped out to support her fiancé at the Glastonbury Festival in the UK, where Coldplay headlined. She was seen watching the performance alongside Martin’s children, further demonstrating her role as a loving stepmother.

The actress has also credited Martin for “pulling [her] out of” a low moment, addressing her struggles with depression in November 2023. This mutual support and understanding are hallmarks of a healthy and loving partnership.

Despite the challenges and obstacles they’ve faced, Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin’s relationship appears to be stronger than ever. The couple’s decision to take some time off earlier this year ultimately “did them good,” according to a close source.

As they continue to navigate the ups and downs of their relationship, Johnson and Martin have proven their commitment to each other and their blended family. With their resilience, mutual support, and deep love, it’s clear that this couple is in it for the long haul.