Kristin Cavallari Opens Up About the Challenges of Co-Parenting with Jay Cutler
Kristin Cavallari, the star of MTV’s The Hills and Laguna Beach, has been refreshingly candid about her experiences with co-parenting her three children with her ex-husband, Jay Cutler. In a recent interview with Interview magazine, Cavallari described co-parenting as “the ultimate test in life,” highlighting the emotional and logistical challenges that come with raising children after a divorce. While Cavallari didn’t delve deeply into her personal feelings about her ex during the interview, she has been more vocal about their co-parenting dynamic in other forums, offering a raw and unfiltered look at what it’s like to navigate this complex relationship.
A Rocky Co-Parenting Relationship
Cavallari’s co-parenting journey with Jay Cutler, a retired NFL quarterback, has been far from smooth. In a December 2024 episode of Bunnie XO’s Dumb Blonde podcast, she didn’t hold back when discussing their relationship. She called Cutler a “pathological liar” and criticized his lack of consistency, which she believes has made co-parenting particularly difficult. While she acknowledged that their relationship has been a “bumpy road,” she also expressed moments of optimism, such as when they were able to sit together at one of their children’s basketball games earlier in the year. However, she admitted that this moment of unity was short-lived, leaving her confused and frustrated about their inability to maintain a peaceful co-parenting relationship.
The Emotional Toll of Divorce and Co-Parenting
Cavallari has been open about the emotional toll that divorce and co-parenting have taken on her. She revealed that she and Cutler are unlikely to spend holidays together as a “family unit” in the future, a reality that she finds disheartening. Coming from a background of divorced parents herself, Cavallari confessed that she always hoped to avoid a similar fate, and the fact that her marriage ended in divorce still weighs heavily on her. “It just sucks that we’re not together as a family,” she said, expressing a sentiment that many people who have experienced divorce can relate to.
Moving On and Finding New Love
Despite the challenges of co-parenting, Cavallari has been focused on moving forward and finding happiness in her personal life. The two finalized their divorce in 2022, two years after their separation in 2020, and both have since explored new relationships. Cavallari has been linked to several people, including comedian Jeff Dye, country singer Morgan Wallen, and most recently, TikTok star Mark Estes, with whom she parted ways in September 2024. In the same podcast episode where she discussed her co-parenting struggles, she hinted at a new relationship, jokingly referring to herself as a “WAG through and through,” a nod to her past as a wife of an NFL player.
Jay Cutler’s New Relationship
On the other side of the co-parenting equation, Jay Cutler has also moved on. In 2023, he went public with his relationship with Samantha Robertson, and the two became engaged the following year. While Cutler hasn’t been as vocal as Cavallari about their co-parenting dynamic, his new relationship appears to be a significant part of his life. The contrast between their new relationships highlights the different ways people cope with the aftermath of divorce and the challenges of co-parenting.
Reflections on Family and Moving Forward
Cavallari’s journey through co-parenting, divorce, and new love offers a candid glimpse into the complexities of modern family life. While she and Cutler may not be able to maintain a traditional family unit for their children, they are both striving to build fulfilling lives beyond their marriage. Cavallari’s willingness to speak openly about her struggles and joys serves as a reminder that family dynamics are rarely perfect, but they can still be meaningful and loving. As she continues to navigate this chapter of her life, Cavallari remains focused on her children, her personal growth, and finding happiness in her own way.