GWEN Stefani and Blake Shelton are going through challenges and strain in their marriage, a source has exclusively told The U.S. Sun.
Blake, 49, and Gwen, 56, have weathered rumors of a split in recent months, ever since the country singer released a cryptic breakup song last spring.
Fans were more convinced than ever that the couple was on the verge of a breakup when they didn’t show up to the CMA Awards despite Blake being nominated for his song with Post Malone, Pour Me A Drink.
A source close to the couple said: “They’ve gone through real challenges, nothing manufactured.”
“There were times when the tension was high enough that people close to them quietly wondered if the relationship could take the strain.
“It wasn’t drama, it was the reality of blending two totally different worlds,” the source said, explaining that their opposite backgrounds created tension.
“Blake is as country as it gets, and Gwen grew up in Los Angeles.
“Those lifestyles don’t automatically sync. They had to learn from each other.”
The insider also noted the couple sought outside help for their relationship when things got rocky.
“They asked for help, and they nearly reached a point where things could have gone either way.
“But they showed up for each other instead of checking out.”
KISS AND MAKE UP
Meanwhile, fans noticed Gwen posted a photo of Blake kissing her on the cheek to her stories over Thanksgiving weekend.
The insider said the former Voice judge’s photo was not an accident.
“That was her way of saying, without words, ‘Calm down, we’re solid.’”
Meanwhile, another source close to Gwen added, “She always felt Blake came into her life at the exact moment she needed stability, like she was being given another chance at building a family.
“They’re from different universes, but somehow, they’ve built one home.”
Rob Shuter first reported on his Naughty But Nice Substack that the couple had weathered tough storms recently, but were making it work.
SIGNS OF STRESS
The couple has not walked a carpet together since March of this year, when they attended The Grand Ole Opry’s 100th Celebration.
Meanwhile, the last time she posted about Blake was back in June for his birthday.
The country crooner first sparked rumors of a rift when he released his first breakup song in March called Hangin’ On.
The tear-jerking country duet is described by Blake online as being about “breaking up but still trying to stay together.”
Shortly after Gwen released a sad song of her own called Still Gonna Love You.
LONG HISTORY
This past July, marked the four-year anniversary of the couple’s wedding ceremony, which took place at their Oklahoma ranch.
Their relationship started when they met on the set of The Voice in April 2014, where both were serving as coaches on the musical competition show.
Gwen was previously married to Bush lead singer Gavin Rossdale, with whom she shares three sons: Kingston, 19; Zuma, 17; and Apollo, 11.
That marriage ended in 2016 after 14 years.
Blake was married to fellow country musician Miranda Lambert for four years before their separation in 2015.
He also married his high school girlfriend, Kaynette Williams, in 2003, but they divorced in 2006.