**Reality Stars Mikayla Matthews and Jace Terry Announce Separation Amid Intimacy Struggles**
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In a surprising turn of events, Mikayla Matthews and her husband, Jace Terry, revealed their separation during the fourth season of the reality series *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*. The couple’s relationship, marked by both joy and challenges, has captivated audiences, particularly in light of their recent personal struggles.

Mikayla Matthews and Jace Terry first became parents when they welcomed their son, Beckham, into the world in July 2017, shortly before marrying on 1 March 2018. Since then, they expanded their family with three other children: daughters Haven, Tommie, and most recently, Lottie, born in July 2025. However, the couple’s seemingly perfect family life faced significant turmoil as they began to reveal deeper issues surrounding their marriage.
Throughout season four of the show, Matthews discussed the couple’s struggles with intimacy, which she attributes to her experience of sexual abuse during childhood. In her candid conversations, Matthews indicated that the impact of her trauma has made it difficult for her to engage fully in their relationship. “Last season, we dove into the beginning stages of it, and that was me revisiting all this trauma for the first time,” she shared in an interview with *PEOPLE*. This emotional burden has evidently tested their relationship, leading to their separation.
Despite the separation, both Matthews and Terry have continued to appear together publicly and participate in family events. In March 2026, Matthews confirmed to *PEOPLE* that while they were still estranged, they continued to navigate their relationship with understanding and support. “We’re just navigating it the best way that we can,” she stated, reflecting the complex nature of their situation.
Terry, often seen in a supporting role during the first season of the show, began to express more of his personality as the series progressed. By season two, he had become a more prominent figure, even joining a social media trend dubbed “DadTok,” in which he showcased his playful side alongside the husbands of other cast members. This growth in visibility came alongside challenges, as Matthews publicly claimed that Terry lost his job following the show’s premiere, a claim he has not refuted.
Their meeting, steeped in teenage romance, has also played a significant role in shaping their journey. Mikayla first met Jace when she was just 16 years old, and their relationship quickly evolved from platonic to familial after they discovered she was pregnant within a month of meeting. The couple’s swift transition to parenthood has contributed to the dynamics of their marriage as they balanced parenting with personal growth.
During their relationship, the two have continually shared their milestones and challenges on social media. In a heartfelt post celebrating their relationship, Matthews shared wedding memories in March 2025, marking seven years since their marriage. The couple’s journey has been filled with highs and lows, culminating in the birth of their fourth child and the subsequent revelation of their separation.
As they navigate their evolving relationship, both Matthews and Terry have expressed hopes for healing and understanding. During season four, they openly discussed their frustrations with the progress of couples therapy and the emotional toll intimacy discussions have taken on them. Matthews remarked, “It’s hard to focus on therapy when there’s so much going on with me. My nervous system is already in fight or flight.”
In light of their separation, both parents have committed to maintaining a united front for their children. “Unfortunately, this is something that may take a lot more time,” Matthews observed thoughtfully, reaffirming her dedication to healing and fostering a healthy family environment despite their personal struggles.
In conclusion, Mikayla Matthews and Jace Terry’s journey through marriage and parenting has been both inspiring and challenging. Their openness about the difficulties they have faced presents a raw and honest portrayal of relationships, particularly in the context of trauma and healing. Audiences continue to watch closely as both struggle to find a balance between their shared history and their individual healing processes.
