Christina Perri Reflects on Marriage to Ex Paul Costabile 1 Year After Filing for Divorce: ‘We Just Did It All Out of Order’

Christina Perri Reflects on Marriage, Challenges, and Divorce from Paul Costabile

Christina Perri has opened up about her tumultuous relationship with former husband Paul Costabile during an episode of the Recovering podcast, released on October 26, 2025. This candid discussion comes nearly a year after Perri filed for divorce from the comedian, with whom she shares two young daughters, Pixie Rose and Carmella Stanley.

The couple, who were married on December 12, 2017, faced numerous challenges early in their marriage, which Perri describes as them having done things “out of order.” The singer elaborated on the “life stressors” they encountered, particularly during the initial years of their union. She noted that many of these significant life changes unfolded simultaneously, contributing to a complicated experience.

Perri, now 40 years old and 14 years sober from substance use, recalled a particularly transformative period that included her marriage, pregnancy, and becoming a mother. Reflecting on these major life events, she recounted, “I kept thinking that I was, ‘Wow, this is the hardest thing.’” She mentioned how both she and Costabile, aged 39, often laugh about the overwhelming number of challenges they faced early on, which included relocating, job losses, and the onset of parenthood.

During the conversation, Perri detailed some of the personal difficulties they weathered, stating, “Our parents are really religious, so we were going to burst into flames, you know what I mean? Like, I was scared of us not being married and having a baby.” The couple ultimately tied the knot just weeks before welcoming their first child, Carmella, who was born after a difficult pregnancy that Perri struggled with personally.

“The whole experience was just so messy,” Perri admitted while acknowledging that her life had an undeniable level of chaos during that time. After the birth of Carmella, the singer faced severe postpartum depression, saying, “Of course I did, like, add it to the list.” This experience became a considerable challenge for both Perri and Costabile, complicating their early marriage.

Additionally, various external factors exacerbated their situation. Perri’s father underwent open-heart surgery, and Costabile’s parents were unwell with the flu, leaving them without vital support during their child’s first weeks. Perri reflected, “For first-time parents, we literally… we just did it all out of order and in so many ways.” She expressed gratitude for having remained sober through those turbulent times, indicating that her sobriety played a crucial role in navigating these challenges.

The singer also revealed more recent emotional hardships, including two pregnancy losses within the same year. She recounted the painful experience of losing a baby at 11 weeks in January 2020, followed by the heartbreaking news later that year when another pregnancy ended in stillbirth. Perri’s subsequent diagnosis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), a condition associated with pregnancy complications, became pivotal as it raised her awareness about the issues faced by other mothers experiencing similar challenges.

In a testament to her advocacy, Perri introduced a resolution in 2025 aimed at expanding prenatal screenings to include APS testing, allowing her to channel her grief into action. She described this achievement as a significant step in her healing journey, stating, “It was like such a huge piece of my grief that day healed.”

Outlining the extensive impact of grief on both her personal life and marriage, Perri spoke about having to navigate conversations about death with her elder daughter, Carmella. The emotional turmoil between loss, hope, and the daily challenges of parenthood proved to be a taxing ordeal for Perri and Costabile, who ultimately sought help through counselling.

As of November 3, 2025, Perri has officially filed for divorce from Costabile, the paperwork citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their separation. The end of their seven-year marriage marks a significant chapter in Perri’s life, as she continues to deal with the complexities of parenthood and the ongoing healing process surrounding her experiences.

Perri’s reflections on her marriage and divorce offer insight into the intricate nature of relationships, particularly when faced with life-altering circumstances. Her openness in discussing such personal issues resonates with many, shedding light on the struggles and realities of modern relationships.