Natalie Portman quietly filed for divorce from Benjamin Millepied, her director/choreographer husband of 11 years, eight months ago and the divorce has been finalized.
According to PEOPLE, the actress, 42, filed last July and the divorce was finalized last month in France, where Portman and Millepied, 46, live with their children, son Aleph, 12, and daughter Amalia, 7.
“It was initially really tough for her, but her friends rallied around her and helped get her through the worst of it,” a friend of the couple tells PEOPLE.
“Natalie is coming out of a really tough and painful year but she’s come out the other side of it stronger and is finding joy in her family, friends and work.”
The couple has focused on helping their kids adjust, and have been photographed showing a united front as a family on numerous occasions over the last year.
“Her biggest priority has been ensuring a smooth transition for her children,” the insider says. “She and Ben really love their kids and are equally focused on being the best co-parents they can be. Nothing is more important.”
In June 2023, a source told PEOPLE that Millepied was “doing all he can to get Natalie to forgive him and keep their family together” while Portman’s “biggest priority is protecting her children and their privacy.”
Neither Millepied nor Portman have spoken publicly about speculation surrounding their marriage.
Now the couple is focused on their next chapter.
“Natalie hoped her marriage would be forever,” says the friend, who adds, “but she is at peace with where they are and now focused on their new normal as a family.”
