Chris Martin’s romantic history, including his marriage to Gwyneth Paltrow and engagement to Dakota Johnson, has drawn significant public attention over the years. This article explores key moments in the Coldplay frontman’s relationships, shedding light on the timeline and complexities behind each notable partnership, with emphasis on his Gwyneth Paltrow relationships history.
Early Romance with Lily Sobhani and the Beginning with Gwyneth Paltrow
Before meeting Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin briefly dated music events producer Lily Sobhani in the early 2000s. He later revealed that Coldplay’s 2002 song “Warning Sign” reflected the pain of their breakup. Martin described this experience as difficult during an interview with the Irish Examiner in August 2022.
Martin’s relationship with Paltrow began after they met backstage at one of Coldplay’s concerts in 2002. The connection was swift and deep, leading to their marriage in December 2003. Together, they welcomed two children: daughter Apple in May 2004 and son Moses in April 2006.
Separation and Conscious Uncoupling from Gwyneth Paltrow
In March 2014, Martin and Paltrow announced their decision to split, coining the term “conscious uncoupling” in a joint statement on her Goop website. They shared their commitment to maintaining a respectful relationship despite separating after lengthy efforts to salvage their marriage.
It is with hearts full of sadness that we have decided to separate,
the couple revealed.
We have been working hard for well over a year, some of it together, some of it separated, to see what might have been possible between us, and we have come to the conclusion that while we love each other very much we will remain separate.
Martin and Paltrow also emphasized their continued unity as family:
We are, however, and always will be a family, and in many ways, we are closer than we have ever been.
They requested privacy during the difficult transition and pledged to co-parent their children thoughtfully:
We are parents first and foremost, to two incredibly wonderful children and we ask for their and our space and privacy to be respected at this difficult time,
they stated.
We have always conducted our relationship privately and we hope that as we consciously uncouple and co-parent, we will be able to continue in the same manner.
The divorce was finalized in April 2015. Since then, the ex-spouses have maintained a close bond, co-parenting their children with mutual respect and friendship. Reflecting on their evolving dynamic in a Vanity Fair interview in March 2025, Paltrow expressed the depth of their connection:
It’s not quite [a] brother, but we are [a] complete family,
she said.
He is there for me through anything, and vice versa. It feels much better when everybody can be together and people can let go of the more difficult, painful parts of what led to a divorce and focus on the things that led to the marriage in the first place. Once you fully let go of ‘We used to sleep in the same bed’ vibes, a world of possibility opens up.
Brief Relationships After Gwyneth: Jennifer Lawrence and Annabelle Wallis
Following his separation from Paltrow, Martin was linked to Jennifer Lawrence in 2014 after he appeared to acknowledge her during a Coldplay concert by making a Hunger Games reference and blowing a kiss in her direction. Their relationship went through ups and downs, including a split in October 2014 and a reconciliation later that year. The couple eventually ended things in July 2015 as Lawrence’s demanding work schedule strained the romance.
Jen has been working nonstop and they never saw each other,
a source told Us Weekly, noting that their relationship ran its course.
Not long after his split with Lawrence, Martin was seen with actress Annabelle Wallis, sparking rumors of a new romance. The two were spotted dining together several times in New York but reportedly ended their relationship by 2017.
The Lengthy Relationship and Engagement with Dakota Johnson
Chris Martin began dating actress Dakota Johnson in December 2017, confirming the relationship after months of speculation. An insider revealed their connection as more than casual, noting a deepening bond marked by mutual trust and collaboration, including Martin sharing his music with Johnson for feedback.
Dakota and Chris are definitely dating,
the insider shared.
They’ve gotten to know each other really well and are very comfortable [with] one another. Chris sends Dakota his music to get her opinion. It’s more than just a fling.
By September 2018, Johnson described herself as “very happy” with Martin during a Tatler interview, while maintaining privacy about the relationship. Their partnership extended beyond romance, with Johnson directing Coldplay’s 2019 music video for the single Cry Cry Cry. She explained in a 2020 interview with Marie Claire that her concept was chosen purely on merit:
I wrote the story and pitched it to the band like every other director did, and they chose mine,
Johnson stated.
Not because they’re partial to me at all.
Engagement Confirmation and Relationship Dynamics
After several years together, rumors of an engagement between Martin and Johnson circulated for some time. A source confirmed to Us Weekly in March 2024 that the couple had been engaged privately and had begun planning their wedding. The engagement was kept out of the public eye in line with their preference for privacy.
Chris and Dakota have been engaged for a while now, but they’re not the type to make some huge public announcement because they try to keep their relationship as private as possible,
an insider explained.
They’re not in a huge rush to get married and don’t have a final wedding date set just yet.
Their blended family also featured prominently in their considerations:
They absolutely plan on having Apple and Moses there, and they wouldn’t feel complete without inviting Gwyneth too,
a source said.
Dakota and Gwyneth have grown very close over the years and they consider themselves family at this point. One of the most important things to Chris is how beautifully Dakota fits into the lives of him and his children.
End of the Relationship and Legacy of Shared Parenting
After almost eight years together, reports surfaced that Martin and Johnson ended their relationship in June 2025. The couple managed their time in the spotlight with care, maintaining respect for their shared circles and families.
Throughout his public and private moments, Chris Martin’s dating history, particularly his Gwyneth Paltrow relationships history, reveals themes of deep connection, amicable separation, and commitment to family. His journey has shaped his personal life alongside his musical career, highlighting the importance of privacy and respect in high-profile relationships.
