Cheryl Burke Reflects on Her Divorce and Life’s Transitions
Cheryl Burke, the former Dancing with the Stars professional dancer, recently opened up about her ongoing emotional journey following her divorce from actor Matthew Lawrence. During an appearance on the “I Do, Part 2” podcast, Burke shared candid thoughts about how she sometimes still grieves her failed marriage despite moving forward with her life. Her reflections offer a thoughtful perspective on navigating major life transitions and finding personal strength through challenging times.
Burke revealed that 2022 marked a year of profound change in her life, as she experienced not one but three significant transitions simultaneously. Beyond her divorce from Lawrence after three years of marriage, she also departed from Dancing with the Stars after an impressive 26-season run and moved from the home she had occupied for sixteen years. “It wasn’t just the divorce with my ex,” Burke explained during her conversation with podcast co-host Jen Fessler. “It was the divorce with Dancing with the Stars all in one year, and then leaving my home… So it’s like, it was all happening in one year, and those are three big life changes.” With remarkable self-awareness, she noted how these simultaneous transitions created an emotional perfect storm: “They say, if you hit five in one year, you’re most likely going to check into the nearest mental institution.” Her willingness to discuss these challenges demonstrates the immense emotional labor involved in processing multiple significant life changes at once.
What stands out in Burke’s reflections is her ability to hold seemingly contradictory emotions simultaneously. While she maintains that she has no regrets about ending her marriage to Lawrence, she also acknowledges the grief that still occasionally surfaces. “To say that I haven’t or still sometimes grieve would be a lie too. I think it can be both, you know?” This nuanced perspective highlights an important truth about healing—that moving forward doesn’t necessarily mean the complete absence of sadness about what was lost. Burke further explained that making these difficult breaks was essential for her personal growth: “I know that I needed to cut off basically both divorces in order for me to be able to see what I see in the mirror and actually like the person I see.” Her comments remind us that sometimes the most painful decisions are necessary for authentic self-discovery and self-acceptance.
Though these major life changes might have seemed abrupt to outside observers, Burke clarified that they represented the culmination of long-standing internal struggles. “I think that though it happened quickly, this was not just quick decisions. This was stuff lingering inside of me for many, many years,” she said during the podcast. This revelation illuminates how significant life decisions often result from extended periods of introspection, even when their implementation appears sudden. Burke’s journey demonstrates the courage required to finally act on longstanding doubts and concerns, particularly when such actions will inevitably invite public scrutiny. For the 41-year-old dancer, these choices, however difficult, represented alignment with her authentic self after years of internal conflict.
During the podcast, Burke also addressed the practical aspects of her marriage dissolution, confirming that she and Lawrence had a prenuptial agreement in place—a topic she has previously discussed openly. Burke described the prenup as “an ultimatum” that was non-negotiable for her before marriage. “It consisted of, like, 70 to 85 pages of lots of words and lots of fine detail and fine print,” she explained, adding that her attorney had advised her to ensure Lawrence had his own legal representation during the process. While prenuptial discussions can be uncomfortable, Burke took a straightforward approach: “Either we do this and we get married or we don’t. It’s pretty black and white.” Her candor about these financial protections offers a realistic perspective on modern marriage preparations, particularly for individuals with established careers and assets.
The timeline of Burke and Lawrence’s relationship reveals a complex romantic history that spanned many years before their ultimate separation. The couple first dated in 2007 before breaking up after approximately a year together. A decade later, in 2017, they rekindled their romance, eventually marrying in 2019. However, Burke filed for divorce in 2022, bringing their marriage to an end after three years. Since their separation, Lawrence has begun a new relationship with TLC singer Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas. Burke’s willingness to share her experience provides valuable insights into the challenges of navigating public breakups while maintaining personal growth and self-respect. Her story reminds us that healing isn’t linear and that embracing change—even painful change—often creates the foundation for future happiness and self-discovery.
