Ethan Slater, celebrated for his role in the Broadway musical SpongeBob SquarePants, experienced a whirlwind of life changes spanning over a decade. From his enduring romance with Lilly Jay to a highly publicized split and subsequent relationship with Wicked co-star Ariana Grande, the timeline of events provides a compelling narrative.
How Did Ethan Slater and Lilly Jay’s Love Story Begin?
Ethan Slater and Lilly Jay’s relationship began in 2012 when the two were high school sweethearts in Maryland. Their young love blossomed into a committed partnership, leading them to relocate to New York City in August 2014 to build their life together.
When Did Ethan Slater and Lilly Jay Get Married?
After six years of dating, the couple tied the knot in November 2018. Their wedding symbolized a milestone in their long-term relationship, and Slater often expressed his deep affection for Jay publicly. Notably, in November 2020, Slater celebrated their second wedding anniversary with an Instagram post, calling Jay “the love of my life.”
What Challenges Did the Couple Face in 2022?
2022 marked a transformative year for the pair. In November, Slater commemorated their fourth wedding anniversary, sharing their decade-long journey together. Around the same time, the couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy, who brought joy and fulfillment to their lives. Slater humorously announced their baby’s arrival in January 2023 with a “vague” post on Instagram, sharing glimpses of Jay’s positive pregnancy test and a stroller photo.
How Did Slater and Jay’s Relationship Change in 2023?
By summer 2023, Slater and Jay’s relationship took an unexpected turn. Amidst the filming of Wicked in the U.K., Slater grew close to co-star Ariana Grande. Their burgeoning connection coincided with Grande’s split from Dalton Gomez, her husband of two years. A source confirmed that Slater and Grande had begun dating, describing their relationship as “fairly new” and filled with “fun and enjoyment.”
Slater filed for divorce from Jay on July 26, 2023. The filing did not specify the reason for their separation, but the timeline indicated the overlap of his developing relationship with Grande and his marriage’s dissolution.
How Did Lilly Jay Respond to the Split?
In December 2024, Jay penned a candid essay for The Cut titled “How Does My Divorce Make You Feel?” In it, she reflected on the challenges of navigating a divorce under public scrutiny, particularly following the birth of her first child. Jay shared, “No one gets married thinking they’ll get divorced … but I really never thought I would get divorced. Especially not just after giving birth to my first child, and especially not in the shadow of my husband’s new relationship with a celebrity.”
She described the emotional toll of seeing promotional material for Wicked while coping with the heartbreak of her split. However, Jay emphasized finding solace in her time with her son, referring to those moments as “sunny” amidst the darker days.
What Happened to Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande’s Relationship?
Slater and Grande’s relationship has continued to evolve since their initial romance in mid-2023. The duo celebrated the release of their film Wicked in November 2024, marking a significant milestone both professionally and personally. While neither Slater nor Grande has publicly spoken in depth about their relationship, their appearances and actions have fueled ongoing public interest.
How Did Ethan Slater and Lilly Jay Finalize Their Divorce?
Slater and Jay’s divorce was finalized on September 12, 2024. The settlement details remain sealed, reflecting the couple’s desire for privacy during a turbulent period. Despite the challenges, both parties appear focused on co-parenting and moving forward in their respective lives.
What Lessons Emerge from This High-Profile Split?
Ethan Slater and Lilly Jay’s relationship highlights the complexities of navigating personal and professional lives under public scrutiny. From high school sweethearts to parents and eventual ex-partners, their journey underscores the unpredictability of life’s twists and turns. While the public nature of their split introduced unique challenges, both individuals have demonstrated resilience in charting new paths forward.
For Slater, his evolving relationship with Grande represents a new chapter, while Jay’s reflections reveal the strength and grace she’s cultivated amidst adversity. As their stories continue to unfold, they serve as reminders of the importance of authenticity, adaptability, and self-compassion in times of change.
