- The Turners discuss the emotional toll of their divorce, referring to it as an “ocean of tears.”
- Both parents, along with their three children, frequently spend holidays and even go on vacations together.
- Jessica Turner is set to publish a book in spring 2025 centered on embarking on a new journey post-divorce.
Upon learning about her husband’s homosexuality, Jessica Turner experienced daily tears during her commute to work for several months.
Each day, Jessica Turner would engage in tearful conversations with her friend Ann Voskamp while driving her silver minivan to Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s marketing department. After arriving at work, she would conclude the calls, apply makeup in the minivan, fulfill her responsibilities at work, and then return home to care for her three young children.
Described by her longtime friend Angie Smith as barely holding on, Jessica Turner strived to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the turmoil surrounding her.
Nearly five years later, Jessica Turner, now a full-time influencer and author with a substantial following on Instagram, has navigated divorce, cultivating a close friendship with her ex-husband and embracing a co-parenting dynamic that has resonated with many.
In a heartwarming gesture, Turner shared a video online showing her and the children presenting their father, Matthew Turner—a successful Christian children’s book author—with 50 cards for his 50th birthday. The video quickly went viral, amassing over 11 million views and prompting an outpouring of admiration and support.
Matthew Turner expressed his admiration for the overwhelming response, attributing it to his ex-wife’s grace and influence. He emphasized the significance of their amicable relationship, characterized by kindness, love, and mutual respect.
Presently, both parents maintain a seven-day-a-week custody arrangement, celebrating holidays together and even embarking on family vacations, showcasing a harmonious co-parenting dynamic that required significant effort and emotional investment to establish.
A Love Story Transformed
Their journey began in 2003 when Jessica Turner, a 20-year-old college student from Wisconsin, connected with Matthew Turner, the 29-year-old editor of CCM magazine, sparking a blossoming romance that led to marriage.
After a decade and three children together, the couple began to drift apart, with Jessica attributing the strain to personal expectations and a desire for marital longevity.
Meanwhile, Matthew struggled with his suppressed sexuality, eventually revealing his bisexuality and later coming out as gay during a tumultuous period of introspection and uncertainty within their marriage.
The subsequent months were marked by profound soul-searching and difficult decisions as they navigated the complexities of their evolving relationship and co-parenting responsibilities.
Their separation was formalized in 2020, accompanied by heartfelt conversations with their children and a commitment to prioritize their well-being amidst the challenges of divorce.
Embracing a shared commitment to compassionate co-parenting, the Turners devised a custody arrangement that prioritized daily involvement, joint holiday celebrations, and consistent communication to foster a supportive environment for their children.
Nurturing a New Beginning
Central to their successful co-parenting dynamic are clear boundaries, effective communication, and a shared dedication to their children’s upbringing, exemplifying a level of mutual respect and consideration that transcends traditional post-divorce relationships.
Jessica Turner’s advocacy for leading with love and understanding has not only shaped their co-parenting approach but has also inspired others to embrace empathy and authenticity in challenging circumstances.
As Jessica embarks on a new chapter post-divorce, she remains focused on personal growth, self-discovery, and the forthcoming release of her book, “I Thought It Would Be Better Than This: Rise from Disappointment, Regain Control and Rebuild a Life You Love,” offering a blend of memoir and self-help insights aimed at empowering women navigating similar life transitions.
Through her candid storytelling and unwavering resilience, Jessica Turner seeks to empower others to find courage and strength in their own journeys, embodying a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.