Full Breakdown
Mikayla Matthews and Jace Terry Navigate Separation Amid Personal Struggles
3/24/2026, 6:43:02 AM
Relationship Status and Social Media Commentary
Mikayla Matthews, a star of *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, recently made headlines for a TikTok video in which she humorously lip-synced to an audio clip announcing a divorce. The video, posted on March 22, features Matthews enjoying Taco Bell while mouthing, “And you’re gonna wanna sit down for this video. I am getting a divorce,” as her estranged husband, Jace Terry, walks behind her. In the caption, she jokingly stated, “Sorry taco bell is my only true love ??? @Jace Terry.” This playful post follows the couple's announcement of their separation after eight years of marriage, which was revealed during the fourth season of their reality show.
Background on Separation
The couple's separation was not a spontaneous decision; both Matthews and Terry agreed to take time apart due to ongoing intimacy issues and Matthews' struggles with her mental health, stemming from past trauma. In a confessional during the show, Matthews expressed her desire to work on herself outside of her responsibilities as a wife, indicating that their relationship had been strained by her experiences with sexual abuse and her chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS). Matthews noted that these challenges had significantly impacted her marriage, stating, “It’s definitely discouraging and frustrating, and it kind of holds me back in other places in my life, like my marriage with Jace.”
Official Statements and Insights
In a recent interview, Matthews elaborated on the couple's situation, acknowledging that both she and Terry were navigating complex emotional landscapes. She stated, “It’s still new to me, and it’s new to him, and we’re just navigating it the best way that we can.” Matthews also highlighted the importance of addressing her trauma, noting that without healing, their intimacy issues would persist. Terry expressed frustration over Matthews' reluctance to commit to trauma therapy, emphasizing the need for both partners to engage in healing for the relationship to progress.
Criticism and Opposition
While Matthews' TikTok video was intended to be lighthearted, some viewers questioned whether it was appropriate to joke about divorce, given the serious nature of their separation. Critics pointed out that humor might not fully capture the emotional weight of their situation, especially considering the couple's struggles with intimacy and mental health.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Despite the couple's public appearances together following their separation, including attending events with their children, there remains uncertainty about their living arrangements and future together. Matthews has been vague about whether they are still cohabiting, stating, “I mean, we’re filming now, obviously, so I can’t give too much away.” This ambiguity leaves fans and followers speculating about the couple's next steps.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We both agreed to do a separation,” — Mikayla Matthews
- “It’s so incredible that everyone’s getting these opportunities and going out and living their dreams, but my health has held me back from saying yes to a lot of opportunities,” — Mikayla Matthews
- “I feel like I’m working on so many different things outside of just sex, and I know that obviously he can’t just be like, ‘OK, well we can go without that.’ We both get to a point where we feel really helpless about it,” — Mikayla Matthews
- “Unfortunately for me, it’s like I’m stuck in this place where my health is out of my control,” — Mikayla Matthews
As Matthews and Terry continue to navigate their separation, their journey reflects broader themes of personal growth, healing, and the complexities of relationships in the public eye.
