Mikayla Matthews Confirms Separation from Husband Jace Terry

Mikayla Matthews, a prominent figure from the reality series Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has confirmed her separation from husband Jace Terry after five years of marriage. In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, Matthews described the decision as “very hard” but essential for her personal growth and the well-being of their four children.

The couple’s split comes as Matthews navigates a significant transition in her life while residing in Utah. She shared with fans that she is taking things “day by day” as she adjusts to this new chapter. The announcement has sparked interest as Matthews provides insights into the challenges she faced in her marriage, particularly concerning her journey with past trauma.

Personal Growth and Challenges

During the fourth series of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Matthews addressed her and Terry’s distancing, attributing it to her struggles with intimacy related to her history of childhood sexual abuse. Matthews emphasized that revisiting these traumatic experiences has been a significant part of her healing process. “Last season, we dove into the beginning stages of it, and that was me revisiting all this trauma for the first time as well,” she stated.

As they cope with their personal issues, Matthews and Terry have sought therapy together. Matthews revealed to fellow cast member Whitney Leavitt that focusing on intimacy has been difficult, especially as she manages ongoing health issues, including chronic skin flare-ups. Terry echoed similar frustrations, admitting to friends that he is “not cool” with the lack of progress. He acknowledged that expressing emotional distress has not been helpful, stating, “Me throwing fits about it all the time and getting upset — that doesn’t help anything.”

Future of Their Relationship

Following their separation, Matthews and Terry have discussed their individual expectations moving forward. Matthews expressed a desire to focus on her personal development outside of their marital responsibilities. In contrast, Terry expressed disappointment over her hesitation to engage in trauma therapy, which he believes is crucial for their healing.

“I think it’s hard anytime you bring up the stuff with the sex and the intimacy,” Matthews noted, reflecting on their struggles. She explained that her heightened anxiety makes it challenging to address these topics. Terry responded, “I know, but for me, it seems like the solution to that would be to commit to trauma therapy until you’re at a point where it doesn’t make your nervous system freak out.”

Despite their separation, Matthews reassured fans that their relationship remains significant. “I don’t think it’s like with the intention of being separated forever,” she clarified, emphasizing their commitment to co-parenting their children.

In recent months, the couple has continued to make public appearances together, including attending the opening night of Leavitt’s Broadway debut in Chicago in January 2024. They were accompanied by their children and participated in the high-profile afterparty in New York City.

As Matthews prioritizes self-care in the wake of the split, she shared a photograph on social media of herself undergoing acupuncture, captioning it: “Taking care of myself extra these days.” Additionally, she provided followers with an update on her health, expressing gratitude for their support during her journey.

The latest season of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives premiered on March 12, 2024, and Matthews has been candid about the difficulties of filming while managing postpartum health challenges. She acknowledged the support from her followers, highlighting the importance of having a safe space to share her experiences.

As Mikayla Matthews moves forward, her journey reflects a blend of personal growth and the complexities of navigating family life amid significant changes.