Content Warning: This story contains references to sensitive topics, including sexual abuse and trauma, which some readers may find distressing.
“Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Mikayla Matthews has confirmed that she and her husband, Jace Terry, are separating after navigating years of strain in their marriage. The couple married in 2018, just six months after welcoming their first child. Their relationship struggles became a major storyline during season 4 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”
During season 3, viewers saw Matthews and Terry openly confront the intimacy struggles affecting their marriage. By season 4, Matthews shared that the situation had not improved as she continued recovering postpartum while also dealing with flare-ups from her chronic illness.
The reality TV star revealed that the couple is navigating a separation while working through deeply personal challenges in their relationship.
Matthews and Terry share four children together and welcomed their youngest, a baby girl, in July.
HuluIn a recent interview with People, Matthews said the situation is still complex as she and Terry try to figure out what the next chapter of their relationship looks like.
Chronic Health Struggles Complicate the Couple’s Marriage
“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 says of her experience being sexually abused.
HuluMatthews told People, “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 continues, referring to her relationship with Terry.
“Unfortunately, I think it’s just something that’s going to take a lot more time. I feel like that’s all I can say on it now.”
Childhood Trauma and Health Challenges Affect Their Marriage
HuluSeason 4 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” captures Matthews and Terry as they try to navigate intimacy challenges rooted in Matthews’ past trauma.
Matthews shared that the couple has attended multiple therapy sessions to rebuild their connection.
However, she admitted in a conversation with co-star Whitney Leavitt that working through those issues has been difficult while managing painful flare-ups tied to her chronic skin condition.
In a confessional, Matthews explained that Whitney understands her situation uniquely because of shared experiences in their marriages.
“Whitney and Jace are in a very similar place, having to deal with what happened to Conner and me and the implications that it’s brought into our marriage, so I feel like we have that shared experience,” Matthews shared in her confessional.
When Whitney asked about the state of her marriage, Matthews said Terry had been supportive but that therapy remained a difficult topic.
“I did one or two [sessions] with him, but I feel like I can’t work on that right now,” she told Whitney, explaining in her confessional that she feels like she needs to make her health “top priority.”
Balancing emotional healing with ongoing health struggles has made meaningful progress harder for the couple than they initially expected.
Jace Terry Shares His Frustration and Commitment to Support
Terry also addressed the situation while speaking with friends, including Dakota Mortensen.
During the conversation, he acknowledged that the lack of progress in their relationship has been difficult but said he is trying to remain patient as Matthews focuses on healing.
“I’m definitely not okay with it,” he tells Dakota Mortensen, as reported by People.
“Me throwing fits about it all the time and getting [upset] — that doesn’t help anything. So I just feel like the only thing I can do is be patient and be there for her.”
Even as they face ongoing challenges, Terry said he remains committed to supporting Matthews as she works through the lasting effects of her past trauma.
The Couple Remain Connected While Taking Time Apart
After agreeing to separate, Matthews and Terry spoke candidly about what they hope to gain from spending time apart.
Matthews said she needs space to focus on her healing and well-being, rather than trying to balance those efforts with the pressures she feels within the marriage.
“I think it’s hard anytime you bring up the stuff with the sex and the intimacy,” Matthews says, as reported by People. “I feel it’s hard on me because again, my nervous system is already in fight or flight, and I’m already maxed out. My bucket is full.”
Terry said he believes trauma therapy could play an important role in helping them address the deeper issues affecting their relationship.
“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,” Jace responds.
Matthews acknowledged that she has already spent years in therapy and continues to carry the emotional weight of those experiences.
“I feel like I’ve done a lot of therapy work already, and my stuff is still bad,” said Matthews, as per People.
“And again, I don’t think it’s like with the intention of being separated forever. I think we’re obviously still going to see each other every single day. I’m not trying to go even a day away from the kids anyway.”
Despite their separation, Matthews and Terry have still been seen together publicly in recent months. The couple attended the opening night of Leavitt’s Broadway debut in Chicago in January and later brought their children to a New York City afterparty.
Matthews also included Terry in a playful Valentine’s Day post on social media, joking with co-star Mayci Neeley that their husbands had become “third wheels” during their holiday outing.
“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” season 4 is now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.
If you or someone you know is struggling after experiencing sexual violence, help is available.
Visit RAINN.org for confidential support and additional resources.
You can also call (800) 656-HOPE to speak with a trained staff member from your local sexual assault service provider.
Support is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
