Australian comedian Celeste Barber and her husband Api Robin have announced their separation after nearly 20 years together — a development that has surprised fans worldwide and sparked a wave of supportive messages online.
The couple, often admired as one of the most relatable and beloved duos on social media, shared the news with heavy hearts, emphasizing mutual respect and love despite growing apart. This announcement marks a significant turning point in the personal journey of two public figures who built a life together long before global fame.
📣 How the News Broke
The split was confirmed over the weekend when Api Robin took to Instagram and made a heartfelt statement regarding their decision. In the post, he described the past few months as “incredibly challenging and deeply heartbreaking,” revealing that after much reflection, both he and Barber recognized they were heading in different directions.
In a symbolic change, Api updated his Instagram bio from “Hot Husband” — a nickname Barber affectionately gave him in her posts — to “Formerly Hot Husband.” This subtle shift quickly drew attention online, with fans reacting emotionally to both the sentiment and the phrase.
❤️ A Relationship Spanning Two Decades
Barber and Robin’s story began in 2006 when Barber was 21 and working as a bartender in Sydney. At the time, Api was 30 and already father to two daughters from a previous relationship. Their connection grew gradually, eventually leading to a long-term partnership and marriage in 2013 in Bali after more than a decade of being together.
Together, they built a family with two sons — Lou Robin and Buddy Robin — while also blending Api’s two daughters from his earlier relationship. Despite their differing backgrounds, the couple often presented a unified and supportive front in public, with Barber frequently posting humorous and loving tributes to Api on her social platforms.
💬 What Api Said
In his Instagram message announcing the split, Robin expressed a deep sense of reflection and respect for their shared history. He wrote:
“The past few months have been incredibly challenging and deeply heartbreaking for us both…
After much reflection, the decision has been made to separate.
There is still love and respect between us but sadly we are at capacity and have come to recognise we may want for different things…
Our priority remains our children and their wellbeing.”
The message concluded with a request for privacy as they navigate this difficult chapter of their lives.
🌍 Public Reaction and Support
Reactions from fans and fellow celebrities flooded social media almost instantly. Supportive messages poured in from well-known figures including actor Patrick Brammall and Olympian Libby Trickett, both expressing empathy and love for the family during this tough time.
One touching response came from Robin’s daughter Kyah, who simply wrote:
“I love you Dad.”
Meanwhile, Reddit threads and fan forums also reflected genuine surprise and sadness, with many fans saying they never expected the pair — admired for their humor and partnership — to part ways.
🎭 Who Is Celeste Barber?
Celeste Barber is a household name in Australia and beyond thanks to her unique brand of comedy. She rose to international fame through her viral parody videos on Instagram, where she humorously recreated celebrity photos and model poses to highlight unrealistic beauty standards and social media culture — often using the hashtag #celestechallengeaccepted to empower everyday authenticity.
Her career has expanded beyond social content into acting and writing, including roles in TV shows like Wellmania and contributions to books and projects that blend humor with social commentary. Barber’s comedic voice has made her one of the most influential online personalities of her generation.
🧠 What This Means
While fans await further statements from Barber herself — as she has not yet publicly commented — the announcement highlights how personal relationships can evolve even under public scrutiny. The couple emphasized that although their paths are parting romantically, their dedication to co-parenting and respect for one another remains strong.
For many followers, the split serves as a reminder that even beloved public couples experience complex personal journeys away from the spotlight.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is based on verified news reports and official social media statements regarding the separation of Celeste Barber and Api Robin, as of February 13, 2026. It is intended for editorial and informational purposes; personal circumstances may evolve over time.