Jon Pardi and Estranged Wife Summer’s ‘Major Issues’ Started Last Year

Cracks in Jon and Summer Pardi's marriage were showing long before their breakup went public. Now, sources close to the pair are shedding light on just how strained things had become behind closed doors.

Jon Pardi and his wife, Summer Pardi (née Duncan), reportedly attempted to salvage their marriage before ultimately calling it quits, according to insiders who say the split had been brewing for a long time.

Jon Pardi and Summer Duncan attend the 2021 CMT Artist Of The Year on October 13, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images

The couple announced their breakup last Friday, July 3, but people close to them suggest the writing was already on the wall.

"They've been having major issues since last year," a source revealed on Sunday. "They all but separated right before the holidays [in December] and even unfollowed each other on Instagram."

The insider said Summer had grown "fed up" with the country star but made one last effort to repair the relationship before walking away for good. "They tried to work it out for their kids," the source added, "but ultimately couldn't, so she filed for divorce."

Jon Pardi and Summer Duncan visit Spotify House during CMA Fest 2023 - Day 2 at Ole Red on June 9 in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images

Jon, 41, and Summer, 37, got married in November 2020 and later welcomed two daughters together, Presley, 3, and Sienna, 23 months.

The pair confirmed their separation in a joint statement posted to Instagram. "After much thought, we have made the difficult decision to end our marriage," they wrote.

"Our daughters will always remain our highest priority and we are committed to moving forward with love and respect as coparents. Thank you for your understanding, support and respect as we navigate these changes as a family," the statement continued.

The public announcement, however, came well after the legal process was already underway. News broke Saturday that Summer had quietly filed for divorce two months earlier.

Court documents obtained by Us Weekly show the influencer submitted her filing in Tennessee on May 12, citing "irreconcilable differences." In her filing, Summer asked the court to name her the girls' "primary residential parent" should she and Jon fail to reach a mutual custody agreement.

Jon Pardi and Summer Pardi attend the Happy Cowboy Foundation x Happy Himalayan Private Launch Event at Soho House Nashville on May 23, 2024 in Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images

"[Summer] would show that she is a fit and proper person to be designated as the primary residential parent of the parties' minor children," the filing states. "The best interests and welfare of the minor children will be served by designating [Summer] as the primary residential parent."

Beyond custody, Summer is also seeking an equitable split of the couple's shared assets, along with the return of "all of her separate property," and has requested alimony from Jon.

"[Summer] would show that she is in need of spousal support, including but not limited to pendente lite and permanent," the documents state, adding that Jon "has the ability to pay."

Summer Duncan and Jon Pardi attend the 58th Academy Of Country Music Awards at The Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas. | Source: Getty Images

Amid the fallout, Jon revealed he's stepping back from social media to focus on himself and his daughters.

Interestingly, despite Summer having already filed for divorce by that point, Jon still made a point of celebrating her birthday. He shared a black-and-white photo of the two of them smiling together in a dressing room, accompanied by a heartfelt caption.

"Happy birthday to the smart, strong, beautiful super mom. Love you, Summer Pardi!" he wrote — a gesture that suggests the split, while final, may have not erased the warmth between them.