‘DTWS’, Cheryl Burke’s Reason For Divorce From Matthew Lawrence, Why She Did Not Get Married Again?

Cheryl Burke has been making headlines for her return to the popular dance reality show, Dancing with the Stars. He appeared as a guest judge for the Season 34 Halloween episode, which aired on October 28, 2025. It marks her comeback to the show for the first time since retiring as a professional dancer in 2022 after 26 seasons. Cheryl Burke’s return thrilled the show’s fans, and she herself expressed her excitement to be back in the ballroom in a different capacity. Amid the buzz around her, curiosity about her personal life, including why she chose celibacy after her divorce from Matthew Lawrence, sparked.

Why did Cheryl Burke and Matthew Lawrence get divorced?

Cheryl Burke and Matthew Lawrence have been married for three years since May 23, 2019. She filed for divorce from Matthew Lawrence in February 2022, which was finalised in September of the same year. The reasons for their split included ‘irreconcilable differences’ as well as financial and emotional issues. Cheryl was the primary earner during her marriage with Matthew, and she suggested this caused tension. In a 2024 I Do, Part 2 podcast, she stated that her prominent career on Dancing With the Stars and higher income may have made Lawrence feel ’emasculated’. She stated:

“I believe that there is this gender role where a man may feel a little emasculated when he doesn’t make the majority of the money, and I think that may have taken a toll.”

Cheryl also admitted that she and her ex-husband, Matthew, tried to make their relationship work but eventually grew apart, due to different priorities and life expectations. The couple was reportedly struggling to connect on an emotional level, and even tried couples therapy to save their marriage, which proved futile. The Dancing with the Stars pro revealed that her history of past trauma led her to question her readiness for marriage and to miss several ‘red flags’ in her partner. She admitted that she did that as she ‘selfishly’ wanted to see if she could make a marriage work.

Why has Cheryl Burke remained single since her divorce from Matthew Lawrence?

Cheryl Burke chose to be celibate after her divorce from Matthew Lawrence to heal from past trauma, focus on personal growth, and break a cycle of codependent relationships. She has explained that her decision is a conscious, intentional act of prioritizing her self-worth and finding her identity outside of a relationship. Cheryl Burke shared on Instagram in April 2025 that singlehood in the 40s was not a flaw, but rather a chance at self-discovery. Her post could be read as:

“Being single in your 40s isn’t a flaw, it’s freedom. A chance to fall in love with yourself, deepen friendships, and chase passions without compromise. It has really been a transformative period of my life. It’s been filled with so much self-discovery, personal growth, and the joys of independence.”

Cheryl explained that physical intimacy often made her fall in love too quickly and intensely, leading to a loss of perspective. She said that during her marriage with Matthew Lawrence, she lost her sense of self and had issues with setting boundaries. Celibacy helped her reclaim her identity as she moved forward. By choosing celibacy, Cheryl was working to build emotional connections more steadily. After her divorce was finalised in 2022, she took time for self-love, growth, and living life on her own terms. The decision was not to give herself to men who don’t deserve her.

What are your thoughts on Cheryl Burke remaining single post her divorce from Matthew Lawrence? Let us know.

Also Read: How Much Did Cheryl Burke Earn From ‘DWTS’ As A Participant For 26 Years? A Look At Her Net Worth