Celeste Barber and ‘Hot Husband’ Api Robin Announce Separation After 20 Years
Australian comedian Celeste Barber and her longtime partner Api Robin have separated after 20 years together, Api said in a social media statement on Feb. 13, 2026 (ET). He described the last few months as "incredibly challenging and deeply heartbreaking" and asked for privacy as the family navigates the change.
Couple cites mutual decision and focus on family
Api, 52, titled his message "heavy hearts" and wrote that after "much reflection, the decision has been made to separate. " He emphasised that "there is still love and respect between us, but sadly, we are at capacity and have come to recognise we may want different things. "
In the statement he made clear the couple’s top priority remains their sons Lou, 14, and Buddy, 11, and he asked for privacy and understanding while they work through the separation. He also referenced daughters from a prior relationship, noting the blended family will be a central consideration as they move forward.
Two decades together: a brief timeline
The pair had been together for roughly 20 years and were married in 2013 after nearly a decade of dating. Over that period the comedian frequently referenced her partner in public and onstage, often affectionately calling him her "hot husband" and using their relationship as part of her comedy and public persona.
Barber has woven their life together into her work at times, sharing moments from family trips and milestones. Six months before last November the comedian posted a public tribute for their 12th wedding anniversary that blended humour and affection, referencing intimate photos from their wedding in Bali and offering both gratitude and playful apologies. The couple was photographed together in New York last November enjoying sightseeing, train rides and dinners with friends, images that suggested they remained close in recent months.
Public silence and career context
As of this notice, Celeste, 42, has not issued a public statement addressing the split. Over the years she has mined her marriage for comedic material—at times teasing the contrast between her own self-deprecating routines and her partner's ease in social situations—while also building a broad career that includes stand-up, acting and publishing projects.
Api’s announcement framed the separation as a sober, mutual decision rather than a sudden rupture. He asked for privacy for the children and family during what he described as a painful period, closing his note with a request that the public respect their process.
The development adds to a string of high-profile relationship announcements this year. For fans and observers, the end of a two-decade partnership will prompt renewed attention not only on the couple’s private lives but on how public figures manage personal change while maintaining careers that rely heavily on audience connection.
For now, both parents have signalled that their children’s welfare is paramount. Beyond that, the family has asked for space to navigate next steps away from the public gaze.
