iVillage

The Rise and Rise of Madonna

(22 Photos)

Ali Gray on Aug 18, 2009 at 2:41PM

1 chime

Single View
View All

18 of 22

Jon Furniss/WireImage

Trouble in Paradise

After a surge of press surrounding their impending breakup, Madge files for divorce from Guy Ritchie in October 2008. After eight years together, the couple goes their separate ways.

Rumor mills cite several reasons for the split, including their mismatched religious views, Guy's disinterest in adopting more children, and Madonna's overpowering fame and success. As Guy's career took a backseat to his wife's, he earned the unfortunate nickname Mr. Madonna. Some men just can't handle not being the breadwinner.