It’s over. After Zooey Deschanel went Instagram official with her boyfriend, Jonathan Scott, on October 20, her estranged husband, Jacob Pechenik, filed for divorce citing “dissolution with minor children,” Life & Style can confirm.
The former flames were married for a total of four years. They share two children, Elsie Otter and Charlie Wolf, whom the film producer, 47, would like joint legal and physical custody of.
The news of their split broke a few weeks before the New Girl star, 39, made her first public appearance with Jonathan, 41, on Dancing With the Stars on September 30. “After much discussion and a long period of contemplation, we have decided we are better off as friends, business partners and coparents rather than life partners,” Zooey and Jacob said in a joint statement to Us Weekly on September 6. “We remain committed to our business, our values and most of all our children. Thank you for respecting our privacy at this time.”
While going through a divorce is no walk in the park, at least Zooey has the Property Brothers star by her side. Though they haven’t been together for long, they seem to be very into each other. The new couple even goes on double dates with Jon’s twin brother, Drew Scott, and his wife, Linda Phan. It’s a good thing Drew approves of his bro’s relationship with the actress. So much, in fact, that they share a few things in common.
“We have a lot of the same interests. We have quirky personalities,” he divulged to the outlet on September 19. It works out great because Jonathan dating Zooey means he’s in Los Angeles more, which is where Drew resides. “[They’re] both amazing people, and I think it’s great. And it means I get to get Jon out here to spend more time with us in L.A.”
Jonathan’s last public relationship prior to dating Zooey was with Jacinta Kuznetsov. The two called it quits in April 2018, and shortly after, Jon exclusively spoke to Life & Style to express his views on settling down. “It’s not even a focus,” he said at the time. “I’m loving where I am in my career and the fact that I get to see my best friend, Drew, marry the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. Linda and Drew are perfect for each other, so it’s nice to focus on those things.” We bet he feels differently now!