Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright's Relationship Timeline

Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright's marriage is over.

Six months after announcing their separation, Cartright officially filed for divorce from Taylor in August 2024. She cited irreconcilable differences and requested legal and physical custody of their son, Cruz, whom they welcomed in 2021.

Taylor and Cartwright first met in Las Vegas in 2015, and their relationship was documented on Vanderpump Rules and their spinoff Jax & Brittany Take Kentucky. The couple stepped away from the cameras in 2020 but their romance continued.

In March 2024, the pair returned to TV as stars of The Valley — a new Bravo reality series.

"Jax will return to film The Valley for season 2 after completing his stint at a mental health facility," a source told PEOPLE a week before Cartwright filed. "However, going forward, [Brittany is] not interested in having anything to do with him."

From their engagement to starting a family together, here's everything to know about Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright's relationship.

2015: Jax Taylor meets Brittany Cartwright

When Taylor met Cartwright at the Gold Spike bar in Las Vegas, he was starring in the third season of Vanderpump Rules. At the time, Cartwright worked as a waitress at Hooters.

"I was anti-marriage," Taylor told PEOPLE in July 2019. "I was never, never, ever going to get married. It was not in the cards for me. ... Then I met Brittany, and everything changed."

He continued, "I dated before, and I never even thought about it before. Right when I met Brittany, I knew. If I'm going to do it, this is the one."

Taylor asked her to move across the country from her family farm in Kentucky to his Los Angeles apartment the next day, adding, "I just knew it was meant to be."

May 25, 2015: Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright become Instagram official

In May 2015, Taylor posted a selfie on Instagram with Cartwright at a restaurant in Santa Monica, California — marking the first time the couple appeared together on social media.

November 2015: Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright make their debut as a couple on Vanderpump Rules

Viewers were first introduced to Cartwright when Vanderpump Rules returned for season 4, and Taylor revealed that he had met someone special while on a trip to Las Vegas.

“Out of the corner of my eye, I see this beautiful girl ... and I’m still looking at her," he later recounted. "We start talking [and] I ask for her phone number. She literally moved to L.A. two weeks later.”

The season featured the moment Cartwright arrived in a car full of boxes holding her possessions, and she quickly started meeting his co-workers, including Scheana Shay and Katie Maloney.

According to Taylor, it was Cartwright's "Southern charm" that "caught [him] off guard." He added, "I just haven’t seen that in so long."

Cartwright went on to make a few guest appearances before becoming a full-time cast member on season 6.

April 10, 2017: Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright get a spinoff series

In April 2017, Bravo announced that the couple would star in the Vanderpump Rules spinoff Jax & Brittany Take Kentucky.

The six-episode series premiered on Bravo on Aug. 23, 2017, and saw the pair head back to Cartwright's hometown and family farm.

Urbanite Taylor was a fish out of the water as he struggled to adjust to farm life and impress Cartwright's grandmother, Mamaw.

"I think my relationship with Mamaw is equivalent to my relationship with Lisa Vanderpump," he said in a clip posted on YouTube from the first episode. "She's the queen of the farm — or, in animal terms, she's the bull."

December 11, 2017: Jax Taylor admits to cheating on Brittany Cartwright

Allegations of an affair between Taylor and Vanderpump Rules alum Faith Stowers surfaced on the season 6 premiere on Dec. 4, 2017, with Taylor initially denying the claim. However, in the following week's episode, Taylor confessed to cheating on Cartwright with his former SUR co-worker.

"Tell me the truth. You did have sex with her?" Cartwright demanded, to which Taylor responded, "Yes, it's true. Yes. It was when we were going through bad times."

Taylor further explained in a confessional, "This isn't my first time being caught cheating. In the past, I've gone through months and months of deny, deny, deny, and that didn't work out for me ... Brittany and I had been fighting for a long time. There's just so many things. I didn't know [Faith] was gonna say anything."

After Taylor admitted the truth, Cartwright told him to "rot in hell" before heading to Las Vegas on vacation. According to the bartender, the moment happened eight months before it aired.

January 15, 2018: Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright move forward after infidelity

Following his cheating confession, Cartwright decided to forgive — though not forget — Taylor for having sex with Stowers, who later told PEOPLE in July 2018 that she "should have just known better."

"I was raised to be a good Christian woman, and that is all about forgiveness, and I believe everybody deserves it," Cartwright said on the Jan. 15 episode. "Even Jax."

Before Taylor promised that "nothing will ever happen again," Cartwright acknowledged that things would be difficult and encouraged Taylor to seek therapy.

"I love you too much not to try to work things out," Cartwright told Taylor. "And there's going to be a lot of, like, guidelines that you're going to have to go by, like you are going to start therapy, aren't you?"

She continued, "I know we're probably going to get into arguments every now and then because that's just how life is, but the way you talk to me has got to change."

April 16, 2018: Viewers see Jax Taylor break up with Brittany Cartwright during season 6

Months after forgiving Taylor, fans were shocked to witness Taylor break up with Cartwright on Vanderpump Rules.

"It has nothing to do with you, and I need to make some changes," Taylor told Cartwright. "You deserve to be happy, you deserve to get married, you deserve to have kids, you deserve to have someone treat you like the princess that you are, and I just am not that person."

He continued, "I am not good in relationships. You deserve a lot better than me. I just don't think we can be together anymore."

Amid crying and hurling expletives at Taylor, Cartwright asked, "How can you do this to me whenever I've been through so much, and I'm trying to help you and trying to work on things with you?"

By the time their breakup was televised, the couple had reconciled off-screen, and Taylor spoke to PEOPLE Now in December 2017 about their relationship status.

"We've kind of weathered the storm," he explained. "We're still going through it ... [but] we're in a great place now — probably better than we've ever been. I can say the last eight months have been better than when we first started dating."

Taylor said he was still planning on proposing to Cartwright and making it "really special and romantic for her."

June 8, 2018: Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright announce engagement

After season 6 of Vanderpump Rules finished airing in May, Taylor proposed to Cartwright with a 3-carat diamond engagement ring designed by Los Angeles-based jeweler Kyle Chan Design, whom Taylor noted on Instagram "knocked it out of the park." Cartwright called her cushion-cut halo ring "gorgeous."

The happy couple celebrated their engagement at the beachside restaurant Neptune's Net in Malibu, California. Cartwright later shared two photos of her ring (with her fiancé smiling in the background) while teasing there would be more to come on season 7 of Vanderpump Rules.

She captioned the images, "We are ENGAGED! What a way to start our summer and season 7!! I am so happy, so in love, and so beyond excited for this next chapter of our lives! I can't wait for all of you to see how he proposed! I am the happiest girl ever right now. 💝👑 love can win 💝💝."

May 14, 2019: Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright buy their first home

A few weeks before their wedding, Cartwright revealed on Instagram that she and Taylor purchased their dream home together.

"We have so much to look forward to ❤️," she captioned a photo of the two holding keys to their new house in Valley Village, L.A. "We are moving into our first home together this week, we are getting married in less than 2 months, and we start filming season 8!! We are growing up, moving forward, & working for our forever happiness."

Later, in 2021, Taylor and Cartwright invited Open House TV for a tour of their $1.9 million farmhouse ahead of the arrival of their baby. The expecting mother revealed that she was behind the home's design.

"It's like our favorite place to be — this whole open area with the living room and the kitchen together," Cartwright said in the video before adding, "I decorated all of these bookshelves. I have old photos and new photos, but I wanted to keep the frames all the same with black and a white matte."

June 29, 2019: Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright get married

Taylor and Cartwright tied the knot at the Kentucky Castle in the bride's home state, with 240 guests attending the magical ceremony.

Cartwright wore a Netta BenShabu wedding gown that transformed into three different looks throughout the night, while Taylor sported a traditional tuxedo by Jack Victor.

The bridal party was comprised of her fellow Vanderpump Rules cast members, including Scheana, Katie, Ariana Madix, Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute and Lala Kent.

"It feels amazing," Cartwright told PEOPLE exclusively before the big day. "We're stronger and happier than we've ever been. We've been through a lot, but we came out on the other side. I feel like we've just gotten stronger and stronger."

Taylor added, "We know we love each other. We know we want to be together. We're just really excited. Just really happy with where we are right now."

June 29, 2020: Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright celebrate their first anniversary

In honor of their one-year wedding anniversary, the pair shared photos on social media to mark the milestone.

"Thank you for making me laugh every single day and for being my best friend," Cartwright captioned a wedding portrait on Instagram. "You're my lobster and I love you to pieces."

For his part, Taylor posted a cute snap of their two dogs next to a bouquet of roses and another of the floral arrangement with a card sent from one of their friends.

"Can't believe that year flew by so quick," Taylor wrote.

September 21, 2020: Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright announce they're having a baby

In September 2020, Taylor and Cartwright announced on Instagram that they were expecting their first child together.

Cartwright posted a series of photos holding up several sonograms as Taylor cradled her baby bump. The couple revealed to PEOPLE exclusively that their bundle of joy would arrive in April 2021.

"We had been trying for around five months, and we just can't wait to grow our family," Cartwright said. "I had the ovulation sticks and all the apps ... we were ready to go! I woke up super early to go to the restroom and just had a feeling I should take a test, and it was positive!"

She added, "I cried, I laughed, we were just so happy! Then I took three more tests and cried some more."

That same month, the couple held a sex reveal party and learned they were having a baby boy.

"We are totally over the moon!! We are shocked beyond belief!! This is truly a dream come true for Jax especially, and we just can't wait to meet our little prince!!" Taylor and Cartwright told PEOPLE.

December 4, 2020: Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright announce their exit from Vanderpump Rules

Taylor and Cartwright announced they would no longer appear on the Bravo series in separate Instagram posts in December 2020.

"The last 5 years on Vanderpump Rules have been some of the most challenging, rewarding and fulfilling years of my life," Cartwright captioned a series of throwback photos. "Although this is difficult to share, Jax and I will not be returning for another season of Vanderpump Rules."

TV personality Andy Cohen commented on the news on his SiriusXM radio show, praising Taylor for creating "so much story, drama, conversation in his eight years on that show."

"He will go down as one of the biggest reality stars in their moment," Cohen said before adding, "That was an incredible run that they had."

April 12, 2021: Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright welcome their first child

Taylor and Cartwright welcomed Cruz Michael Cauchi on April 12, 2021, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, California. Both parents shared the same photo of them carefully holding their newborn son.

"I've never in my life thought it was going to be like this.. it's 10000 times better. Dad mode just kicks in," Taylor wrote on Instagram. "I don't think I have ever been as happy as I am right now, everything else in life seems so insignificant now."

Cartwright echoed the sentiment, writing, "He is the most precious gift and I am so blessed to be his Mommy. 💙 We are soooooo so happy, he is a dream come true!!"

March 28, 2023: Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright announce podcast and discuss their relationship

The first-time parents launched the podcast When Reality Hits with Jax and Brittany in March 2023, opening up about everything from parenthood and marriage to friendships and reality TV.

In the premiere episode, Taylor and Cartwright spoke candidly about their relationship, with Taylor admitting there are "good days and bad days" in their marriage. Still, he shared he planned to do whatever it took to make it work.

"I don't believe in divorce. My parents didn't get divorced," Taylor said. "I don't believe in that. Marriage is work. I'm not saying every day is amazing."

Later in the conversation, he added, "Even through all this, and even though my life is a lot better now, I'm still tough to handle. I think she's the only one that can put up with me, really."

Cartwright agreed, saying, "[It] takes some patience."

January 2024: Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright land a second spinoff

Seven years after their first spinoff, Taylor and Cartwright were cast as leads on the latest Vanderpump Rules spinoff, The Valley. The pair are set to appear alongside former Vanderpump Rules star Doute and other new faces when the show premieres on Bravo on March 19.

The spinoff will feature Taylor and Cartwright raising Cruz while Doute explores motherhood with her partner, Luke Broderick.

February 29, 2024: Brittany Cartwright announces she and Jax Taylor have separated

In anticipation of The Valley's upcoming release, Brittany invited one of the cast members and her good friend, Michelle Lally, onto When Reality Hits and their conversation turned personal.

Cartwright revealed that she and Taylor were no longer living together and were spending time apart.

"I'm taking one day at a time," she said. "I don’t know what the future holds, but right now my focus is on being the best mom to Cruz and I love you guys. Pray for us and everything will be just fine. We’re good."

The news came about a week after Cartwright addressed rumors about their marriage. According to the Kentucky native, there were new developments in her relationship with Taylor after they filmed The Valley "months ago," but she didn't share further details.

"Marriage is hard and people go through ups and downs all the time and it’s completely normal," she said. “I just want to make one thing clear and that is that my life is not a publicity stunt for anything."

February 29, 2024: Jax Taylor says his separation from Brittany Cartwright "is not divorce"

Later that same day, Taylor spoke with Page Six while leaving the gym, clarifying that their separation "is not divorce" and that although Cartwright was living separately from him, she's "back now."

“We’re actually living together, living in our home right now,” he said. “We’re trying to figure it out. It’s all fresh and new.” 

He went on to say that "of course" there's a chance for them to reconcile, and emphasized that they're keeping their son a priority.

"We’re just taking some time apart. Just trying to reassess our situation," he said, adding, “We have a child involved and we just want to do what’s best for our kid.” 

He also insisted their upcoming reality show wouldn't "tear us apart." Taylor explained, “It’s just two people that are hitting a 10 year mark in their marriage and could go one way or another."

March 12, 2024: Brittany Cartwright opens up about "scary" emotions she's felt during her marriage

On the Vanderpump Rules After Show, Cartwright said she could relate to the issues playing out in costars Madix and Tom Sandoval's relationship on the reality series. She admitted that at times, things could be "very scary [and] very hard" in her marriage to Taylor.

"I can kind of get how you get into this, like, friendship, like, roommate-type situation and then you just feel like you are kind of stuck a little bit — not that I am — but like I feel that way sometimes if me and Jax are going through our hard times," she said.

March 14, 2024: Brittany Cartwright says she feels "relief" about her separation from Jax Taylor at The Valley premiere

At the premiere of The Valley, Cartwright told PEOPLE that she and the couple's son Cruz have been living at an Airbnb and that she felt "a little bit of relief" while taking space from her marriage.

"Once a woman hits her breaking point, it's like 'Done.' Something like clicked in my head, and I was like 'I need to step away from this situation. This is not not healthy. This is not a good situation. My son deserves better. I deserve better,'" she said.

Meanwhile, Taylor said that though there's been "some kind of something going on" in their relationship, they still see each other every day.

"I'm not sure what the future holds for this. But as of right now, this is just the best-case scenario, but this is not a publicity stunt," he added.

April 4, 2024: Brittany Cartwright opens up about co-parenting with Jax Taylor

While talking to PEOPLE in April 2024, Cartwright said that she and Taylor are "doing a really good job" parenting Cruz since their split, adding, "And I'll also take him to the house and play and we'll swim one day or have him play on his play set and we'll do different things."

She went on to say that Jax takes Cruz to the park or Sky Zone.

"I think it's honestly been better because we aren't fighting in front of him," she continued. "And for me, I think that's what is most important right now. Because that's why I had to get him out of that situation in the first place."

April 23, 2024: Brittany Cartwright reveals she and Jax Taylor were trying to get pregnant before their split

On the April 23 episode of Vanderpump Rules, which was filmed before Cartwright and Taylor went their separate ways, she mentioned that they were "officially trying" for their second child during a conversation with costar Scheana.

May 25, 2024: Jax Taylor gets lunch with model Paige Woolen amid split from Brittany Cartwright

Taylor grabbed lunch with model Paige Woolen at the Granville Cafe in Los Angeles. The outing lasted approximately three hours. A day prior, the pair spent time together at the Oaks Bar.

July 30, 2024: Jax Taylors enters an in-patient facility for mental health treatment

A representative for The Valley confirmed that Taylor entered a facility seeking mental health treatment in July 2024.

"Jax has always been candid about his mental health struggles, especially during the past few months on his podcast,” said the statement. "He has made the decision to seek in-patient treatment. This is a particularly sensitive time for him and his family. They ask for privacy and respect until he is ready to speak more on this matter."

One day later, Taylor shared a photo with his son, Cruz, on Instagram, writing, "Working on getting better for you buddy, I love you. ❤️."

August 27, 2024: Brittany Cartwright files for divorce from Jax Taylor

Cartwright filed for divorce from Taylor shortly after he completed a 30-day treatment in a mental health facility. She listed the date of separation as Jan. 24, 2024, and is requesting legal and physical custody of their son.

August 28, 2024: Jax Taylor is feeling "mixed emotions" about Brittany Cartwright filing for divorce

After Cartwright's filing, a source told PEOPLE that Taylor was feeling "mixed emotions" about the end of their marriage.

"He knows this is ultimately the right decision but is sad that things ended up the way they have," the insider said. "It’s been an emotional month for him and he’s trying to stay strong for his son."

The source added that the couple is now focused on co-parenting Cruz.

"Their main priority is getting to a place of being amicable co-parents for their son and this next step will hopefully move them closer to that goal," they said.

September 26, 2024: Jax Taylor requests that Brittany Cartwright receive full custody of Cruz

According to court documents, Taylor has agreed to give Cartwright full legal and physical custody of their son, Cruz.

"Jax and Brittany have long resolved all matters related to custody of Cruz and will continue to work together privately for the best interest of their son," a statement given to PEOPLE by Taylor's rep said.