Cheryl Burke has been making headlines for her return to the popular dance reality show. dancing with the stars. She appeared as a guest judge for the Halloween episode of season 34, which aired on October 28, 2025. It marks her return to the show for the first time since she retired as a professional dancer in 2022 after 26 seasons. Cheryl Burke’s return thrilled fans of the show and she herself expressed her excitement at being back in the ballroom in a different capacity. Amid the hype surrounding her, curiosity arose about her personal life, including why she chose celibacy after divorcing Matthew Lawrence.
Why did Cheryl Burke and Matthew Lawrence get divorced?
Cheryl Burke and Matthew Lawrence have been married for three years as of May 23, 2019. She filed for divorce from Matthew Lawrence in February 2022, which was finalized in September of the same year. The reasons for their separation included “irreconcilable differences” as well as financial and emotional issues. Cheryl was the main breadwinner during her marriage to Matthew and suggested this caused tension. In a 2024 I Do, Part 2 podcast, he stated that his outstanding career in dancing with the stars and a higher income may have made Lawrence feel “castrated.” She stated:
“I think there’s a gender role where a man can feel a little emasculated when he doesn’t make most of the money, and I think that may have taken its toll.”
Cheryl also admitted that she and her ex-husband, Matthew, tried to make their relationship work, but ultimately broke up due to different life priorities and expectations. The couple was reportedly struggling to connect on an emotional level and even tried couples therapy to save their marriage, which proved futile. He dancing with the stars pro revealed that her history of past trauma led her to question her readiness for marriage and overlook several “red flags” in her partner. She admitted that she did it because she “selfishly” wanted to see if she could make her marriage work.
Why has Cheryl Burke remained single since her divorce from Matthew Lawrence?
Cheryl Burke decided to be celibate after divorcing 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 and intentional act of prioritizing her self-esteem and finding her identity outside of a relationship. Cheryl Burke shared on Instagram in April 2025 that being single at 40 was not a flaw, but rather an opportunity for self-discovery. Your post could read like:
“Being single at 40 is not a flaw, it is freedom. An opportunity to fall in love with yourself, deepen friendships and pursue passions without compromise. It has truly been a transformative period of my life. It has been filled with so much self-discovery, personal growth and the joys of independence.”
Cheryl explained that physical intimacy often caused her to fall in love too quickly and intensely, leading her to lose perspective. She said that during her marriage to Matthew Lawrence, she lost her sense of self and had trouble setting boundaries. Celibacy helped her regain her identity as she moved forward. By choosing celibacy, Cheryl was working to build emotional connections more consistently. After her divorce was finalized in 2022, she took some time to love herself, grow, and live life on her own terms. The decision was not to give herself to men who do not deserve her.
What do you think of Cheryl Burke staying single after her divorce from Matthew Lawrence? Let us know.
Also Read: How Much Did Cheryl Burke Earn From ‘DWTS’ As A Contestant For 26 Years? A look at his net worth
