Vanessa Hudgens, the High School Musical alum, recently shared insights into how her past relationship with Austin Butler ultimately led her to her husband, Cole Tucker. The 35-year-old actress discussed the impact of her breakups on the She Pivots podcast, revealing that her split from Butler propelled her towards finding the ‘right person.’ Hudgens expressed gratitude for the journey that led her to Tucker, emphasizing that the breakup ‘catapulted’ her to a ‘very, very special place’ and ultimately to marriage.

Hudgens and Butler, 32, were in a relationship for nine years from 2011 to 2020. Following their breakup in January 2020 due to demanding work and travel schedules, Hudgens found love again with Cole Tucker. The couple’s romance became public in November, and they announced their engagement in February 2023, culminating in a December wedding.

Meanwhile, Butler, who is currently dating model Kaia Gerber, addressed the public reaction to his reference to Hudgens as a ‘friend’ during a recent interview. He explained that his choice of words was intended to respect her privacy and not to cause any discomfort. Despite the clarification, Hudgens’ remarks on the impact of their breakup shed light on the profound influence of past relationships on her journey to finding lasting love.