Julianne Hough breaks her silence on ex Ryan Seacrest and why they ended their relationship

Julianne Hough recently opened up about her past relationship with media personality Ryan Seacrest, sharing how he changed her perspective away from her strict Morman beliefs. 

During an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show on April 20, the 34-year-old reminisced about dating Seacrest, who previously hosted the show. "When I was 21, I actually ended up dating your former host Ryan Seacrest. He's very much into wine, with wineries in Napa and Italy," she shared.

Growing up in the LDS Church, a form of Mormonism, Julianne wasn't allowed to drink alcohol. Seacrest's passion for wine provided her with a new perspective. "He introduced me to wine," the Dancing with the Stars alum recalled.

"Growing up LDS, it was associated with partying and getting drunk, but this was an education."

"I love learning, and so he taught me how to smell and taste, and swirling the glass as well. It felt very cool," she continued. 

Julianne and Ryan dated for over two years before parting ways in 2013.

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According to E! News that their split was amicable and their relationship fell apart due to their hectic work schedules.

In 2020, Julianne opened up on Instagram Live about feeling undeserving of the luxuries she experienced while dating Ryan. 

"I was on private planes and yachts and living in a very, very well-off house, and my life was pretty different from where I grew up," she explained.

The Rock of Ages actress wanted to create those opportunities for herself, stating: "I kind of felt like I didn't deserve it." 

Fast forward to 2022, and Ryan, who has been dating Aubrey Paige since 2021, expressed nothing but love for his former flame.

In an interview for On-Air With Ryan Seacrest with Julianne and her brother Derek Hough, Julianne confirmed that she remains friends with the American Idol host and they even talk occasionally. 

"That's what I'm saying," Ryan added during the March 2022 interview. "She feels the same way I do. There's nothing uncomfortable about it, because we've remained friends for years and still are."

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