When Chip and Joanna Gaines announced Fixer Upper would be coming to an end after its next season on HGTV, hearts were broken all around the world—and some found it hard to believe the couple would walk away from such success to, as Chip said, “give lots of love and attention to both our family and our businesses.”


So began new rumors: The couple was taking their television talents to another network. They were hiding some scandal. They were getting divorced.

Speaking out on Today this morning with more details about ending Fixer Upper, Chip and Joanna said that while none of those rumors are true, the sacrifices they were making for the production of the show had been wearing on them all in unexpected ways.

“Look, I’ll give them a little credence,” Chip said on Today in response to the rumors. “The most important thing in the world is Jo and I’s relationship, followed very quickly by these four beautiful kids. And we didn’t want to push it, red-line it for so long that we woke up and realized we are at a point of no return.”

Chip added that while their marriage is “as healthy as it’s ever been,” they were aware they could only be operating at such a full capacity for so long without encountering struggles. Facing the choice now to step away from television or see what may come with their marriage, the choice was easy for the couple.

That isn’t to say they have any regrets about Fixer Upper, with both saying they absolutely would have done it again—even if they are still on the fence about whether they’ll return to television.

For now, the Gaines say they are enjoying the break and don’t have plans for another show. But, thankfully, we still do have the chance to see more antics from Chip and beautiful designs from Joanna when the final season of Fixer Upper debuts on HGTV on November 28.

Before then, their Hearth & Hand by Magnolia line is hitting the Target shelves with some amazing products already on our personal wish-lists.

And first up is the release of Chip’s book, Capital Gaines, which is available today, much to his wife’s pride.

“The reason I am who I am today is because Chip pushed me to go for it,” Joanna said on Instagram. “People think of him as a jokester, and he is. It’s a huge part of why I fell in love with him in the first place. But he is so much more than that. He is the ultimate cheerleader, coach and dream maker.”

While their television days may be drawing to a close for now, it’s obvious that the Gaines family won’t stop inspiring us with their drive, love or—let’s be honest—home design skills anytime soon.