In an exclusive revelation that has stunned fans, Brian Fichera, the ex-husband of TODAY show meteorologist Dylan Dreyer, has spoken out for the first time about the reasons behind their controversial separation. In a candid interview, Fichera shared an emotional and raw account of his marriage to Dreyer, claiming that fame “completely changed” the woman he once knew, leaving him feeling distant and unrecognizable from the person he fell in love with.

The announcement of Dreyer’s separation from Fichera in July 2025 after 13 years of marriage shocked many fans who had long admired the couple’s relationship. As a beloved personality on TODAY’s third hour, Dreyer had become a familiar figure in American households. Her and Fichera’s seemingly picture-perfect relationship had long been celebrated, making the news of their breakup all the more shocking. But with Fichera’s recent comments, the picture of their marriage is beginning to shift, revealing the emotional complexities behind the split.

The Evolution of Their Relationship: From Support to Separation

Fichera, a former NBC cameraman and producer, explained that when he first met Dreyer at Boston’s WHDH station, their bond was built on shared aspirations and mutual support. The two quickly became a power couple, working together in the same industry and navigating the pressures of their respective careers. However, as Dreyer’s career began to take off—first as a co-anchor for Weekend TODAY and then later as a star in the TODAY show’s third hour—Fichera says things began to change between them.

“Fame brought a new side to her. She became this larger-than-life figure,” Fichera recalled. “The Dylan I fell in love with was still there, but fame transformed her, and the spotlight began to take over our relationship.” As Dreyer’s visibility grew, so did the demands on her time, and Fichera claims that the emotional distance between them deepened. Despite the challenges, Fichera remained by Dreyer’s side for many years, trying to adapt to the changes that fame brought to their dynamic.

For Fichera, it wasn’t just the fame itself, but the way it affected their time together. The long hours, public appearances, and relentless media scrutiny left little room for the intimate connection they once shared. “We barely saw each other. Our schedules were so conflicting that we were reduced to communicating via text,” Fichera said. This disconnect, Fichera explained, led to a slow unraveling of their bond.

The Toll of Fame on Family Life

The pressures of fame are no secret, and Fichera’s account highlights the often-unspoken emotional toll it can take on personal relationships. Dreyer’s high-profile career demands, including early morning broadcasts and her public persona, meant that much of her attention was focused on her professional image rather than their private life. “The attention, the expectations—it changed how we were together,” Fichera lamented. He expressed regret that their once-tight bond had been replaced with a focus on her public life.

The couple’s decision to list their $2.5 million New York City condo for sale in January 2025 was seen by many as an indication that trouble was brewing. By that time, Fichera revealed, they were already living separate lives under the same roof, trying to protect their three sons—Calvin, Oliver, and Rusty—from the fallout. “We wanted to keep things normal for the boys,” Fichera said, but ultimately, the strain was too much to ignore. Fichera admitted that despite the couple’s efforts, the emotional distance was evident. “I didn’t know who she was anymore. The woman I married was slipping away,” he said, reflecting on the sense of loss he felt as their marriage came to an end.

Social Media Reactions: Divided Opinions

Fichera’s comments have stirred intense reactions on social media, with fans of both Fichera and Dreyer weighing in on the shocking revelations. Many fans of Fichera expressed sympathy for him, acknowledging the reality of how fame can change people and relationships. One user tweeted, “It’s sad but true, fame does change people. Fame can be so consuming. It’s heartbreaking to see it destroy relationships.” Others, however, defended Dreyer, saying that her demanding career doesn’t define who she is as a person. “She’s still the same Dylan who touches so many of us with her warmth and vulnerability,” a fan posted in Dreyer’s defense.

The split has reignited conversations about the toll that fame can take on relationships, particularly in the context of public figures. While Dreyer has maintained a relatively private stance on the details of her breakup, Fichera’s raw honesty provides a rare and unsettling glimpse into the difficulties of balancing family life with the constant demands of being in the public eye.

A Focus on Co-Parenting and Moving Forward

Despite the emotional and personal pain that came with their split, both Fichera and Dreyer have emphasized their commitment to co-parenting their three young children. In a heartfelt statement, Fichera reiterated that there is no bad blood between him and Dreyer. “I’ll always love her,” he said. “We’re focused on raising our kids with love and respect, and we’ll continue to do that for as long as we both live.”

As Dreyer continues her role as a prominent figure on TODAY, her supporters have been vocal in offering their support and admiration. Fans have flooded social media with messages of encouragement, praising Dreyer’s strength as she navigates the complexities of her public and private life. She has continued to be a beacon of positivity on the show, despite the personal struggles she’s facing behind the scenes.

Fichera, too, has expressed his focus on moving forward, dedicating himself to his sons and continuing his work in the industry. The emotional toll of their split, while painful, has given both parties the space to heal and rediscover themselves as individuals.

The Complex Legacy of Fame and Family

The story of Brian Fichera and Dylan Dreyer serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices that come with fame. While Dreyer continues to light up the screen with her infectious personality and warmth, the pressures of stardom have affected her personal life in ways that many fans never saw coming. Fichera’s heartfelt account offers a sobering reflection on the hidden costs of fame—especially on relationships and family life.

As Dreyer moves forward in her career and life, it remains to be seen how the changes will impact her future. For now, Dreyer continues to be a beloved presence on TODAY, with fans supporting her as she finds her way through this difficult chapter. As Fichera and Dreyer both continue to navigate their lives post-split, the hope is that they can both find happiness, healing, and peace—individually and as co-parents to their children.

While Dreyer has not publicly addressed the specifics of her breakup in detail, the emotional account shared by Fichera serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and pressures that accompany fame. It also highlights the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries and finding balance between one’s public and private life. As both Dreyer and Fichera continue to chart new paths forward, their story remains a deeply human one—a testament to resilience, healing, and the challenges that even the most successful individuals face behind closed doors.