scorecardA complete timeline of Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin's relationship
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A complete timeline of Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin's relationship

Olivia Singh   

A complete timeline of Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin's relationship
Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson began seeing each other in 2017.Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images; Trae Patton/NBC/Getty Images
  • Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin have been dating since 2017.
  • The actor, 34, and the Coldplay front man, 47, have kept their relationship largely out of the spotlight.

Claudia Willen contributed to a previous version of this article.

October 2017: Martin and Johnson are seen together for the first time at Sushi Park in Los Angeles.

October 2017: Martin and Johnson are seen together for the first time at Sushi Park in Los Angeles.
Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson began seeing each other in 2017.      David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty; Robin Marchant/Getty Images

The Coldplay musician was spotted at the sushi restaurant with the "Fifty Shades of Grey" actor in Los Angeles, a source told People.

The source also said that they both were "cozy, laughing, and affectionate."

November 2017: Fans spot Johnson at a Coldplay concert in Argentina.

November 2017: Fans spot Johnson at a Coldplay concert in Argentina.
Dakota Johnson went to Chris Martin's concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina.      Rick Polk/Getty Images; Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Johnson reportedly attended Martin's concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina, according to Elle.

The same month, the duo was seen together in Israel, where they both attended a Nick Cave concert and had dinner at Yam Sheva restaurant in Herzliya.

An eyewitness source told Us Weekly, "They came in and they were really, really nice, like extremely nice. It was a surprise. They sat with Nick Cave too. I didn't see them kiss or hold hands or anything like that. They ordered some starters and not a lot of food."

November 2017: Paltrow shares a photo of the musician sitting for Sunday brunch with her now-husband Brad Falchuk.

November 2017: Paltrow shares a photo of the musician sitting for Sunday brunch with her now-husband Brad Falchuk.
Gwyneth Paltrow shared a photo of Chris Martin and Brad Falchuk.      Gwyneth Paltrow/Instagram

She included a hashtag that said, "modern family."

Paltrow and Martin announced their "conscious uncoupling" in 2014. Their divorce was finalized in 2016, however, they've remained a part of each other's lives and share two children, Apple and Moses.

December 2017: Sources confirm that Martin and Johnson are dating.

December 2017: Sources confirm that Martin and Johnson are dating.
Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson began seeing each other in 2017.      Rick Polk/Getty Images; Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

"Dakota and Chris are definitely dating. They've gotten to know each other really well and are very comfortable from one another. Chris sends Dakota his music to get her opinion. It's more than just a fling," a source told Us Weekly.

January 2018: They're seen together multiple times in California.

January 2018: They
Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin have been together since 2017.      Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP; Jeff Kravitz / Contributor

The duo had dinner together at Soho House in Malibu, the first of a series of dates.

"Chris and Dakota arrived together in Chris' car. They met up with friends and had a fun night. They both seemed very happy. They were flirty, and also left the restaurant together," an eyewitness told People.

Days later, they were seen walking arm-in-arm on the beach.

A source told People, "They seem to be getting more serious. On Friday, they had dinner with friends. They also hung out at Chris' house and went for a beach walk. They didn't see each other over the holidays and seem excited to be catching up now."

Although they entered through a private entrance, Johnson and Martin also attended Stella McCartney's Autumn 2018 Collection together in Los Angeles in January.

"They walked in holding hands and Dakota was not letting go — she was super into the PDA. When Chris let go of her hand, she slipped her arm through his," an eyewitness told People.

January 2018: The actor's father, Don Johnson, calls his daughter's relationship with Martin "troubling."

January 2018: The actor
Dakota Johnson's father is Don Johnson.      Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

At the National Television Awards, a Digital Spy reporter asked Don about his daughter's relationship with Martin.

The actor replied, "Yeah, that's... uh troubling, isn't it? No, she's a big girl, she can handle herself!"

February 2018: They attend Ellen DeGeneres' 60th birthday party together.

February 2018: They attend Ellen DeGeneres
Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson both attended DeGeneres' 60th birthday party.      Chris Jackson/Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

People shared an exclusive photo of Johnson and Martin holding hands while chatting with Drew Barrymore at DeGeneres' 60th birthday party. Paltrow and Falchuck attended the gathering as well.

After the party, Diane Keaton gushed about seeing Martin at the event during an appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

"I'm gonna talk about Chris Martin. He was with Dakota right — they're a couple. Got it? So, what I'm saying is — he's gorgeous," Keaton said.

May 2018: Melanie Griffith, Johnson's mother, tells People that she approves of her daughter's relationship.

May 2018: Melanie Griffith, Johnson
Dakota Johnson is Melanie Griffith's daughter.      Kevin Winter/Getty Images

When asked about Johnson and Martin's relationship at the Global Gift Foundation USA Women's Empowerment Luncheon, Griffith told People, "I adore him!"

The "Something Wild" actor didn't share further details and added, "But she is very private about her life and I respect that."

June 2018: The couple is photographed walking Johnson's dog, and a source tells People that "they are getting more serious."

June 2018: The couple is photographed walking Johnson
Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin began seeing each other in 2017.      Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP and Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Johnson and Martin held hands as they walked the actor's dog, Zeppelin, in Malibu.

"For the past two weeks, they have spent a lot of time together," a source told People.

The source continued, "Chris lives in Malibu and Dakota seems to love hanging out there. They occasionally go for dinner with friends, but mostly have friends over at home. They go to the beach together, and walks around the neighborhood. They seem to enjoy sharing a quiet life. It does seem they are getting more serious."

July 2018: They attend a Radiohead concert in Boston, seemingly on a double date with Aaron Paul and his wife Lauren Parsekian.

July 2018: They attend a Radiohead concert in Boston, seemingly on a double date with Aaron Paul and his wife Lauren Parsekian.
Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin went to a Radiohead concert.      Emma McIntyre/Getty Images; Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Fans shared photos of the actor and musician when they were seated at a Radiohead concert in Boston. In one photo, Johnson rested her head on Martin's shoulder.

People also noted that they were joined by "Breaking Bad" actor Aaron Paul and his wife Lauren Parsekian.

An eyewitness told the magazine, "They stood up for a couple of the ovations."

September 2018: The couple is spotted with matching tattoos of infinity symbols.

September 2018: The couple is spotted with matching tattoos of infinity symbols.
Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin both have tattoos of infinity signs.      Jeff Kravitz / Getty Images; Jacopo Raule / Getty Images

While Johnson was at the Venice Film Festival, photographers caught photos of the infinity symbol on her arm days after Martin was seen with a strikingly similar tattoo.

September 2018: Johnson acknowledges her relationship and says she's "very happy."

September 2018: Johnson acknowledges her relationship and says she
Dakota Johnson starred in "Fifty Shades of Grey."      Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Johnson didn't say much about her relationship during an interview with Tatler, but she did drop a hint that it was going well.

"I'm not going to talk about it, but I am very happy," she said in the interview as reported by E! News.

September 2018: Martin supports Johnson as she spokes at the Global Citizen Festival in New York City.

September 2018: Martin supports Johnson as she spokes at the Global Citizen Festival in New York City.
Dakota Johnson spoke at the 2018 Global Citizen Concert in New York.      Michael Kovac / Getty Images

Johnson, an advocate for Global Citizen's She Is Equal campaign, spoke at the event and encouraged women to tell their stories. At one point, she even gave out her phone number to the crowd.

She said, "This is my phone number. I want you to call me and tell me your story in a voicemail. Or I want you to send me a message at dakota.johnson@globalcitizen.org and tell me what you've gone through as a woman or girl in the world that's been suffering."

E! News noted that Martin was present in the audience.

October 2018: Johnson denies speculations that she's pregnant with Martin's child.

October 2018: Johnson denies speculations that she
Dakota Johnson shut down speculation that she was pregnant with Chris Martin's child.      Evan Agostini/Invision/AP; Mauricio Santana/Getty Images

TMZ reported that Johnson and Martin threw a gender reveal party with blue and pink balloons for their families and friends. The outlet also said that Johnson's parents, Julia Roberts, and Sean Penn were present.

A representative for Johnson spoke with Us Weekly to confirm that the actor wasn't pregnant. They also noted that the party was for Johnson's birthday.

On an episode of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" following the TMZ article, Johnson said, "The only thing I'm pregnant with is a lot of good ideas, but not any babies."

November 2018: They return to the sushi joint where they were first spotted in Los Angeles.

November 2018: They return to the sushi joint where they were first spotted in Los Angeles.
Chris Martin has been with Dakota Johnson since 2017.      Frazer Harrison/Getty Images; Timothy Norris / Stringer

Johnson and Martin returned to Sushi Park, the restaurant where they were first seen together in 2017, for a date.

November 2018: The couple spend Thanksgiving on the East Coast with Paltrow and Falchuk.

November 2018: The couple spend Thanksgiving on the East Coast with Paltrow and Falchuk.
Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin went on a double date with Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Falchuk.      Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff Dave Hogan / Contributor Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Later that month, E! News reported that they celebrated Thanksgiving in New York with Paltrow, Falchuk, Apple, and Moses.

A source told the outlet, "Gwyneth thinks she is lovely. She gets on very well with her and is happy for Chris. They've spent a good amount of time together and have a very nice friendship. The kids really like Dakota and enjoy spending time with her."

December 2018: A source tells Us Weekly that the couple will be "engaged soon."

December 2018: A source tells Us Weekly that the couple will be "engaged soon."
Dakota Johnson was first seen with Chris Martin in 2017.      Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images; GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT/Getty Images

"They'll be engaged soon," the source told Us Weekly. "Chris is head over heels."

The source added that Martin didn't want to propose immediately after Paltrow remarried in September 2018.

"He wanted to make sure the kids didn't have too much change all at once. He's a great dad," the source said.

April 2019: The duo is photographed walking Johnson's dog in Malibu.

April 2019: The duo is photographed walking Johnson
Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin have been linked since 2017.      Alessio Botticelli/Getty Images; Ricky Vigil / Stringer

Johnson and Martin were seen walking her dog, Zeppelin, outside in Malibu. Both of them were barefoot in the photo.

April 2019: Paltrow poses with Johnson at journalist Derek Blasberg's birthday party in Los Angeles.

April 2019: Paltrow poses with Johnson at journalist Derek Blasberg
Derek Blasberg posed with Gwyneth Paltrow and Dakota Johnson at his birthday party.      Derek Blasberg/Instagram

Blasberg shared an Instagram photo of Paltrow with her arm around Johnson and captioned the picture, "Consciously throupling."

June 2019: The Sun reports that the couple split.

June 2019: The Sun reports that the couple split.
Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin have been together since 2017.      Theo Wargo/Getty Images; Toni Anne Barson/Getty Images

The outlet reported that Johnson and Martin parted ways.

A source told The Sun, "Chris and Dakota were very easygoing and always seemed really happy together. There was talk of engagement but now he says they have gone their separate ways, which has come as a real surprise to everyone."

Days later, a source told Express that Martin and Johnson "could not have been further apart."

The source continued, "Chris made it clear he wants more kids as soon as possible but Dakota's career has really taken off and that's the last thing she wanted to think about right away. It got to the point, last month, where a light seemed to flick on in both their heads and they realized they were pulling in completely opposite directions - so they decided to call it a day."

August 2019: Martin and Johnson rekindle their romance.

August 2019: Martin and Johnson rekindle their romance.
Chris Martin attended a wrap-party for Dakota Johnson's movie "Covers."      Dakota Johnson Fans/Twitter

A fan account shared a photo of the couple at the "Covers" wrap party on X (formerly known as Twitter), confirming that Martin and Johnson were seeing each other once again. The following evening, Martin reportedly accompanied the actor to the premiere of her film, "The Peanut Butter Falcon."

"They're planning to spend more time together later this summer," a source told E! News.

Later that month, a source told Us Weekly that Paltrow had encouraged the couple to give their relationship another try.

"Gwyneth is the one who pushed them to do it," the source said.

The pair seemingly jumped back into their relationship for the remainder of the month, going on a double date with Paltrow and Falchuk in the Hamptons and enjoying a casual meal out in New York City.

September 2019: Griffith calls Johnson and Martin "an awesome couple."

September 2019: Griffith calls Johnson and Martin "an awesome couple."
Melanie Griffith told People that she approved of her daughter's relationship with Chris Martin.      Jason Merritt/Getty Images

The "Working Girl" actor gave her stamp of approval while speaking to People at the Farrah Fawcett Foundation's Tex-Mex Fiesta in Beverly Hills, California.

"I love my daughter's boyfriend. I think that they're an awesome couple," Griffith said.

October 2019: Paltrow wishes Johnson a happy birthday on Instagram.

October 2019: Paltrow wishes Johnson a happy birthday on Instagram.
Gwyneth Paltrow shared a photo of Dakota Johnson on her birthday.      Gwyneth Paltrow/Instagram

The Goop founder shared a black and white photo of the actor and her dog Zeppelin. She wrote, "Happy 30th birthday to this absolute gem."

January 2020: Paltrow says she "adores" Johnson during an interview with Harper's Bazaar.

January 2020: Paltrow says she "adores" Johnson during an interview with Harper
Gwyneth Paltrow has spent time with her ex's girlfriend, Dakota Johnson.      Manny Carabel/WireImage Kevork Djansezian/Shutterstock

"I love her," Paltrow told Harper's Bazaar.

She continued, "I can see how it would seem weird because it's sort of unconventional. But I think, in this case, just having passed through it iteratively, I just adore her. I always start to think of the ampersand sign—what else can you bring in, instead of being resistant to or being made insecure by? There's so much juice in leaning in to something like that."

February 2020: Johnson makes her directorial debut on a music video for Coldplay's song "Cry Cry Cry."

February 2020: Johnson makes her directorial debut on a music video for Coldplay
Chris Martin appeared in the music video for "Cry Cry Cry."      Coldplay/YouTube

The actor, who launched an independent production company called TeaTime Pictures in February, made her directorial debut on Coldplay's music video for "Cry Cry Cry."

March 11, 2020: The couple enjoy a night out together.

March 11, 2020: The couple enjoy a night out together.
Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin enjoyed a date night out in Los Angeles.      Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Chrysalis; Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Entertainment Industry Foundation

Johnson and Martin dined at Crossroads Kitchen in Los Angeles, confirming that they're still very much together.

March 26, 2020: During the pandemic, Johnson demonstrates a proper handwashing technique — using Martin's hands.

March 26, 2020: During the pandemic, Johnson demonstrates a proper handwashing technique — using Martin
Dakota Johnson created a handwashing tutorial with Chris Martin.      Olivia Wilde/Instagram

Johnson created a tutorial on how to properly wash hands during the coronavirus pandemic while pretending Martin's hands were her own. The musician stood behind Johnson and made exuberant gestures with his hands.

The actor's friend Olivia Wilde shared the video on Instagram and wrote, "Dakota Johnson: Hand wash CHAMPION."

October 12, 2021: At a Coldplay show in London, Martin gives a shout-out to Johnson, who's standing in the audience.

October 12, 2021: At a Coldplay show in London, Martin gives a shout-out to Johnson, who
Coldplay's Chris Martin onstage at O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire in London.      Simone Joyner/Getty Images

Coldplay performed at O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire in London ahead of the release of the band's ninth studio album "Music of the Spheres."

Before performing "My Universe," Coldplay's collaboration with BTS, Martin pointed to Johnson, who stood on the venue's balcony.

"This is about my universe, and she's here," the musician told the audience, as seen in videos shared on social media.

Martin continued pointing at the actor as he sang the opening lyrics: "You, you are, my universe and I just want to put you first."

December 30, 2021: Johnson briefly mentions Martin during an interview with Elle, saying they spend much of their time together at home.

December 30, 2021: Johnson briefly mentions Martin during an interview with Elle, saying they spend much of their time together at home.
Dakota Johnson at the 10th Annual LACMA Art+Film Gala in November 2021.      Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images

While promoting Maggie Gyllenhaal's 2021 film "The Lost Daughter," the actor spoke with Elle about her relationship with Martin.

Because of their busy work schedules, they prefer to spend much of their free time together at home, Johnson explained.

"We've been together for quite a while, and we go out sometimes, but we both work so much that it's nice to be at home and be cozy and private," she said, adding, "Most of the partying takes place inside my house."

Around the time of the interview, Martin reportedly sold the $12.5 million Malibu house he and Johnson moved into the year prior.

The couple moved to a $14.4 million home nearby shortly thereafter.

July 2022: Martin credits Johnson with making Coldplay shows more inclusive.

July 2022: Martin credits Johnson with making Coldplay shows more inclusive.
Chris Martin of Coldplay performing in September 2023 in Pasadena, California.      Chris Pizzello/AP

In an interview for "CBS Mornings," Martin spoke about providing SubPacs for fans attending their tour. A SubPac is a tactile audio system in the form of a wearable vest. It allows people who are deaf or hard of hearing to feel bass beyond that of normal speakers.

"My partner, she said, 'I got you a Christmas present, a SubPac," Martin recalled, adding that Johnson explained that Finneas O'Connell wears it onstage when he performs with his sister, Billie Eilish.

"It vibrates, so it's useful for someone like Finneas to hear where the one is on the bass drum," Martin said.

He shared the same story during another interview for the podcast "Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend."

October 4, 2023: The couple celebrate Johnson's 34th birthday together.

October 4, 2023: The couple celebrate Johnson
Dakota Johnson, left at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2023. Chris Martin, right, at the 2023 Grammys.      Chris Pizzello/AP; Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images

Days prior, Johnson and her mom supported Martin at Coldplay's concert at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

On Johnson's birthday, the couple dined at an Italian restaurant called Pace, located in LA.

November 14, 2023: Johnson credits Martin with cheering her up during a low point.

November 14, 2023: Johnson credits Martin with cheering her up during a low point.
Dakota Johnson, left, at the Hope for Depression Research Foundation luncheon in New York City in November 2023. Chris Johnson, right, performing with Coldplay in Dubai in February 2022.      Evan Agostini/Invision/AP; Shlomi Pinto/Getty Images

Johnson referenced Martin during a speech at the 2023 Hope for Depression Research Foundation annual luncheon in New York City, per MSN.

"A few weeks ago, I was having a low day and my partner said to me, 'Are you really struggling?' and I said 'No?'" Johnson told the crowd.

"And he said, 'Baby, you are wearing a 'Cats' T-shirt.' As in 'Cats' the music," she continued. "So it turns out, I really was struggling. But that moment lifted me up and pulled me out of it."

February 2024: Johnson and Martin go on vacation following the release of her film "Madame Web."

February 2024: Johnson and Martin go on vacation following the release of her film "Madame Web."
Dakota Johnson as Cassandra Webb in "Madame Web."      Jessica Kourkounis/Sony Pictures

The Marvel movie, released on February 14, was panned by critics and fans. Johnson was unbothered by the noise, as she and Martin were photographed holding hands on a beach in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico days later.

A source told People that they were on "a relaxing vacation" that included going to the beach, meditating, and doing yoga.

March 5, 2024: Johnson speaks about the appeal of musicians, her openness to becoming a mother, and her adoration for her stepkids in an interview with Bustle.

March 5, 2024: Johnson speaks about the appeal of musicians, her openness to becoming a mother, and her adoration for her stepkids in an interview with Bustle.
Dakota Johnson, left at the LA premiere of "Madame Web" in February 2024. Chris Martin, right, performing with Coldplay in Perth, Australia, in November 2023.      Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP; Matt Jelonek/WireImage

When asked about what makes musicians attractive, Johnson said, "I think it's talent. I think it's the way that they see the world. But I think it really depends on the musician. I've known some shitty ones."

Johnson said that she loves watching Martin perform onstage.

"I could watch him every day," she said. "I don't know how to explain it. I feel like, I don't know... I'm watching my most favorite being do his most favorite thing."

"When people are really good at things, it is [sexy]," Johnson added.

Johnson also spoke glowingly about being a stepmom to Martin's children, whom he shares with Paltrow.

"I love those kids like my life depends on it. With all my heart," she said.

As for kids of her own, the actor said that she's open to motherhood and eager to "experience everything that life has to offer."

"And especially being a woman, I'm like, What a magical fucking thing to do. What a crazy, magical, wild experience. If that's meant to happen for me, I'm totally down for it," Johnson said.

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