When the CEO of Astronomer was caught in a very public affair with his Chief People Officer during a Coldplay concert, it lit up headlines and social feeds alike.
Two high-powered tech executives.
One moment of PDA caught on camera.
Two families now facing the real-world fallout.
But beyond the gossip and corporate implications, there’s a more sobering question: Can a marriage survive something like this?
Two Marriages, Two Stories, One Choice
This isn’t just about Andy Byron’s mistake. He’s a husband and a father. Kristin Cabot, though recently divorced in 2022, is also a public figure and leader. Together, they made a decision that didn’t just affect their lives, it impacted others deeply.
It’s easy to reduce stories like this to villains and victims. But real life is rarely that simple. The consequences are real and lasting.
While it might seem like divorce is inevitable, is it possible—even in a situation like this—for a marriage to heal?
The honest answer: Maybe. But not always.
Let’s Be Clear: Affairs Shatter Trust
Infidelity is a betrayal that cuts deep. Especially when it’s public, humiliating, and ongoing. Trust isn’t just broken, it’s bulldozed. For many, the damage feels irreparable.
So if either spouse chooses to walk away, it’s understandable. Sometimes, it’s necessary. Especially if there’s ongoing deceit, a refusal to change, or abuse of any kind.
Is There Another Way?
Divorce in the heat of betrayal is often about relief. And that’s valid. When trust is shattered, walking away feels like the quickest way to stop the pain.
But relief isn’t the same as resolution.
Many couples who’ve endured the heartbreak of an affair, against the odds, found a path back to each other. Not by pretending it didn’t happen, but by walking through the wreckage with honesty, humility, and support.
Research shows that couples who stick it out—even through very difficult seasons—often report higher levels of long-term satisfaction than those who divorced too quickly. And it’s not just about them, it’s about their children, their family legacy, and the lives touched by their story.
So, What Would It Take?
- Complete honesty from the unfaithful spouse—no spin, no secrets
- Emotional safety for the betrayed spouse to ask questions and express pain
- Time and consistency—healing is slow, trust is rebuilt brick by brick
- Outside support from a counselor, mentor, or mediator
- A shared desire to rebuild—you can’t do it alone
And if one spouse is willing while the other isn’t? Sometimes healing still begins with one person choosing not to give up just yet.
A Word About the Kids
This scandal isn’t just between two people. It touches their children, extended families, and community. The choices made in the coming weeks and months will shape how their kids understand love, trust, and forgiveness.
If there’s a safe path to healing, it’s worth exploring for their sake too.
What Forgiveness Really Means
Forgiveness isn’t a free pass or a denial of pain. It’s a process. It’s choosing to move forward rather than stay stuck in bitterness. And sometimes, even if the marriage doesn’t survive, forgiveness is still essential for everyone’s healing.
Final Thought: Not Every Marriage Can—or Should—Be Saved
We’re not here to sugarcoat. This situation may already be past the point of no return. The pain is deep, the public nature of it even more damaging. If either marriage ends, there is no shame in that outcome.
But we are here to say: Don’t give up without taking an honest look.
If there’s even a small spark of willingness to try, it’s worth asking: Could this still become a story of redemption rather than just regret?
If this story hits close to home, don’t ignore the quiet part of you that still wonders if it’s possible to rebuild.
You don’t need all the answers today. But you can take a next step. Start with a free Relationship Assessment to get an honest view of where your marriage really stands. You’ll get a clear score and customized next steps from the XO Institute to help you stay strong or repair what feels broken.
Or if you and your spouse are ready for deeper support, our Marriage Intensives offer a focused space to work through the hard stuff with the help of a certified marriage coach.
Infidelity is painful, but we’re here to tell you, you don’t have to find healing alone.