Since HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY broke the news that Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott were a couple in 2019, the pair’s romance has flourished in the public eye. The stars met when they both least expected it, and have been thriving for more than a year ever since. Along the way, Zooey and Jonathan have reached many relationship milestones, and we’re looking back at a full timeline of their love — from how it started….to how it’s going!
Zooey Ends Her Marriage
At the beginning of September 2019, HollywoodLife was the first to EXCLUSIVELY report that Zooey was ending her marriage to Jacob Pechenik after four years. By that time, they had been separated for “several months,” according to our source. Zooey and Jacob got engaged in Jan. 2015 and were married the following June. The pair’s daughter, Elsie, was born in July 2015, followed by a son, Charlie, in May 2017. Just months after Jacob and Zooey separated, he filed for divorce, and the divorce was finalized in June 2020.
Filming ‘Carpool Karaoke’
Before news of Zooey’s breakup went public, she filmed an episode of Carpool Karaoke: The Series with her sister, Emily Deschanel, along with Jonathan and his brother, Drew Scott. This was when Zooey and Jonathan first met and connected. They started dating quietly and kept the romance out of the public eye for the first several weeks.
Going Public
They couldn’t hide for long, though! By mid-September, HollywoodLife had EXCLUSIVELY obtained the first photos of Zooey and Jonathan out and about together, confirming the relationship for the first time. In the pics, they were holding hands after exiting a restaurant on a date. “They looked very happy and casual,” our source confirmed at the time. “They seemed giddy about one another.”
1st TV Appearance
Weeks later, Zooey was by Jonathan’s side when he attended a taping of Dancing With the Stars with his brother, Drew, and Drew’s wife, Linda Phan. Drew was previously a contestant on DWTS, and the group showed up in the audience to show their support for the latest live show. Zooey and Jonathan were noticeably sitting very close to one another, and looked like a comfortable couple.
Red Carpet Debut
By Nov. 2019, things were ON between Jonathan and Zooey — so much so, that they even walked their very first red carpet together. The lovebirds attended the Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards, and cuddled up for some pics together on the red carpet. Jonathan wrapped an arm around Zooey and she leaned in close as they smiled for photographers.
One-Year Anniversary
At the beginning of August 2020, Zooey and Jonathan celebrated their one year anniversary as a couple, and they showed each other some love on social media for the occasion. “One year ago today I met this kind, caring, hilarious, generous, creative, nerdy, handsome and all around incredible human,” Zooey gushed. “I am so grateful for every smile, kiss, hug, snuggle, laugh, scrabble game, escape room, breakfast, lunch and dinner we share together. Even during the weirdest year for humanity, I want a million billion more with you.”
Of course, Jonathan had equally amazing things to say about Zooey. “How time flies when you’re having the best time of your life,” he wrote. “Who would’ve known that exactly one year ago my life would change forever. When I count my blessings, I count you twice.”
Surviving 2020
At the end of 2020, Zooey wrote another touching social media post about Jonathan and how they survived the year of the coronavirus and quarantine together. “My 2020 MVP was this guy, who always made me feel happy in spite of a weird and uncertain year,” she wrote. “Hoping 2021 is full of silver linings for everyone.”