Carey Hart Reflects on How He and Wife Pink Were Able to Make Their Marriage Work After Separation

They haven’t taken the easy track over the past two decades. Carey Hart’s marriage to Pink has survived two kids, two demanding careers, and one nearly year-long separation back in 2008. “I don’t think there’s any magical formula,” says the 49-year-old, who celebrated his 19th wedding anniversary with the “What About Us” singer in January, “other than to listen to the other person, communicate and authentically be there for each other.” Here, the former motorcycle racer and dad to Willow, 13, and Jameson, 8, talks to In Touch’s Fortune Benatar about his experience on the grueling Fox reality competition series Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test (he had to tap out on the January 29 episode after spraining his wrist and ankle), who his kids take after — and his guilty pleasure.

You and Pink have been open about your struggles. Did you ever think you’d split for good?
CH: History kind of proves itself. We separated years after being married. Life isn’t easy, but it’s always about coming back to the table.

How are your kids?
CH: Awesome. My wife finally wrapped up her world tour, and we’re just getting back into our normal home routine. The kids went from staying in hotels and homeschooling to going back to school and getting up at 7 o’clock every morning. My daughter’s immersed in theater, and my son’s in his go-kart at the skate park. All is good over here.

Sounds like your daughter is taking after Pink and your son after you.
CH: Actually, they’re a great mix. My daughter’s priority is definitely theater and performing, but she still loves to shoot guns with me, ride dirt bikes and go to the skate park. It’s a great balance with both.

How did Pink react when you told her you wanted to do Special Forces?
CH: Her initial reaction was, “You’re an idiot. You can’t let things like this go, and you always do wild, crazy things.” It’s just in my DNA, I guess. At the same time, she was definitely on board for me to do something to step outside of my comfort zone.

What was rewarding about the show?
CH: The people I met and the friends I made. The only person I knew before was Brody [Jenner], and I hadn’t seen him in 15 years. Cam Newton said it best: [We created] trauma bonds through this situation. These are people I wouldn’t have crossed paths with. I’m a simple dad who builds motorcycles and chases my wife around the world, so to get to create these friendships through this wild experience is definitely the highlight.

How did it feel when you had to withdraw?
CH: Bittersweet. I’m not going to lie, I really enjoyed getting back to the hotel, taking a hot shower, eating normal food and having a beer. I made it to about 48 hours or so from the end, and I was very proud of myself, but I really wanted to stand on that platform and shake all the drill sergeants’ hands.

What did you learn from the experience?
CH: We all can get distracted with life stressors. This recalibrates what’s important and what’s not. Don’t sweat the small crap, move through it and be in the moment.