Hilary Duff Reflects on 'Complicated' Family Dynamics Amid Feud with Sister Haylie

The singer-actress opens up about the rifts in her family, including with her sister and father, in her new music.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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In a new interview with Glamour, Hilary Duff, 38, discussed her 'complicated' family dynamic and why she chose to explore it in two songs on her latest album. Duff acknowledged the estrangement from her sister Haylie, 40, as well as the tumultuous relationship with her parents, Bob and Susan Duff, who divorced in 2008 after 20 years of marriage. The 'Lizzie McGuire' star said she 'felt ready' to address these personal issues in her music, despite the 'complicated' nature of her family ties.

Why it matters

Hilary Duff's openness about her family struggles provides a rare glimpse into the private lives of celebrities and the challenges they face, even within their own households. Her decision to address these issues in her music also highlights how personal experiences can shape an artist's creative output and resonate with fans who may be going through similar family dynamics.

The details

In the Glamour interview, Duff explained that she wrote about her estrangement from Haylie in the song 'We Don't Talk,' where she sings about an 'emotional eviction' and not knowing what caused the rift between the sisters. Duff also addressed her complicated relationship with her parents, Bob and Susan Duff, who went through a contentious divorce in 2008 that included Bob briefly being jailed for contempt of court. In another song, 'The Optimist,' Duff sings about wishing her father would 'really love' her.

  • Hilary Duff's parents, Bob and Susan Duff, got divorced in 2008 after 20 years of marriage.
  • Bob Duff was briefly jailed in 2008 for contempt of court for selling family assets without approval.
  • Hilary Duff and her sister Haylie Duff have not been pictured together since 2019 and have not interacted on social media in recent years.

The players

Hilary Duff

A 38-year-old singer-actress best known for her role in the Disney Channel series 'Lizzie McGuire'.

Haylie Duff

Hilary Duff's 40-year-old sister, with whom she has been estranged since at least 2019.

Bob Duff

Hilary and Haylie Duff's father, who went through a contentious divorce from their mother, Susan Duff, in 2008.

Susan Duff

Hilary and Haylie Duff's mother, who was involved in a years-long legal battle with their father, Bob Duff, before their divorce in 2008.

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What they’re saying

“That's my family. Those are the people that affect you the most, take up the most space naturally as a human who's born into something.”

— Hilary Duff (Glamour)

“Just because you're born into a family doesn't mean that it always stays together. You can only control your side and your street.”

— Hilary Duff (Glamour)

“I know it's not rare, and I think it goes back to the theme of, Why share now? I guess I just felt ready.”

— Hilary Duff (Glamour)

The takeaway

Hilary Duff's openness about her family's struggles serves as a reminder that even celebrities face complex personal challenges, and that addressing these issues through creative outlets can be a meaningful way to process and share one's experiences with the public.