How did Jennifer Butler die? Bill Murray's ex-wife filed for divorce after accusing him of domestic abuse

Jennifer Butler not only filed for divorce but also requested a restraining order against Bill Murray

PUBLISHED JUN 9, 2023

Bill Murray and Jennifer Butler were married for 11 years before she called it quits (Frank Micelotta/Rich Fury/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jennifer Butler crossed paths with her future husband, acclaimed actor Bill Murray, long before he finalized his divorce from his first wife. Their relationship blossomed, leading to a happy marriage that lasted for nearly a decade until Butler filed for divorce.

Currently, Murray is in the spotlight due to his rumored romantic involvement with iconic singer Kelis, who is almost half his age. The beloved 'Milkshake' singer, aged 43, has sought comfort in the 'Ghostbusters' star, aged 72, and the couple have been reportedly "getting close for a while." However, this has shed light on Bill Murray's turbulent marriage to Jennifer Butler, before the latter's life was tragically cut short.

Actor Bill Murray smiles on the 17th green on Day Three of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at the Old Course St. Andrews on October 01, 2022 in St Andrews, Scotland. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Kelis attends UOMA Beauty Launch Event at NeueHouse Hollywood on April 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images for UOMA Beauty)

How did Jennifer Butler die?

Jennifer Butler tragically died on January 12, 2021, at the age of 57. The exact cause of her death has not been disclosed in reports. Butler and Murray met in 1988 when she worked as a costume designer on the fantasy comedy film 'Scrooged.' At that time, Murray was still married to his first wife, Margaret 'Mickey' Kelly, a talent coordinator.

However, Kelly filed for divorce in 1994, and after two years, the divorce was finalized. In 1997, Bill Murray and Jennifer Butler got married, and they went on to have four children together named Caleb, Jackson, Cooper, and Lincoln.

Jennifer Butler's turbulent marriage to Bill Murray

Subsequently, after 11 years of marriage, Jennifer Butler filed for divorce in May 2008, making several allegations against Bill Murray, including physical abuse, abandonment, drug addiction, and adultery. In her legal filing, Butler expressed her unwavering loyalty and faithfulness to her husband, emphasizing her dedication and commitment to her family as well.

(HOLLYWOOD REPORTER AND US TABS OUT) Actor Bill Murray (L) and his wife Jennifer Butler attend the 76th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater on February 29, 2004 in Hollywood, California. — Actor Bill Murray (L) and his wife Jennifer Butler attend the 76th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater on February 29, 2004 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

Regarding the accusations of physical abuse, she recounted that he had struck her in the face and uttered that she was fortunate he hadn't taken her life. However, she also requested a restraining order against him, citing his alleged behavior as the reason for leaving their home with their four children in Charleston.

One month after filing, the couple's divorce was finalized. According to reports, Jennifer Butler was granted primary custody of their children and was able to keep two of their homes. Bill Murray was allowed to keep their other properties and was mandated to pay child support. Additionally, their prenuptial agreement stipulated that he would provide a lump sum of $7 million in the event of a divorce.