After nine years of marriage , Thicke and his wife , American actress Paula Patton , separated in February 2014 . Having been together in a relationship since they were teenagers and then marrying in 2005 , Thicke made various public attempts to reconcile with his wife , including dedicating concert performances to her . In May 2014 , it was announced that he would premiere a new song at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards titled " Get Her Back " . Days before the awards ceremony , TMZ obtained a copy of the lyrics that seemingly addressed his separation and his desire to get back with Patton . The song was co-written by guitarist and long-time Thicke collaborator , Bobby Keyes
2014 Billboard Music Awards
2014 Billboard Music Awards
Get Her Back