Dylan Dreyer has opened up for the first time on TODAY about her separation from Brian Fichera, sharing an honest look at how the former couple are now raising their three sons together. 
Speaking with Jenna Bush Hager, Dylan reflected on the personal road that led to their separation.
“Everybody has their reasons for what leads to a separation or divorce, right?” Dylan said. “That’s another story — with a lot of wine! But yes, either way, we’ve gotten to this place.”
In July, Dylan announced that she and Fichera were moving forward on different paths after 12 years of marriage. The pair share three boys: Calvin, 8, Oliver, 5, and Rusty, 4.
Dylan said she and Brian have been open with their children about the change in their family. 
“For us, we even talked to the kids about it. I asked Calvin, ‘What do you think a family is?’ And he said, ‘It’s a group of people that love each other.’ And I said, ‘That’s what we are, and we will always be that for you. But Mommy and Daddy work better as friends than as husband and wife.’”
According to Dylan, Calvin and his younger brothers are not focused on labels. What matters most is that they feel loved, safe, and supported every day.
For Dylan and Fichera, some parts of the marriage could not be repaired. But instead of carrying resentment, Dylan said they have chosen to reshape their connection. 
“So now we’ve reframed our relationship,” she explained. “We’re no longer husband and wife. And all those things that were broken — I don’t hold them against him. Because we’ve accepted they’re broken. That’s why we separated. Now let’s move forward as friends.”
She added that this shift has helped her let go of frustrations she once felt in the marriage.
“And I’m not mad at those other things that I was getting mad at before, because just like a friend you give them a little more grace when you’re not married to it,” Dylan continued. “And I can be a better friend than a wife.”
Now, Dylan says Calvin, Oliver, and Rusty are “surrounded by love.” Fichera remains a steady presence in their everyday lives, often dropping the boys off at school and joining them for dinner most nights. The family also plans to spend Thanksgiving together.
“I want their dad in their life. They need that. They need both the dynamic of a mother and a father, and we’re providing that to them in the best way possible,” Dylan said.
She described her bond with Brian now as “friends who will be there” for their children, “no matter what.”
When Dylan first announced the separation in July, she shared an emotional statement on Instagram.
“For many years I have shared my family with you all — the highs and lows, the ups and downs, and all of the blessings and beautiful memories in between,” she wrote. “I am incredibly grateful for the support and love you’ve given me through it all.”
Dylan also said that she and Fichera, whom she married in 2012, “began as friends” and would remain “the closest of friends,” while continuing to co-parent “with nothing but love and respect for one another.”
That same month, the two proved their commitment to that promise by joining Fichera’s extended family on vacation.
More recently, Dylan moved with her boys from New York City to the suburbs, where they celebrated their first Halloween in their new home.
Her youngest son, Rusty, was excited to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters — although some children may not be too eager for him to take charge again next year.
“He would hand out just one Hershey’s Kiss!” Dylan laughed on Nov. 3, remembering how disappointed the children looked as they muttered, “Aww, man!”
Through heartbreak, honesty, and a new version of family life, Dylan is making one thing clear: her boys remain surrounded by love — and that is what matters most.
Source: DailyMail.co.uk
