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.