Hilary Duff Says “We Don’t Talk” as She Addresses Family Tension

Hilary Duff is getting candid about the complicated family dynamics that have shaped her life — and her music.

As the former Disney Channel star prepares to release her sixth studio album, Luck... or Something, fans have been closely listening to the lyrics of her newly released songs. Many believe the tracks hint at strained relationships with her father, Robert Duff, and her sister, Haylie Duff.

In a recent interview with Glamour, the 38-year-old singer confirmed that her family relationships haven’t always been easy.

“That’s my family. Those are the people that affect you the most,” she said. “But just because you’re born into a family doesn’t mean that it always stays together.”

Duff reflected on growing up in the spotlight alongside Haylie, with whom she once shared a close bond. The sisters worked together on projects like the 2006 film Material Girls and even recorded a cover of The Go-Go’s “Our Lips Are Sealed.” But in recent years, the two have not been publicly seen together, sparking speculation about distance between them.

Songs That Tell a Story

Two tracks from Luck... or Something have especially caught fans’ attention.

In “We Don’t Talk,” which Duff has been performing during her Small Rooms, Big Nerves Tour, she sings about losing touch with someone who shares her bloodline. Lyrics like, “People ask me how you’re doing… but the truth is that I don’t know,” have led listeners to believe the song is about Haylie.

Another emotional track, “The Optimist,” appears to address her father. In the song, Duff sings, “I wish I could sleep on planes and that my father would really love me,” a line that has resonated deeply with fans.

Duff’s parents, Robert and Susan Duff, divorced in 2008 after 20 years of marriage. That same year, Robert served 10 days in jail for contempt of court during legal proceedings related to family assets. In a past interview with Inside Edition, he admitted to being unfaithful during the marriage and expressed regret over how it affected his daughters.

“You Can Only Control Your Side”

Looking back, Duff says she’s at a place in life where she feels ready to speak more openly.

“I’ve had a very complicated life, and my parents had a very complicated thing,” she told Glamour. “You can only control your side and your street.”

The singer also addressed the timing of her honesty, explaining that she simply feels prepared now. “Why share now? I guess I just felt ready,” she said.

While neither Hilary nor Haylie has publicly detailed the status of their relationship, fans have pointed to subtle social media activity — including Haylie interacting with a post tied to fellow Disney alum Ashley Tisdale — as signs of tension.

Still, Duff’s focus appears to be on her music and personal growth. Only a few songs from Luck... or Something have been released so far, with the full album set to drop on Feb. 20.

For Duff, this new era seems less about revisiting the past — and more about finally owning her story.