Speculation regarding the inspiration behind Hilary Duff’s poignant new single, “We Don’t Talk,” was finally laid to rest on Friday (Feb. 20). During a candid appearance on CBS Mornings—timed with the release of her new album, Luck … or Something—the multi-hyphenate star confirmed that the track chronicles the painful rift between her and her sister, Haylie.
When correspondent Anthony Mason questioned whether the song addressed their current estrangement, Duff offered a solemn confirmation. “Yeah, it is,” she admitted. “It’s undeniably the most isolating part of my life right now—not having my sister by my side.”
The Lizzie McGuire alumna revealed she grappled with the decision to include such a vulnerable piece on the record. Ultimately, she chose to share it after realizing how many people endure similar fractures within their own families. “It’s my reality,” Duff noted, adding that vocalizing her feelings was a form of catharsis. She also touched on the difficulty of having her private struggles dissected by “talking heads on TikTok,” noting that while public theories are occasionally accurate, the constant scrutiny remains overwhelming to navigate.
“We Don’t Talk” serves as a centerpiece for Duff’s first studio effort in ten years. The lyrics delve into their shared history—“We come from the same home, the same blood”—and explore the possibility that professional envy may have played a role in their distance. In one particularly raw verse, she laments that she would gladly sacrifice her own success if it meant reconciling with Haylie.
When asked if she hoped the song might serve as an olive branch, Duff appeared skeptical. “I’m not sure that would be productive,” she reflected. “I’ve reached a point where I have to exist as an individual and pursue my own path. I think everyone in my position eventually has to make that choice.”
She emphasized that finding the strength to ignore the surrounding noise and remain authentic has been a long journey. “I don’t know if she’ll even listen to it or how she’ll respond. This is a deeply personal chapter of my life that has unfortunately become public property, so I decided to reclaim the narrative by sharing my own experience.”
Growing up in the limelight, Duff is no stranger to public fascination with her family dynamics. Elsewhere on Luck … or Something, specifically in the track “The Optimist,” she seemingly references her complicated history with her parents, Robert and Susan. However, her relationship with Haylie has drawn increased attention recently, following a series of social media disagreements involving Ashley Tisdale and Duff’s husband, Matthew Koma.
Watch the full segment of Hilary Duff’s interview on CBS Mornings below.
Hilary Duff opens up to @AnthonyMasonCBS about her relationship with her sister, Haylie: “Absolutely the most lonely part of my existence is not having my sister in my life at the moment.”
She shares why she chose to include the song, “We Don’t Talk,” on her new album, “luck…… pic.twitter.com/TchpCTd58L
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) February 20, 2026
