If I knew I'd feel this fulfilled as a single woman, I would have left my ex's ass a thousand times. According to a recent article published by PEOPLE, that's exactly how "Not Gon' Cry" singer and recent Lifetime Achievement Award winner Mary J. Blige feels now that her divorce has been finalized.
After discovering that her former husband, Kendu Issacs, had committed infidelity in their relationship, Mary took a hit both to her heart and her bank account. While undergoing divorce proceedings, a judge determined that Mary pay Kendu a total of $30,000 a month in sposal support, totaling a sum $360,000 a year, but no sum of money was equal to the freedom the 48-year-old singer felt after breaking free of a toxic relationship.
Mary is back to singing the songs of love and heartbreak that have been the soundtrack of our romantic lives for days, and according to her, the ability to revist those old feelings is more of a blessing than a curse. She explained:
Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix
"It's therapeutic. To travel back and to relive something again and not have it drive you crazy is a true gift from God."
She explained that because she's been through the storm, she's on a mission to let other women know there's a rainbow on the other side. Often times in life, we're blindsided by the ones we love, and although it may not take away the feelings of betrayal and hurt, it helps to know that you're not going through it alone. She continued:
"To be able to touch people with what you've gone through and pull them through…The sadness makes me happy almost. I can't even describe it."
Although Mary is able to look on the bright side today, the singer shared that she hasn't always maintained this level of joy and optimism. Mary revealed that contrary to what we may think, she didn't truly find peace until having to undergo one of the most tumultuous storms of her life. She explained:
"I think I turned that corner when I got my divorce. I think that I realized that no matter what comes to me, no matter how big or bad it is, I have to keep moving, I have to keep living. I said, 'No, I'm not going to stay in this marriage. I'm out of here.' That's what thriving is about."
According to Mary, although her divorce may have been difficult, she's confident that her life as a new woman will be just fine. It takes a truly mature woman to see the purpose in her pain, and to Mary, what she's been through has only solidified her faith.
"I'm very content, and I'm happy with myself. I learned to be happy with just Mary, just enjoying my own company, me by myself most of the time. I'm grateful."
To read Mary's full interview with PEOPLE, click here!
Featured image by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix
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With a multi-layered approach to her artistry, just as she did on that winter day in December 2013 with the infamous digital drop of her self-titled album, she changed the game again on February 1, 2023, when she announced her world tour in support of Renaissance, her seventh studio album. Her cultural impact set the internet ablaze, with everyone trying to gather their coins, barter for presale codes, and figure out which cities to attend. The group chats were lit, and the Beyhive was stressed trying to get their hands on tickets.
Photo courtesy of Dontaira Terrell
Unfortunately, I was in that number. As the concert dates passed by and the one in my city drawing near all roads led to disappointment. With time ticking on the day of the Miami show and less than two hours to spare, my wallet bit the bullet, and I purchased three last-minute tickets, costing roughly $700.00 a piece (including fees) for me, my 9-year-old and 16-year-old nieces in Section 121 at the Hard Rock Stadium. With 10 minutes before showtime, we eagerly awaited the Queen to take the stage. A sea of metallic fringes, cowboy hats, disco fans, and western boots were in full effect and filled the entire stadium.
As the lights dimmed, a flood of emotions instantly overtook my body. It continued with each note she belted, along with nearly 50,000 roaring fans. The reverberating sound of the music through the stadium transported me from one era of my life to the next. As a teen girl in her bedroom daydreaming about her first love to blossoming into an unapologetic Black woman who is still on a road of self-discovery while learning to lean into the power anthem of "You won't break my soul." For over two hours, and with each set, I felt joy, love, peace, and a commanderie with fellow concertgoers. It was therapeutic as I danced like no one was watching and sang as if I were alone in my bathroom mirror.
There were no bars held, and I realized at that moment, "Nobody can judge me but me." The "Renaissance World Tour" proved to be so vast, and my Black girl joy was re-invigorated. It was magnetic and liberating, and I had to attend again, but this time, I needed to be up close and personal; I needed to be on the floor. In the days that passed, I watched more social media clips in different cities and asked myself if I would really splurge again to attend another Renaissance show.
Photo courtesy of Dontaira Terrell
After all, this would be my thirteenth time (maybe more because I lost count) seeing Beyoncé live, whether she was on tour with Destiny's Child, as a solo artist, or doing a live appearance. I contemplated for a while, but it worked itself out on its own. I was gifted two tickets and the next thing I knew, I was off to LA to attend another Renaissance show with floor seats at SoFi Stadium during Beyonce's 42nd birthday weekend! This time, things were different: no kids were allowed. It was adults only this go round.
Although the energy at the Miami and Los Angeles shows was empowering, infectious, and a celebration of life, happiness, and identity, they each provided their own unique experience. However, both concerts were what I needed for my well-being, leaving me with sore feet from dancing the night away, on vocal rest for the next few days from screaming at the top of my lungs, and on an indefinite high on life.
My introduction and love for Beyoncé began in 1996, while my older sister lived in Houston, TX, right before Bey hit the scene in 1998 with "No, No, No" as a budding R&B member. Her evolution twenty-seven years later as an international superstar and into womanhood has been an incredible journey to witness. As Mrs. Carter reminds each of us in the audience every night before the curtain closes, "I want you to remember this moment, where you're standing, who you came with, and take it with you. I hope you feel inspired."
I truly felt inspired, so thank you, Queen Bey. You awakened my inner child, and I will definitely remember these moments and take them with me.
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Feature image by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood
