Jennifer Lopez Embraces "Happy Era" and Independence Following Ben Affleck Divorce

In a candid Nightline interview, Jennifer Lopez discusses finding herself, her year-long break from work, and why she is staying single after her fourth divorce.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 14, 2026, 5:44 AM EDT

Source: Page Six

A Strategic Pause for Personal Healing

The "Jenny from the Block" singer admitted that her world "exploded" following her August 2024 divorce filing from Affleck. To process the trauma, Lopez made the strategic decision to cancel tours and halt professional projects, choosing instead to remain at home. She explained that she needed to "sit in what had happened" rather than running away from the pain through her typical workaholic tendencies. This period of isolation was essential for her to stop a lifelong pattern of needing a partner to feel complete—a cycle she says has been constant since her early 20s.

Transitioning Beyond the Pressure to Prove

During the interview with Juju Chang, Lopez discussed a fundamental shift in her internal dialogue, moving away from being "hard on herself." She admitted that much of her career was fueled by a constant need to prove her worth to others. Now, she claims to have reached a point of self-trust and appreciation that has removed the immense pressure she once felt. This newfound confidence has allowed her to enjoy being "on her own" for the first time in her adult life, a prospect she confessed used to be terrifying for her.

Navigating Motherhood and the "Empty Nest"

The timing of Lopez’s personal evolution coincides with a major milestone for her family: her 18-year-old twins, Max and Emme, are graduating and heading to college this year. Lopez described herself as being "surrounded by love" despite her decision to remain single. She emphasized that her priority during the height of the divorce proceedings was being present for her children, who she shares with ex-husband Marc Anthony. The transition of her children into adulthood appears to have mirrored her own transition into a more independent phase of life.