Jennifer Lopez Took Time Off After Ben Affleck Divorce

The singer says she needed to 'stop everything' and focus on herself and her twins after splitting from Affleck.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Jennifer Lopez revealed that she took a year off and canceled tours after her divorce from Ben Affleck in 2024. The 56-year-old singer said she needed to 'stop everything' and 'be home' with her twins Max and Emme to process the split without 'running away from it through work, through another person through anything.' Lopez said she used the time to reflect on herself and 'figure myself out' after the unexpected divorce.

Why it matters

Lopez's candid comments provide a rare glimpse into how high-profile celebrities cope with major life changes and the end of relationships. Her decision to take a step back from her career to focus on herself and her family highlights the importance of self-care and processing grief, even for the most successful public figures.

The details

After filing for divorce from Affleck in August 2024, which was finalized in January 2025, Lopez said she 'canceled tours' and 'decided to just be home and sit in what had happened without running away from it through work, through another person through anything.' The 'On the Floor' singer said she 'needed to be home' with her 18-year-old twins Max and Emme, whom she shares with ex-husband Marc Anthony. Lopez also used the time to reflect, explaining 'I was just at a point where I was like, 'What is going on with you?'' and that she 'really needed to figure myself out.'

  • Lopez filed for divorce from Affleck in August 2024.
  • The divorce was finalized in January 2025.
  • Lopez took a year off after the divorce.

The players

Jennifer Lopez

A 56-year-old singer, actress, and dancer who was previously married to Ben Affleck, Ojani Noa, Cris Judd, and Marc Anthony, and engaged to Alex Rodriguez.

Ben Affleck

A 53-year-old actor who was previously married to Jennifer Lopez.

Marc Anthony

Jennifer Lopez's ex-husband and the father of her twins Max and Emme.

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What they’re saying

“I took a year off. I canceled tours. I decided to just be home and sit in what had happened without running away from it through work, through another person through anything. Just sit.”

— Jennifer Lopez (Good Morning America)

“I needed to be home with my twins, Max and Emme, and that was the priority at that time.”

— Jennifer Lopez (Good Morning America)

“I was just at a point where I was like, 'What is going on with you?' I couldn't blame anybody else because I don't think that's where the lesson is. And so, I really needed to figure myself out.”

— Jennifer Lopez (Good Morning America)

The takeaway

Jennifer Lopez's decision to take a year off after her high-profile divorce from Ben Affleck serves as a reminder that even the most successful celebrities need time to process major life changes and focus on self-care. Her candid comments highlight the importance of prioritizing mental health and family over career demands, especially during difficult transitions.