Jill Scott Opens Up About Music Hiatus, Motherhood, and New Album

The Grammy-winning R&B star discusses the personal reasons behind her decade-long break from music and how past "bad decisions" and joy inspired her raw new album "To Whom This May Concern".

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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After a decade-long hiatus from music, Grammy-winning R&B artist Jill Scott has released her first new album in 10 years, titled "To Whom This May Concern". In an exclusive interview, the 53-year-old singer opens up about the personal reasons behind her musical break, including focusing on motherhood and dealing with the aftermath of "bad decisions" in her love life. Scott also discusses how her experiences with heartbreak, menopause, and finding joy have shaped her raw and honest new album.

Why it matters

Jill Scott's return to music after a 10-year absence is significant, as the acclaimed R&B star has been known for her empowering anthems and vulnerable love songs that have resonated with fans over the course of her two-decade career. Her openness about the personal challenges that led to her hiatus, as well as the inspiration behind her new album, provides insight into the creative process and life experiences of one of R&B's most respected voices.

The details

After the release of her double-platinum debut album "Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds Vol. 1" in 2000, Scott went on to win three Grammys and establish herself as a leading voice in neo-soul and R&B. However, she decided to step away from music for about a decade to focus on raising her son Jett, who was born in 2009. During this time, Scott also dealt with the aftermath of "bad decisions" in her personal life, including two divorces. Now in the midst of menopause, the 53-year-old singer says she's in a different place emotionally and physically, which is reflected in the raw honesty of her new album "To Whom This May Concern". Despite the hardships, Scott maintains a positive outlook, crediting her mother's lessons about finding beauty in difficult circumstances as the source of her resilience and joy.

  • Jill Scott's new album "To Whom This May Concern" was released in March 2026.
  • Scott took a decade-long break from music to focus on raising her son Jett, who was born in 2009.

The players

Jill Scott

A Grammy-winning R&B singer known for her rich, warm vocals and empowering anthems. She released her debut album "Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds Vol. 1" in 2000 and has since won three Grammys.

Jett Hamilton Roberts

Jill Scott's son, born in 2009. Scott took a decade-long break from music to focus on raising her child.

Mike Dobson

Jill Scott's ex-husband, whom she divorced in 2017 after a contentious split.

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What they’re saying

“I feel relieved. My baby's outside, and people are responding to it in beautiful ways and actually listening, which gives me the greatest joy.”

— Jill Scott, Singer (PEOPLE)

“I definitely made some bad decisions based on the fact that I liked someone, a couple of times, I think. But trust me, even in that, I don't regret it at all. It got me here in this place and time in my life.”

— Jill Scott, Singer (PEOPLE)

“I'm in the middle of menopause right now. I'm different in ways that I didn't intend on being different, but I'm here, and I love what I do. It's a thrill and a privilege.”

— Jill Scott, Singer (PEOPLE)

The takeaway

Jill Scott's return to music after a decade-long hiatus showcases her resilience, vulnerability, and commitment to artistic expression. Her openness about the personal challenges she faced, including relationships, motherhood, and menopause, resonates with fans and underscores the power of finding joy and beauty even in difficult circumstances.