J.Lo speaks out after divorce

Vanity Fair

For the first time since splitting from husband Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez is speaking out about her divorce. The singer spoke to Vanity Fair about the marriage and its demise, saying, “That was my biggest dream, and I really worked hard at it. We both did. Sometimes it doesn’t work -- and that’s sad. But I remain an eternal optimist about love. I believe in love. It’s still my biggest dream. I am positive -- determined to move forward with my life, bring up my babies, and do the best job I can as a mother, entertainer, and person. I now look forward to new challenges. I feel strong.”

Lopez made the remarks to Vanity Fair contributing editor Lisa Robinson just weeks before the July 15 announcement of the split, and Robinson tells TODAY that although Lopez didn't give her explicit indication that a divorce was imminent, she offered up clues about what was happening in her private life. 

"I got a sense of a woman who was coming to terms with herself as a strong independent women," Robinson told TODAY host Ann Curry. "She said the most important relationship that she had was with herself and she had to learn how to love herself."

Robinson said that in retrospect, this sentiment holds extra meaning as Lopez went on to tell Robinson,"As women we are naturally giving and we take care of others. We just have this tendency to put ourselves on the back burner. But we need to be conscious about loving and taking care of ourselves, too."

Lopez didn't reveal the reasons for the breakup, but she did tell Robinson afterward that her divorce was the hardest decision she ever made in her life, and she and Anthony tried very hard. One thing that's certain, is Lopez's admiration for Anthony, despite their failed marriage.

"I will always respect Marc as a singer and performer," Lopez told Vanity Fair. "We actually work great together, and he was always very supportive. Together we could make magic -- and we did. He will always be in our lives. He will always hold a special place in my heart as the father of my children."

The September issue with Robinson's complete Lopez interview goes on sale Aug. 9.

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