Mary J. Blige files for divorce from husband Kendu Isaacs after 12 years of marriage

The hip hop icon has been married to her former manager for over a decade 
All over: Mary J Blige is set to divorce husband Kendu Isaacs
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Jennifer Ruby29 July 2016
The Weekender

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Mary J Blige has split from husband Kendu Isaacs after 12 years of marriage.

The hip hop legend has filed for divorce from her long-time partner and former manager, her rep has confirmed.

Blige, 45, is thought to have cited irreconcilable differences as grounds for divorce in the papers submitted this week.

In a statement to USA Today, her publicist Karynne Tencer said: “Ms. Blige is saddened to say it is true that she has filed for divorce, saying sometimes things don't work how we hoped they would.

“But there is a divine plan and a reason for everything.”

She went on to say that Blige was continuing to work on her forthcoming album and had plans to tour next year.

“Mary will continue writing and working on her album, which is due out later this year along with her world tour,” said Tencer.

“She thanks and appreciates her fans for their support and love through this very difficult emotional time.”

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The couple had no children together but Blige was stepmother to Isaac’s three children from his former marriage, Briana, Jordan and Nas.

Speaking about Isaacs back in 2007, Blige told People Magazine: “He was the first person to ever challenge what I did: 'Why are you drinking? Why do you hate yourself? You don't need to be around people who tear you down. You're beautiful, Mary.’”

“He was the first man to ever tell me that.”

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