Mary J. Blige Discusses Her Decision Not to Have Children

R&B icon Mary J. Blige, whose musical impact has inspired many artists, has shared insights into her personal choice to remain childfree.

During a recent appearance on Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson's IMO podcast, Blige reflected on her decision not to have children. She explained her reasoning by stating, "I saw a lot of people struggling. I see a lot, you know, my family members needing babysitters and them not having a choice, no freedom. So when you’re younger, those are the words you make, those are the choices you make. I don’t want any kids."

The Grammy-winning artist admitted that as she has gotten older, she has sometimes experienced moments of regret and loneliness regarding her childless status. However, she ultimately expresses contentment with the life she has cultivated.

"When you get older, you start to see how valuable their teenagers are to them and their kids are to them," Blige shared. "Sometimes I’m lonely, but I’m alone a lot. I’m in my home, but we have a good time. We have a good time. I make sure we have a good time. We by ourselves, we watching movies, I be trying on clothes, I be watching movies. I accept it; it is what it is. I’m not trying to have company and friends; it is what it is."

Michelle Obama chimed in, addressing the societal pressure women often face regarding motherhood. "You don’t have to be a mother. That doesn’t make you whole," the former first lady stated. "If you’re not a whole person, a child will not do that for you. It won’t complete you."

Blige, originally from Yonkers, was married to producer Kendu Isaacs from 2003 until their divorce was finalized in 2018 after a contentious split.

Currently, Mary J. Blige is preparing for another engagement in Las Vegas as part of her "My Life, My Story" residency, which is set to resume on October 23rd.

The acclaimed artist released her latest album, Gratitude, in 2024. Earlier in August, she made a guest appearance at Chris Brown and Usher's R&B Tour stop in New Jersey.

The discussion about motherhood can be found around the 45-minute mark of the full interview.