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Jennifer Lopez recently shared a candid moment when her twins, Max and Emme, expressed feelings of her absence from their lives, a challenge she faced while managing single motherhood after her divorce from Marc Anthony.
During an appearance on the “Howard Stern Show” on Wednesday, the renowned singer spoke about a pivotal conversation with her now 17-year-old children. This exchange took place during the COVID-19 lockdown, a period when Lopez found herself at home more often, allowing her to become more involved in her family life.
“They told me, ‘You’re not like other moms. You’re not here every day. You don’t drop us off or pick us up like the other moms do,'” Lopez recalled, noting that her children were around 10 years old at the time.
Reflecting on the conversation, Lopez, who is now 56, acknowledged the realization of how much her presence was needed by her children.
The actress and singer, known for her role in “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” admitted that before this revelation, she was constantly in “hyperdrive.” She believed it was her sole responsibility to provide for her children following her 2011 separation from Anthony after a seven-year marriage.
“They were used to me working,” she continued, explaining that she had a lot of help with raising her twins from loved ones and nannies.
“I think when the pandemic happened, I got to stay home, [and] I realized I need to be more home with them all the time,” Lopez stated.
“I realized how much they needed me there. It wasn’t just about me giving them a great life. It was about me being there for them all the time.”
The “Selena” star described the conversation with Emme and Max as a “wakeup call,” saying she’s learned how to turn down certain projects and now has the “best relationship” with them.
Lopez is often seen out with her children — either at dinner, Broadway shows or on the red carpet.
The hitmaker and Anthony, 57, started dating in September 2003 and tied the knot the following June.
The exes welcomed their kids in 2008 before announcing their separation three years later via a statement to People.
“This was a very difficult decision,” they wrote in July 2011. “We have come to an amicable conclusion on all matters. It is a painful time for all involved and we appreciate the respect of our privacy at this time.”
While Anthony is rarely seen out with Max and Emme, he gave insight into their relationship during an interview with E! News in March, saying, “If you learned anything after all these years, it’s whatever they want, whatever they say.”
The “Vivir Mi Vida” crooner also gushed that he had a “wonderful family.”
Aside from Max and Emme, Anthony is also the father to Arianna Muñiz, 31, and Chase Muñiz, 28, with ex Debbie Rosado, as well as Cristian Muñiz, 24, and Ryan Muñiz, 22, with ex Dayanara Torres.
Additionally, he shares a 2-year-old son, Marco, with his wife, Nadia Ferreirra, whom he wed in 2023.
Lopez, meanwhile, got remarried to Ben Affleck in 2022, but the “Gigli” co-stars called it quits two years later.