Why Jennifer Lopez Thought She Was 'Going to Die' After First Ben Affleck Split

Jennifer Lopez gets real about her painful split from her now-husband, Ben Affleck. In a chat with Apple Music's Zane Lowe, the singer opens up about her new album, 'This Is Me... Now,' a follow-up to her 2002 album, 'This Is Me... Then,' which she wrote and recorded while she and Ben were together. J.Lo reveals that after they ended their two-year engagement in 2004, she thought she was 'going to die' and couldn't perform songs from that album anymore. But since the two rekindled their romance in 2021, the actress says she was inspired to create her new album. Jennifer says, 'When he came back into my life again, the same thing happened where I felt so inspired and so overtaken with emotion that it was just pouring out of me.'

[anonymouse]

My step-dad broke up with my mom when they were 17. They found each other in their early 60's and got married. After she died a few years later, he said breaking up with her and losing out on all those years he could've had with her was the biggest regret of his life. Men want to play when the lady knows she's met her soulmate, and that's how true love gets ruined. I tried to warn the love of my life of this, but he didn't listen. 10 years later out of the blue he wants me back. But I won't have him, that ship has sailed as sometimes it does. Don't waste your time men, when you know you've found that only one that gives you THAT feeling.

[kristycastillo]

I really understand this. My husband and I dated when we were in high school. When we broke up I was devastated. I had a failed marriage and he had two. We got back together 20 years later and we have been happily married for 9 years now. I believe that's why her other relationship didn't work out. Now she is with the right person.

[iamshellyy]

I always knew Ben was the one she truly loved. So happy to see them back together after all of these years ❤

[makamurphy]

I'm not surprised, when they broke up it broke her then, so when they got back together 20 years later, I was absolutely happy for them.

[feliciasjourney]

My husband and I broke up for a year after almost 2 years of dating. It was the worst emotional pain of my life. Neither one of us could live without each other. Now we are 4 years happily married. I hate the saying, let it go and if it’s meant to be it’ll be, although it can be true. She is right. True love does exist.

[CASD]

Not a fan but I actually believe she truly loved Ben. I'm glad their journey brought them back together.

[cakesaregood]

We all knew she felt that way. I’m glad they made it back together.

[wmedinaful]

I love when she said to not give up, true love does exist, that really hit me hard. Just what I needed to hear.

[elizabethl]

As someone who has been in love, even the idea of not being able to be with that person felt like somebody repeatedly stabbing me. So it's nice to know celebrities go through these things too! I think it's really neat to see Jennifer and Ben come full circle like this! Like a real life fairy tale. Also that was such an iconic record!

[aidaromero]

Like the saying goes: if it doesn't work out you need to let them go but if it's meant to be you will cross paths again...

[TheShai]

I always felt like she still had deep love for Ben, even with all her relationships after him because of the song “Dear Ben” and “This is me…then” is my favorite album of hers.

[reginamushi]

Oh Gosh I pray he doesn't disappoint her again, bless her heart 💖

[lovepattz]

I remember when she broke up with ARod, my cousin and I, who are HUGE FANS of the original Bennifer - we were like "Can you imagine if they get back together after all these years?!!" Just hopeful musings, but OMG, when we heard the first rumors of them being seen together WE KNEW! We knew that this time around they would make it! LOVE THESE TWO TOGETHER!

[kazb]

Omg I didn’t know she loved Ben that much 💔 back together years later that’s love

[caligirl]

Heartbreak is no joke. It’s very painful .

[nonni]

I hope that their love will last this time. Its nice when people can get back together again as they have done. 😄💕

[Rebecca-bzph]

Omg I can’t believe someone as beautiful and seemingly together as Jennifer had that kind of impact from her breakup. I went through a breakup 5 years ago and I went through something very similar. It’s funny how life works and they found their way back to each other.

[СветланаМ-ег]

I am happy for her. I understand how she feels. Yes, true love exists.

[ttp]

I knew they were destined to be together and before they announced or got back together I said it and I am glad they found their way back to each other. I wish them all the happiness in the world.

[anwartalia]

This was emotional to watch. 🖤 Being able to relate to that heartbreak where you feel like you're gonna die... SUCKS. God I wish that my heartbreak takes this path too and one day it goes full circle. And not 18 years later!