Who Is Mary J. Blige?
Mary J. Blige is an American singer-songwriter and actress known as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. She was born on January 11, 1971, in the Bronx, New York. She has won nine Grammy Awards. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. She is 55 years old as of October 2026.
Who Was Mary J. Blige’s Husband?
Martin “Kendu” Isaacs was the husband of Mary J. Blige. He was also her manager. Blige credited him with helping her overcome drug and alcohol abuse.
When Did Mary J. Blige Marry Kendu Isaacs?
Mary J. Blige married Kendu Isaacs on December 7, 2003. The couple wed at their home in New Jersey.
When Did Mary J. Blige File for Divorce?
Mary J. Blige filed for divorce from Kendu Isaacs in July 2016. Her statement at the time said that things do not always work as hoped.
Why Did Mary J. Blige Divorce Kendu Isaacs?
Mary J. Blige cited irreconcilable differences in her divorce filing. Public court records do not state a more specific reason.
How Much Spousal Support Did Mary J. Blige Pay?
A judge ordered Mary J. Blige to pay $30,000 per month in temporary spousal support. Kendu Isaacs initially requested nearly $130,000 per month. Another report lists his request as $100,000 per month.
The order included 2 additional payments:
- $135,000 in retroactive support, dating back to September 1, 2016
- $100,000 in attorney’s fees and expert costs, below the $167,000 Isaacs requested
When Was Mary J. Blige’s Divorce Finalized?
The divorce of Mary J. Blige was finalized on June 20, 2018. The former couple had settled out of court 3 months earlier. The specific terms of the final settlement were not made public.
In January 2018, Isaacs filed documents claiming emotional distress from the divorce proceedings.
How Did the Divorce Influence the Music of Mary J. Blige?
The divorce shaped the 2017 album Strength of a Woman. Blige told New York Magazine that anger and hurt drove the album, and that she refused to let bitterness destroy her.
What Did Mary J. Blige Achieve After the Divorce?
Mary J. Blige earned 3 major career recognitions after the split.
- 2 Oscar nominations for Mudbound, for Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Song
- 5 Grammy nominations for the album Good Morning Gorgeous, including Album of the Year
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2024
What Is the Mary J. Blige Divorce Timeline?
The table below lists the marriage and divorce of Mary J. Blige by date, event, and detail.
| Date | Event | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| December 7, 2003 | Marriage | Wedding to Kendu Isaacs in New Jersey |
| July 2016 | Divorce filing | Irreconcilable differences cited |
| June 2017 | Spousal support order | $30,000 per month, temporary |
| January 2018 | Court filing | Isaacs claims emotional distress |
| March 2018 | Out-of-court settlement | Terms not made public |
| June 20, 2018 | Divorce finalized | Judge signed off on the final agreement |
People Also Ask
Who was Mary J. Blige married to?
Mary J. Blige was married to Kendu Isaacs, her former manager, from 2003 to 2018.
How long were Mary J. Blige and Kendu Isaacs married?
Mary J. Blige and Kendu Isaacs were married for about 12 to 13 years, from December 2003 to the 2016 filing, with the divorce finalized in 2018.
How much did Mary J. Blige pay in spousal support?
Mary J. Blige was ordered to pay $30,000 per month in temporary spousal support.
Does Mary J. Blige have children?
IMDb lists no children for Mary J. Blige.
Is Mary J. Blige still married?
Mary J. Blige has not been married to Kendu Isaacs since the divorce was finalized on June 20, 2018.
Why Is the Divorce Important in the Mary J. Blige Biography?
The divorce is a defining event in the personal life of Mary J. Blige. It ended a 15-year relationship that included marriage, management, and recovery from addiction. It also shaped the album Strength of a Woman, and her later career includes Oscar nominations, Grammy nominations, and a 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.