Monica Opens Up About Divorce From Shannon Brown On "Friends & Family Hustle"

The singer said she's been having a rough time.

BYErika Marie
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It was believed that Monica wasn't going to speak about her split from former NBA star Shannon Brown on reality television, but the singer opened up on a recent episode of T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle. Back in March, it was announced that the 38-year-old mother of three filed for divorce and as the premiere date of the VH1 show approached, there was much speculation regarding how much Monica would reveal about her break up.

The "So Gone" singer shed tears as she spoke about her recent transition without getting into detail about why her marriage fell apart. "I think a lot of my life changes have become so complex and difficult. I had two children. I stayed in that relationship a long time, and he was a loss on both levels," she said of her ex-fiancé Rodney 'Rocko' Hill. "Then I finally met my husband and then I had my daughter, and it was good that he was athletic like the boys, so they had their own bond...and then now that’s a loss. It’s been some rough weeks these last few weeks."

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"Things in my personal life have been changing a lot, and it has not been easy," Monica added. "I cannot lie. My personal relationship is taking a major toll on me. I’m feeling it every day. I’ve been keeping everything to myself and I feel overwhelmed...I’m everybody’s go-to, and I think it makes people think I’m pretending to be perfect when in actuality, I just don’t believe in pausing. 'Cause it’s like you pause and you get stuck."

The singer has been preparing for the release of her forthcoming album Chapter 38 by dropping two singles: "Commitment" and "Me + You."


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About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.