Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Garner are gracefully navigating the delicate waters of a blended family. As they each negotiate their relationships with mutual ex, Ben Affleck, the two Hollywood powerhouses have subtly unveiled the unique bond that they share.
Ben and Jennifer Garner's love story began on the set of Pearl Harbor back in 2001. Sparks flew and they reunited three years later, eventually marrying in June 2005. The marriage was blessed with daughter Violet soon after and followed by the arrival of Seraphina in 2009 and Samuel in 2012. The couple quickly became one of Hollywood's most adored couples.
However, after a decade-long marriage, the pair decided to end their relationship. "After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce," they announced in a heartfelt joint statement in 2015.
"We go forward with love and friendship for one another and a commitment to co-parenting our children whose privacy we ask to be respected during this difficult time. This will be our only comment on this private, family matter. Thank you for understanding.”
© GettyREAD: Jennifer Lopez admits her biggest regret over parenting her twins Max and Emme
Interestingly, Ben's love journey had an unforeseen twist. Previously engaged to Jennifer Lopez from 2002 to 2004, the Argo director found himself back in the arms of the singer in 2021, following her split from ex-fiancé Alex Rodriguez.
As Ben and J-Lo’s romance flourished, Jennifer Garner displayed admirable amicability. In several group outings that included their combined families, Jennifer Garner was seen sharing congenial moments with both J-Lo and Ben. This included a memorable trick-or-treating trip in October 2021.
Adding to the joy of their rekindled romance, J-Lo announced that Ben proposed again, two decades after their first engagement. The proposal happened in the coziest of settings - a bubble bath. "I was taken totally off guard and just looked in his eyes smiling and crying at the same time," she shared in her newsletter.
© Jon KopaloffThe couple wasted no time and exchanged vows in a Las Vegas wedding three months later. A grander celebration followed in August 2022, marking their love story with a dash of Hollywood grandeur.
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Despite the complex dynamics, Jennifer Garner and J-Lo remained focused on forging a strong friendship and ensuring the wellbeing of their blended family. In a surprising turn of events,
Ben's comments on the Howard Stern Show in December 2021 stirred a controversy when he revealed that he felt "trapped" in his relationship with Jennifer Garner, leading him to alcohol. Jennifer Garner, however, found staunch support in J-Lo, who refuted rumors that she was offended by Ben's comments. "This story is simply not true. It is not how I feel," she stated, lauding Ben's co-parenting relationship with Jennifer Garner.
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In a candid chat with Vogue in November 2022, J-Lo praised Jennifer Garner for her exceptional motherhood. "She's an amazing co-parent, and they work really well together," she shared.
Reflecting on creating a harmonious blended family with Ben, she acknowledged, "The transition is a process that needs to be handled with so much care. They're teens. But it's going really well so far.”
© Getty ImagesFor the Waiting for Tonight singer, it is about being an ally to the children in this new family dynamic. “Someone who really loves and cares about them but can have a different perspective and help me see things that I can't see with my kids because I'm so emotionally tied up,” she added.
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