As the year winds down, Jennifer Lopez is poised for a fresh beginning, leaving behind the challenges and heartbreaks that marked much of 2023. After filing for divorce from Ben Affleck in August, the 55-year-old superstar is focused on herself and her family as she looks ahead to a brighter, more hopeful new year.
A source close to Lopez tells PEOPLE that the singer, actress, and businesswoman is “focused on her own life” after what has been a particularly trying year. “She has had a rough year but is doing well. She’s ready for Christmas and to start the new year fresh,” the insider reveals.
Lopez, who shares 16-year-old twins Max and Emma with ex-husband Marc Anthony, has also been taking steps to ensure a stable future for her family. Recently, she has been busy “house-hunting for her and the kids,” with plans to find a new home for them as she moves forward in her journey of reinvention and renewal.
While Affleck, 52, spent Thanksgiving with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner and their three children, Lopez shared a moment of gratitude with her followers on Instagram, showing off a cheerful photo of herself with her turkey. “I hope everybody had a beautiful and Happy Thanksgiving. I am so incredibly grateful for all of you,” Lopez wrote alongside the heartwarming image.
Professionally, Lopez has been keeping busy as well. Her latest film, Unstoppable, a sports drama based on a true story, is currently in theaters and will be available for streaming on Prime Video starting January 11. The movie, produced under Affleck’s company Artists Equity, has earned Lopez buzz for her role as Judy Robles, the mother of Anthony Robles, a real-life wrestling champ who was born with one leg.
On December 5, Lopez was honored with the prestigious Maverick Award at the 2024 IndieWire Awards for her outstanding performance. The accolades are a testament to her versatility and enduring talent, and Lopez is already gearing up for more exciting projects in the coming year.
2024 will see the release of Kiss of the Spider Woman, a musical she has described as the “most challenging and rewarding role I’ve ever had.” She is also set to star in a romantic comedy titled Office Romance with Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein, and produce a series adaptation of Emily Henry’s bestselling novel Happy Place.
Lopez had previously canceled her summer tour to spend more time with her family and focus on her personal well-being, a decision she described as “probably the hardest time of my life.” Reflecting on this period, she shared, “I just needed to be with my kids and myself and really dig down deep into things that were happening in my life.” Despite the difficulty, Lopez feels that the time spent focusing on herself was ultimately one of the best decisions she made.
“I’m glad I did, because it was a really difficult time for me,” she admitted. “But it was also the best time because I got to do that work on myself.”
As Lopez looks to the future, she remains grounded in the love of her family and the support of her loyal fans. “I can’t wait to get back out there,” she told Interview in October, teasing her upcoming return to the stage. “I have the most understanding and loving fans in the world. … And I’m excited to shake my ass sooner than you know.”
Meanwhile, Ben Affleck is also focused on work as he navigates his divorce. The actor is currently filming a crime thriller called RIP with longtime collaborator Matt Damon, and his action sequel The Accountant 2 is expected to hit theaters next year. A source close to Affleck shared that the actor is “very happy with life” and “enjoys working,” suggesting that both Lopez and Affleck are finding their own paths to healing and fulfillment after a tumultuous year.
As 2023 draws to a close, Jennifer Lopez is embracing a new beginning—one filled with opportunities for growth, joy, and personal transformation. With exciting projects ahead and a fresh outlook on life, she is ready to leave the past behind and step into a new chapter.
