Jennifer Lopez 'Grateful' for Memories with Ben Affleck Despite 'One of the Hardest Years' (Exclusive Source)

Mar. 15, 2025

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck.Photo:Darren Gerrish/Getty; Daniele Venturelli/WireImage

Darren Gerrish/Getty; Daniele Venturelli/WireImage

Jennifer Lopezisn’t dwelling on disappointments.A source close to the star, 55, tells PEOPLE that “this has been one of the hardest years for Jennifer,” whofiled for divorcefromBen Affleckin August after two years of marriage.“She didn’t want to file for divorce. She just felt like she had no choice. Nothing was gonna change with Ben,” says the source.Lopez listed April 26 as their date of separation when she filed for divorce after a summer they largely spent apart on opposite coasts.“She was very upset about it,” the source adds. “But true to her positive outlook on life, she’s moving forward with optimism. Instead of feeling like she’s fallen flat on her face, she sees it was meant to be. She’s taking time for herself right now.“Says the source, “She knows she lives a privileged life in so many ways. She’s very grateful for all the beautiful memories with Ben, but she’s now focused on creating the best future for herself and her kids.“Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez on Feb. 13, 2024.Lionel Hahn/WireImageNever miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest storiesLopez appeared at theToronto International Film Festivalin September to support an upcoming movie she stars in,Unstoppable, which Affleck produced along withMatt Damonthrough their company Artists Equity.The actress and Afflecktook their kids to lunch togetherin Los Angeles on Sept. 14, after which an insider told said it “makes [Lopez] happy seeing the kids happy together.“Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on March 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.Kevork Djansezian/GettyLopez shares twins Emme and Max, 16, with ex-husbandMarc Anthony. Affleck sharesthree childrenwith ex-wifeJennifer Garner:Violet, 18,Seraphina, 15, andSamuel, 12.Affleck wasseen visiting the set of a moviehe is working on in Los Angeles on Oct. 9. A source told PEOPLE days before Lopez filed for divorce in August that Affleck “thrives when he’s busy and he’s been working nonstop.“Lopez also publicly set her next movie role when she confirmed Sept. 17 she will costar withTed Lasso’sBrett Goldsteinin an upcoming Netflix romantic comedy titledOffice Romance.

Jennifer Lopezisn’t dwelling on disappointments.

A source close to the star, 55, tells PEOPLE that “this has been one of the hardest years for Jennifer,” whofiled for divorcefromBen Affleckin August after two years of marriage.

“She didn’t want to file for divorce. She just felt like she had no choice. Nothing was gonna change with Ben,” says the source.

Lopez listed April 26 as their date of separation when she filed for divorce after a summer they largely spent apart on opposite coasts.

“She was very upset about it,” the source adds. “But true to her positive outlook on life, she’s moving forward with optimism. Instead of feeling like she’s fallen flat on her face, she sees it was meant to be. She’s taking time for herself right now.”

Says the source, “She knows she lives a privileged life in so many ways. She’s very grateful for all the beautiful memories with Ben, but she’s now focused on creating the best future for herself and her kids.”

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez on Feb. 13, 2024.Lionel Hahn/WireImage

Lionel Hahn/WireImage

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories

Lopez appeared at theToronto International Film Festivalin September to support an upcoming movie she stars in,Unstoppable, which Affleck produced along withMatt Damonthrough their company Artists Equity.

The actress and Afflecktook their kids to lunch togetherin Los Angeles on Sept. 14, after which an insider told said it “makes [Lopez] happy seeing the kids happy together.”

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on March 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.Kevork Djansezian/Getty

Kevork Djansezian/Getty

Lopez shares twins Emme and Max, 16, with ex-husbandMarc Anthony. Affleck sharesthree childrenwith ex-wifeJennifer Garner:Violet, 18,Seraphina, 15, andSamuel, 12.

Affleck wasseen visiting the set of a moviehe is working on in Los Angeles on Oct. 9. A source told PEOPLE days before Lopez filed for divorce in August that Affleck “thrives when he’s busy and he’s been working nonstop.”

Lopez also publicly set her next movie role when she confirmed Sept. 17 she will costar withTed Lasso’sBrett Goldsteinin an upcoming Netflix romantic comedy titledOffice Romance.

source: people.com