Jennifer Garner opens up about "hard" divorce from Ben Affleck in rare comments

Los Angeles, California - Jennifer Garner has rung in the new year with a surprisingly candid comment on her divorce from fellow Hollywood star Ben Affleck.

Ben Affleck (l.) and Jennifer Garner were married for more than a decade before calling it quits in 2018.
Ben Affleck (l.) and Jennifer Garner were married for more than a decade before calling it quits in 2018.  © Collage: FRAZER HARRISON & KEVORK DJANSEZIAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

The pair first met on the set of Pearl Harbor in 2000, and five years later, they tied the knot.

Ben and Jen welcomed three children over the course of their marriage: Violet (20), Fin (17), and Samuel (13).

However, their time together ultimately didn't last, and after ten years together, they ended their marriage and officially divorced in 2018.

Katy Perry kisses Justin Trudeau in new photo dump – which also features ex Orlando Bloom!
Katy Perry Katy Perry kisses Justin Trudeau in new photo dump – which also features ex Orlando Bloom!

In a Marie Claire interview published Wednesday, the 53-year-old actor admitted her split from Ben was "hard."

"The actual breaking up of a family is what was hard. Losing a true partnership and friendship is what was hard," she said.

Ultimately, Jennifer learned to lean on her closest confidants for support, adding, "I make a big, concerted effort to see my people as much as I can, because that's what matters."

"That's where your resilience is: it's in your relationships and in the people who carry you through," the 13 Going on 30 star continued.

Ben (l.) and Jennifer maintain a close relationship, even after their divorce.
Ben (l.) and Jennifer maintain a close relationship, even after their divorce.  © Christopher Polk / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP
The former spouses and their children still spend time all together.
The former spouses and their children still spend time all together.  © Brian Fluharty / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Jennifer Garner dishes on co-parenting with Ben Affleck

Jennifer Garner often shares insights into her life via social media.
Jennifer Garner often shares insights into her life via social media.  © Collage: Screenshot/Instagram/@jennifer.garner

The celebrities have been officially divorced for around eight years, but how do they manage their everyday life with three children together?

Sometimes it is difficult for Jennifer and her ex-husband – but not impossible.

For example, they celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas together as a family, an insider told People.

Sydney Sweeney dazzles in gold paint for nude shoot
Celebrities Sydney Sweeney dazzles in gold paint for nude shoot

Despite their divorce, the pair's children are coping wonderfully with the current family model.

Jennifer emphasized that she's "so proud of how they walk through the world, and proud of them for trying hard."

The focus of her healing is also her mental health.

"I realized that I had pursued strength and stamina at the expense of mobility, so I'm incorporating things I haven't done in so long, like yoga. I have to back up to go forward," the Alias actor said.

Cover photo: Collage: CHRISTOPHER POLK & KEVORK DJANSEZIAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

More on Celebrities: