Entertainment Music R&B Music Mary J. Blige Says She Still Believes in Love Despite Past Heartbreaks: 'I Want a Man!' "I'm not going to let a bad relationship or a bad marriage stop me from having a good life," said the R&B superstar in a new interview By Jack Irvin Jack Irvin Jack Irvin has over five years of experience working in digital journalism, and he’s worked at PEOPLE since 2022. Jack started in the industry with internships at Rolling Stone and Entertainment Tonight, and he worked as a freelance writer for publications including Bustle, MTV News, Shondaland, L’Officiel USA, Ladygunn, Flood and PopCrush before joining PEOPLE. In his current role, Jack covers daily music news and has interviewed both up-and-coming and established artists including Dolly Parton, Michelle Branch, Ashanti, Cyndi Lauper, Normani, Carly Rae Jepsen and Coco Jones. People Editorial Guidelines and Dave Quinn Dave Quinn Dave Quinn is a Senior Editor for PEOPLE. He has been working at the brand since 2016, and is the author of the No. 1 New York Times best-selling book, Not All Diamonds and Rosé: The Inside Story of the Real Housewives from the People Who Lived It. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 6, 2024 06:55PM EST Mary J. Blige. Photo: Derek White/Getty Images for TV One Romance is still in the cards for Mary J. Blige. The R&B superstar opened up about moving beyond past relationships and continuing to believe in love during an interview on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna to promote her upcoming third annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit. Blige released a new single titled "Still Believe in Love" last year, and she told hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager that its lyrics are "absolutely" representative of her current outlook. Cher, Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige Among 2024 Nominees for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame "That's the only way I'm able to be my own company," said the 53-year-old Grammy winner. "Because I believe in love for myself, I'm not going to give up on love. I’m not going to let a bad relationship or a bad marriage stop me from having a good life and having romance and getting the hugs that I want and the desire and kisses." According to the "Family Affair" singer, she used to consider herself "hard" to love but now refuses to internalize such negative feelings. "I want a man! I want love, I want it all, and I’m not going to let my past stop me from that," said Blige, who divorced her ex-husband Kendu Isaacs after 12 years of marriage in 2016. Flavor Flav Reveals His Favorite Taylor Swift Song and Compares Her Writing Style to Mary J. Blige Mary J. Blige in New York City in October 2023. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images "It’s because I love myself like that, I’m able to draw things to me, and I’m able to receive the love that I know I deserve," added the "Just Fine" musician, who also revealed she's currently dating. In another new interview with CBS Mornings, Blige spoke about the inspiration behind "Still Believe in Love," which was written while she was going through the divorce in 2016. "I was trying to believe in something other than what I was living in and dealing with, and that’s hate, self-hate, you know? I started this journey during that marriage, that sparked the lyrics for ‘Good Morning Gorgeous,’ and that’s the love for myself," she said, referencing her 2022 single and album of the same name. Mary J. Blige Celebrates Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary with Earring Collection: 'Important Milestone' (Exclusive) "So I still believe in love; I’m not going to give up on love, I’m not going to give up on romance, I’m not going to give up on myself. I’m not going to do that," added Blige. As for how she's feeling at the current moment? "I’m in love, I believe I deserve a good relationship with myself, with a partner. When you believe it, it comes to you like that," she told CBS Mornings. Blige is focusing on putting good energy out into the world. "If you believe something negative, then that’s what’s going to happen to you. If you believe something positive, then that’s what’s going to happen to you," she said. What Mary J. Blige Does Every Morning That Changed Her Life: 'I Didn't Love Myself' Mary J Blige performs in New York City in October 2023. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The Power actress continued, "I’m not saying life is not full of negative things. Bad things are going to happen. But I know how to keep those things away from me, those negative things, by being positive. And it’s not easy, but I’m doing it." On Wednesday, Blige announced her third annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit will be taking place in her native New York City from May 10-11. Over its two days, artists including Blige, 50 Cent, Jill Scott, Fat Joe and more will deliver performances, while conversations and comedy shows will also go down. Close