Tina Knowles is speaking candidly—and unapologetically—about her decision to part ways with actor Richard Lawson after eight years of marriage. In a revealing conversation during a recent panel discussion, the 70-year-old matriarch and fashion designer didn’t mince words: “I woke up.”
The moment of clarity, Knowles explained, was less about a sudden incident and more about a deeper realization. “Sometimes, you spend so much time trying to fix things, trying to keep the peace, that you don’t realize you’ve lost yourself in the process,” she said. “And one day, I just woke up. And I knew it was time.”
Knowles and Lawson were long-time friends before they tied the knot in 2015, blending their families and creating what many thought was a fairytale second chance at love. But behind the polished public image, Knowles hinted at a disconnect that had quietly grown over time.
“There wasn’t a big scandal,” she clarified. “No cheating or fighting. Just two people moving in different directions. I think women, especially, are taught to endure. But peace has to be earned—not endured.”
Knowles’ remarks come nearly a year after news of the divorce filing surfaced, catching many fans off guard. But for Knowles, the decision wasn’t impulsive. It was intentional.
“You don’t just walk away from a marriage on a whim. You walk away when you’ve tried everything, and the silence in your spirit gets too loud to ignore.”
Known for her fierce independence and as the creative force behind her daughters Beyoncé and Solange’s early fashion identities, Knowles has always presented a grounded but bold presence. Her latest chapter, she says, is about reclaiming joy—and not just surviving, but thriving.
“I’m not angry. I’m not bitter. I’m grateful—for the lessons, the love, and the clarity. But now, it’s my season. And I plan to live every bit of it.”
Supporters online have rallied behind Knowles’ message, praising her for her honesty and emotional maturity. Social media has since been flooded with tributes to self-love and the power of choosing oneself, no matter your age.
While Lawson has not publicly commented on her latest remarks, Knowles made it clear that her decision was about personal growth—not blame.
“When you finally listen to your inner voice,” she said with a smile, “it tells you everything you need to know.”
