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Actress Jodie Turner-Smith went through a big change this year: divorce and co-parenting. The up-and-coming actress spoke about navigating the latter in an interview with Glamor magazine for its Woman of the Year cover story.
The 38-year-old British actress said she had to adapt to the family dynamic following her divorce. She was married to Dawson’s Creek alumnus Joshua Jackson.
“When you break up with someone, it’s an adjustment period for everyone because you’re used to being with your kids all the time,” Turner-Smith told the magazine. “But no one hands you a manual. Everyone is trying to figure it out.”
She continued, “Each parent has a different life, and how to co-parent only makes things more complicated, especially when the reason for the separation is because of differences in each other’s lives.” .
The Jacksons married in 2019 and welcomed their first and only child, Juno Rose Diana, in April 2020. In a past interview, Jackson revealed that Turner-Smith asked the question first, causing a stir online. The actor then revealed that he also proposed and asked permission from her father and stepfather to marry her.
After about four years of marriage, the former couple separated in October 2023. Although the divorce filing cited “irreconcilable differences,” neither party disclosed a clear reason for the separation at the time.
However, in an interview with The Times in February, the actress revealed details about what led to her decision to file for divorce.
“Sometimes the things we really want to work on don’t end up working out,” Turner-Smith now tells the Times. “That’s okay. The most important thing is to choose what’s healthiest for you, your family, and definitely your children.”
She continued: “There are many moments in our lives where we look at ourselves and think, ‘Who am I? Am I being true to that?’” If the answer is no, you have to take action. I believe there are visible scars from staying in places that are not good for us. And they don’t just affect us, but everyone around us. I don’t think it’s a failure. We obviously had some very beautiful moments together. And now a new moment has come for both of us. And it’s so exciting! The bravest thing in the world is recognizing when something isn’t working and taking action. I always want to set such an example for my daughter. ”
Since their divorce, Jackson has been photographed holding hands with Marvel actress Lupita Nyong’o, who also experienced an unexpected breakup in the fall of 2023.
Although the romantic chapter in the former couple’s life has ended, they still have a child to raise together. Turner-Smith told Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush on a recent episode of “Today with Hoda & Jenna” that raising her daughter Juno is one of the things she values most. .
“Honestly, my favorite thing about myself is that I’m that girl’s mother. I’m just so grateful that she chose me to be her mother. And having to get that gift. That’s my favorite. I mean, it’s just an honor,” she said.
The Queen & Slim actress further added, “I feel like that was our birthright to motherhood. I feel like that was a woman’s birthright whether we bring children or not. ” We hold space for those around us. It changed everything for me. It only made me richer. It showed me how powerful No.1 is. Oh, oops! It’s like the Supreme Being—wow! ”