Lilly Jay, the former wife of actor Ethan Slater, has opened up about the unexpected and highly publicized end of their marriage, which sparked rumors of a relationship between Slater and pop star Ariana Grande. In a heartfelt essay published in The Cut, Jay, who is a clinical psychologist specializing in women’s mental health, expressed her feelings surrounding the divorce and its emotional toll.
Reflecting on her marriage, Jay conveyed that no one anticipates divorce, particularly not after welcoming a child. She candidly stated, “I really never thought I would get divorced,” emphasizing the shock of facing such a life change shortly after giving birth to her son. The timing of the split juxtaposed with Slater’s relationship with Grande, who also experienced a breakup, added to the complexities of the situation. Jay famously remarked at the time that Grande was “not a girl’s girl,” suggesting her disappointment in the circumstances.
Despite the pain of the split, Jay affirms her and Slater’s commitment to co-parenting their son. She finds solace in her belief that brighter times lie ahead for both her and her child. Jay articulately remarked that, although her partnership with Slater has ended, their shared love for their son remains unwavering: “Both of us fiercely love our son 100 percent of the time, regardless of how our parenting time is divided.”
The recent success of the film “Wicked,” starring both Slater and Grande, adds another layer to the emotional landscape Jay is navigating. While she acknowledges enjoying sunny days with her son, she also grapples with the darker moments linked to the film’s promotion, which corresponds with her personal challenges.
In a hopeful turn, Jay views her experience and subsequent media attention as an opportunity to forge deeper connections with her patients. She reflects on how her own struggles can resonate with and support those she helps, stating, “Maybe we can think about my messy not-so-personal life in that way: a dose of my own loss, rage, powerlessness, sadness that helps me hold yours.”
In summary, Lilly Jay’s candid exploration of her divorce highlights the emotional complexities of motherhood and co-parenting while navigating a public life. Through her struggles, she aims to transform her experience into a source of strength for herself and her patients, advocating for the acceptance of life’s unpredictabilities and the hope for new beginnings.
This narrative showcases the resilience that can emerge from personal challenges and the positive impact that vulnerability can have in the pursuit of healing and connection.