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“Experiencing Death Alive”: Jeannie Mai opens up about painful divorce and growth
Global Desk | January 31, 2026 1:57 AM CST

Synopsis

Jeannie Mai opened up about her emotional journey through divorce from rapper Jeezy, explaining the experience as “experiencing death alive.” Speaking on iHeartRadio’s Question Everything podcast, she called the separation one of life’s most painful experiences while showing gratitude for lessons learned and personal development. Mai highlighted her appreciation for love, saying “I’m never gonna regret that I got married because I’m so thankful to have experienced love in so many different ways.”

Television personality and fashion icon Jeannie Mai has revealed the emotional journey through a painful divorce, providing insights into the challenges and personal growth that arrived from the experience. Talking on the iHeartRadio podcast “Question Everything,” the 47-year-old mirrored the deep sense of loss that accompanies divorce, stating it to “experiencing death alive.”


The End of Her Marriage to Jeezy

Her ex-husband, rapper Jeezy (real name Jay Wayne Jenkins), filed divorce in September 2023, concluding their two-and-a-half-year marriage. Despite the challenges, Mai explained the period as her “greatest awakening,” emphasizing the lessons she gained from the separation. She fondly recalled the joy of welcoming their daughter, Monaco, in January 2022, who recently turned four.

“I’m never gonna regret that I got married because I’m so thankful to have experienced love in so many different ways,” Mai stated. She highlighted that while she has learned how to experience love, her current focus is on defining what healthy love appears like for herself going forward.

Mirroring on the significance of love, Mai reiterated her belief in profound human bonds and her openness to marry again. “I actually would because I really don’t wanna ever put a block on myself,” she cited, reinforcing her philosophy that love should not be restricted by previous experiences.

She was earlier married to Freddy Harteis from 2007 until 2018. After that divorce, she married Jeezy in March 2021. Mai featured relief that Monaco was too young to recall the challenges surrounding the divorce, stating, “My job is to define peace for her.”


Reflecting on the Pain of Divorce

“Divorce is heartbreaking, no matter what. It’s one of the greatest pains that any human has to endure,” she told Question Everything. She also elaborated: “Divorce does this inhumane thing that forces you to then protect yourself to get what you need from the divorce. It’s the worst.”

Jeannie Mai and Jeezy’s separation reportedly involved custody talks for Monaco. Additionally, reports suggest that Mai alleged Jeezy was unfaithful during their marriage, adding complexity to their split and the arrangements in regard to their daughter.


Career Growth and New Opportunities

Along with navigating her personal life, Mai remains to thrive professionally. She is the host and executive producer of “America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation” and recently stepped into acting with the movie “Christmas in the Spotlight,” which debuted in November 2024. Mai explained this new venture as “humbling,” citing that it reminded her she can remain to learn and grow professionally.


FAQs:

Q1. Who is Jeannie Mai?
Jeannie Mai is a television host, fashion icon, and executive producer. She is popular for hosting America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation.

Q2. Who was Jeannie Mai married to?
Jeannie Mai was married to rapper Jeezy from 2021 until their separation in 2023. She was earlier married to Freddy Harteis from 2007 to 2018.


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