To all of you out there that have commented about having your own intersting & inspiring story...tell it!
Quit hating on Mary for overcoming through the words of her testimony & tell your own story.

Thats right Sandy!! I agree wholeheartedly, too many women think they are walking this walk alone, but they are not! We need to hear the stories of our sisters. It is imperative for our younger generation that WILL experiance this same ol' mess, I am sad to admit. I Love all of you, we are sisters in the name of THE LORD... lets keep it going.

So agree with all of the comments! I also remember when non celebrities would grace the cover - but I guess, that wouldnt sell these days. But I tell you if I see Nia,Latifah, Monique, Mary or Gabrielle on more dang Essence cover!!! lol! and yeah - we get it Mary!!And sorry - but I don't want to know anything else about Rhianna!! def don't want to see her on a cover! listening to Kelly Rowland right now,- yes, lets hear her side of the story - tell us how you really feel Kelly - I would love to see her on an Essence cover.

Mary is not the one always highlighting her struggles, the interviewers do that. They should be expected to find new topics to discuss and questions to ask when interviewing the same person for the 'upteenth' time. This would be less of an issue if Essence would feature other artists and interesting women in our community. They may be less popular but that could be because noone is giving them any time in the spotlight.

Yes, I too agree wholeheartedly with the opinions, comments expressed. Why does Essence continue to "limit" their readers with the same artists and their stories that have been told too many times to count? There are women who were raised in environments similiar to Mary J. Blige's and chose to go a different route other than drugs and self-abuse. Essence needs to research "our community", embrace persons other than stars and broaden their horizons. Please stop catering to 30 and under readers. I'm starting to regret my 3-year subscription.

@anonymous. when I started reading the beginning of your comments, i thought WOW, that's cold. As i continued to read, I too agree.

Those other actresses/singers are multi-talented and each and every one has a story to tell. Hell, I'm famous in my mind so tell my damn story and trust me the big O would need to interview me for 2 days and then possibly offer me a book deal. I have a story to tell you people.

I must agree with the other posts. Essence you put the same people on the cover just different months and it's getting old. How many times can we see Nia, Latifah, Monique, Gabrielle, and Mary? Do something different. How about putting Gabrielle Sebeide on the cover? Break the norm. I think I've only seen Whoopi on the cover once. All you're doing is feeding into the stereotype of Vanity Fair, Cosmo, and all the other publications.

Usually, when women say they are "tired" of hearing a woman tell her story to help others she is usually dealing with her own self-love issues. Essence, please keep reaching out to help African American women by sharing others' stories. I would much rather read an article about a woman overcoming adversity than an article about how to drive a man wild in bed by becoming a ultimate sl*t.

Essence,

Please continue to shed light on issues pertaining to black women. MJB is a modern example of triumph. I enjoy reading and getting updates about her career and her successes.

However, I do agree there are other Black women that are doing a great job in their communities and their lives. Please expose them too (i.e.Robin Givens, Rihanna, Monica, wife of Morgan Freeman, Camille Cosby, etc) We need more diversity on the cover.

We all need to be more opened-minded to theses situations that occur so often to our own.It's a blessing for someone to be able to tell their story,Which may encourage another person to to tell their story. We as African Americians have to speak up and not allow the abusers to hold the power over our lives.

I am sooo tired of hearing about Mary and her issues. OMG. Can she just shut up about it? She has really embraced this victim mentality.

Also, Essence, Mary J. Blige, Nia Long and Gabrielle Union aren't the only Black female stars on the planet. Have you ever thought to profile Tamia, wife of Grant Hill? To talk about motherhood, her bout with multiple sclerosis, being a wife to an NBA player and finding her way in the music world? How about Phylicia Rashad losing weight and continuing to be a force in Broadway? (And her sister Debbie) How about Paula Patton - up & coming actress married to an R&B star.

Essence get some depth and stop trying to repurpose the same stars with the same stories.