Gasp! In early 2014, romantics all over the country were dealt a shocking blow when they learned that high school sweethearts Paula Patton and Robin Thicke were calling it quits after 22 years together and nine years of marriage. “We will always love each other and be best friends, however, we have mutually decided to separate at this time,” said Patton and Thicke in an exclusive statement when they made the announcement.
Another sad break-up. Brandy called off her engagement to music exec. Ryan Press. “It was a mutual decision,” a rep for Brandy said at the time. “They’re both taking a step back regarding their relationship. They’re definitely friends and will continue to be friends. There’s nothing malicious or negative about [their split].”
Columbus Short had no shortages of scandals this year. Short’s second wife, Tanee McCall, filed for divorce from the actor. A month later, reports surfaced that Short was physically abusive toward McCall. Here’s hoping he can get his life together in 2015.
In April Idris Elba and girlfriend Naiyana Garth welcomed a baby boy. “My Son Winston Elba was born yesterday,” the 41-year-old actor tweeted as he shared this photo. “Truly Amazing.”
Sadly, 2014 wasn’t big on the love. In November, songstress Emile Sande announced a split from her husband Gouraguine after just one year of marriage.
On August 18th, funny man Kevin Hart got down on one knee and popped the question to longtime love Eniko Parish. He couldn’t wait to share the news on his Instagram feed. The future Mrs. Hart was glowing after receiving that sparkler.
After six years together, Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon shocked fans by announcing they were seperated. Despite talk of complicated divorce negotiations, both Cannon and Carey say they’re still going to be there for their young twins. Family first!
Comedienne and former host of The View Sherri Shepherd and her then husband of three years, Lamar Sally, shocked fans when they suddenly announced their split in May and a heated (and very public) divorce battle soon followed.
In September Vanessa Williams announced her engagement to her beau of two years, Jim Skrip, whom she met while vacationing in Egypt.
Once adorable couple Jason Derulo and Jordin Sparks had an awkward break up this year. In September, after being broken up with over the phone, Sparks wrote “How About Now?,” a scathing new song putting her “big head” ex on blast. Yikes!
Kelly Rowland got married this year and became a new mom! The singer wed her longtime boyfriend, Tim Weatherspoon in May. The couple welcomed their first child, Titan Jewell Witherspoon, in November.
In August, Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade and his leading lady, actress Gabrielle Union, made it official with a romantic castle wedding ceremony in Miami to be remembered.
In August, Michael Strahan and Nicole Murphy called off their engagement. Murphy revealed suspiscions that Strahan was being unfaithful. Sigh. We really liked them together.
We were captivated by Lance Gross and Rebecca Jefferson’s epic pregnancy shots and super sentimental when Jefferson gave birth to a baby girl in November, Berkeley Brynn Gross.
In November actress Tasha Smith and her husband Keith Douglas both filed restraining orders against each other. In her documents, Smith insisted that when her husband is in a rage she believes he’s capable of “killing her.” In December Smith followed up by filing divorce papers to end their marriage.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta lost a real husband when Phaedra Parks’ man, Apollo Nida, was sentenced to eight years for bank fraud and identity theft. Phaedra has washed her hands of her husband. Reports say she’s already taking steps to end her marriage.
Tyler Perry has always been a man who wears many hats (writer, director, producer, songwriter), and this year he added a new title to his resume: dad! Perry and his longtime girlfriend, Gelila Bekele, welcomed a baby boy, Aman Tyler Perry, in December.
On Sunday December 28, Chris Rock and his wife of nearly 20 years, Malaak Compton-Rock shocked fans by publicly announcing their divorce and requesting respect and privacy during this tough time.
Alicia Keys welcomed her second baby boy with husband Swizz Beatz. Genesis Ali Dean was born on December 27. Keys shared a picture on Instagram of the newborn’s footprints with the caption “The joy of joy is joy!! It’s a boy! We are so grateful! #blessings!!”