Mary J. Blige Reveals Retirement Plans And Reflects On Hall Of Fame Induction
Mary J. Blige has opened up about her future plans, hinting at retirement from the music industry in the next five to six years. In an exclusive interview with EXTRA published on April 29, the 53-year-old singer shared her intentions to transition into acting and eventually step back from music. Marry, known for her roles in popular series like The Umbrella Academy and Scream: Resurrection, expressed her desire to explore more acting opportunities while gradually winding down her music career.
“Right now, I’m definitely gonna do some more acting and I’m definitely gonna retire in, like, five or six years. Right now, I’m still doing what I’m doing but not as often as I was doing it because I don’t have to now,” she shared.
Reflecting on her current musical endeavors, Mary emphasized themes of life, love, and personal growth in her songs. She highlighted the importance of self-love and stability, stating, “Mostly the love I have for myself … My real love is me and I found it.”
Despite contemplating retirement, Mary continues to make significant contributions to the industry, recently being announced as an inductee into the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Mary’s induction into the prestigious Hall of Fame alongside iconic artists like Cher, Ozzy Osbourne, and A Tribe Called Quest was revealed during an episode of American Idol on April 21. Overwhelmed by the news, the singer admitted she is still processing the honor, describing it as “the most amazing thing,” calling it “a class by itself.”
The Take Me As I Am singer is set to perform at the induction ceremony scheduled for October 19 in Cleveland.
In addition to her music career, the renowned R&B icon remains committed to uplifting and empowering communities, particularly through her annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit. The event, now in its third year, celebrates women’s strength and resilience and will take place in New York City from May 10-12.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Mary expressed her excitement about the festival, emphasizing her dedication to inspiring and elevating others.
“It’s been amazing and exciting and just so fulfilling to do what I always wanted to do, continue to give people a piece of me, uplift us, inspire us and elevate us — the same way I’ve been doing through my music, I’m doing it through my festival now — and of course, entertain us as well. It feels really good … It means so much to bring it home,” she shared.
During the interview with PEOPLE, Mary also hinted that her upcoming album could potentially be her last studio release. While she continues to enjoy making music, she acknowledged the possibility of this album marking the culmination of her studio recording career.
