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Jane McDonald Says She Was Never in Love With Ex-Husband, Calls Split a Turning Point

On the Table Manners podcast, the singer says the 2003 break-up let her take charge of her career.

Overview

  • McDonald tells Jessie and Lennie Ware she wasn't in love with Henrik Brixen and calls his leaving "the best thing he ever did."
  • Brixen managed her during their marriage, and she says he struggled with an industry she describes as "a game" that must be played.
  • After being dropped by labels, she self-funded tours and albums—at times using her house as collateral—and built a loyal fan base.
  • She later reunited with teenage sweetheart Eddie Rothe, who died of lung cancer in 2021, and she continues to discuss her grief and its influence on new songs.
  • The TV presenter is promoting an album recorded in Nashville, preparing an arena tour starting in August, and has downsized from her Wakefield home to live with close friend Sue Ravey.