OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
In times of heartache and loss, true friendships can shine through, providing support, strength, and a shoulder to lean on. For Jennifer Lopez and Loren Ridinger, their bond was tested by the tragedies they faced, yet their unwavering friendship helped them heal in ways only they could understand.
Loren Ridinger, a Miami-based socialite and business mogul, was devastated by the sudden loss of her husband, JR Ridinger, in August 2022. JR passed away unexpectedly from a pulmonary embolism while the couple was vacationing in Croatia, just weeks after attending Lopez’s wedding to Ben Affleck in Georgia. During this time of profound grief, it was none other than Lopez, one of Loren’s longest and dearest friends, who was there to help her navigate the pain.
In an interview with Page Six, Loren opened up about how Jennifer became her rock during the most difficult time of her life. “She has been such an incredible friend for me through this — and a longtime friend,” Loren shared. “One of my longest friends.” The two women leaned on each other during this dark period, offering comfort and support as they navigated their individual grief journeys.
But the story of their friendship doesn’t stop there. While Loren was mourning the loss of her husband, Jennifer Lopez was also experiencing her own personal heartbreak. In 2024, Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck after two years of marriage, following what insiders described as Affleck’s realization that their romance was not meant to be. Loren, having experienced the pain of losing a loved one, could empathize with Jennifer’s situation, and in turn, offered her strength when Lopez needed it the most.
Loren notes the beautiful reciprocity of their friendship: “I think together we were able to lift each other up, which was remarkable,” she says. “She is so strong. She is amazing.” It’s clear that their bond has been a source of healing and mutual support, with both women finding solace in one another during their times of loss.
Grief, as Loren poignantly explains, comes in many forms. “You don’t have to lose somebody to go through it,” she reflects. “You can lose a marriage, you can lose somebody that you love, you can lose a longtime friend after an argument.” Whether it’s the death of a loved one or the end of a significant relationship, the pain of loss can be overwhelming. But through it all, Loren emphasizes how Jennifer has a unique ability to bring light to the darkest of times. “She has always found a way to bring out the sunshine,” Loren says. “She always found a way to lighten the load.”
Loren goes on to express how Jennifer’s presence helped her see the “rainbow through the clouds,” offering a sense of hope and peace amid the storm of grief. For Loren, Jennifer is not just a friend, but a source of inspiration and strength. “I really look up to her for that,” Loren adds, expressing admiration for Jennifer’s ability to stay resilient through her own hardships.
In her upcoming book, Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up?, Loren shares the lessons she learned through her heartbreaking journey, and how she turned grief into growth. The book reflects on the highs and lows of her personal life, including the ways in which Jennifer Lopez stood by her side as a source of comfort and guidance.
As both women continue their personal journeys of healing, one thing remains clear: their friendship is a testament to the power of mutual support and love during life’s toughest moments. They’ve proven that no matter what challenges life throws their way, they can always count on each other to heal, grow, and rise above.