Vanessa Williams is enjoying her newfound freedom and independence following her private separation from businessman Jim Skrip. In a recent interview with People magazine, the acclaimed model and performer opened up about her life since ending her marriage in 2021.
“I’m doing what I love, and I’m in love with life,” Williams shared with People. Despite not being romantically involved with anyone at the moment, the “Ugly Betty” star expressed her joy and satisfaction with her current lifestyle. “There is not one person that I’m in love with, but I’m in love with everybody,” she added.
Williams emphasized how much she values her independence, reveling in the freedom and opportunities that her single status provides. “I love my freedom,” she stated. “I love being alive, having options in my life, and being surrounded by beautiful things, great people, and wonderful opportunities.”
Williams and Skrip, who married on July 4, 2015, in Buffalo, New York, quietly ended their relationship two years ago. Their romance began unexpectedly during a vacation in Egypt, where Williams was introduced to Skrip by their tour guide. Reflecting on their initial meeting, Williams recalled making the first move as Skrip would not have approached her otherwise.
In a 2016 interview with People, Williams praised Skrip, describing him as a “real man” with integrity and romance. She noted, “You want somebody in your life who has integrity, who is solid, who knows who he is.”
Williams’ marriage to Skrip was her third. Previously, she was married to film producer Roman Hervey II from 1987 to 1997 and shares three adult children with him: Melanie, Jillian, and Devin Christian Hervey. Her second marriage was to basketball player Rick Fox from 1999 to 2004, with whom she has a daughter, Sasha Gabriella Fox.
In reflecting on her past relationships, Williams expressed respect for her ex-husbands, highlighting their positive qualities even after their marriages ended. “I’ve been married three times, and all my husbands are good men,” she said. “I wouldn’t have married them if they weren’t decent people.”
Williams’ recent comments underscore her contentment with her life and her appreciation for the freedom that comes with being single.
