Jaclyn Stapp Breaks Down Life After Marriage: ‘I Had to Start Over’ (Exclusive)

Jaclyn Stapp Adjusts to Life Post-Divorce

Jaclyn Stapp, a 44-year-old philanthropist, author, and mother of three, is embarking on a new journey after almost two decades of marriage to Creed frontman Scott Stapp. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, she shares insights into her pending divorce, co-parenting struggles, and the solace she finds in a meaningful mission.

Reflecting on the unexpected turns her life has taken, Jaclyn reveals, “I never planned to be a single mom. But neither did I plan to discover how strong I could be. Some days I cry in the car. Some days I feel like I’ve got this. And I’ve learned that both are okay.”

Jaclyn and Scott have three children together – daughter Milan, 18, and sons Daniel, 14, and Anthony, 7. Co-parenting amidst the complexities of divorce and blending families hasn’t been a smooth ride for Jaclyn. She acknowledges the challenges involved in making decisions while ensuring her children feel supported and heard through the process.

Drawing from her own upbringing by a resilient single mother who instilled the values of education and giving back, Jaclyn founded CHARM in 2014. The non-profit organisation aims to empower underprivileged youth through education and confidence-building initiatives. Their annual back-to-school drive in Tennessee now impacts over 1,000 children annually, providing essentials like school supplies, clothing, and grooming services.

Jaclyn actively involves her children in CHARM’s activities, with Milan serving as the youth president and her sons playing roles in distributing supplies. Through this shared endeavour, Jaclyn and her children bond while making a positive impact on their community.

Despite the emotional toll of navigating divorce, managing parental responsibilities, and addressing community needs, Jaclyn remains steadfast in her commitment to resilience and hope. She encourages her children to communicate openly and assures them that it’s acceptable to seek answers and express their feelings amid the changes in their family dynamic.

Looking towards the future, Jaclyn aspires to expand CHARM’s reach to other states and delegate more responsibilities to her children and other young leaders. She emphasises the importance of instilling values of compassion and service in the next generation, highlighting the significance of supporting and uplifting others.

In her moments of vulnerability, Jaclyn finds strength in her children, the families CHARM supports, and the power of community. Her journey encapsulates the essence of perseverance in the face of adversity and the unwavering resolve to be a beacon of hope for her children, herself, and those around her.