Shakira is reflecting on the surprising but deeply meaningful support she received from Coldplay‘s Chris Martin during one of the most challenging times in her life. The Colombian singer opened up in a new Rolling Stone cover story about how the bandleader was a constant source of encouragement and compassion after her split from Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué in 2022.
In her emotional interview, Shakira, 47, described how Martin, 47, reached out to her every single day during her heartache. “He was there for me when I got separated and was heartbroken,” Shakira revealed, acknowledging how the “Yellow” hitmaker made a point of checking in with her regularly. “He was sending me words of support, strength, and wisdom, and honestly, just being there.”
The pair’s friendship seems to have blossomed amidst Shakira’s personal struggles, with Martin offering what she called a unique perspective on life. “He’s someone who sees the world through a different lens,” she continued, “someone who’s sensitive to others’ needs and very empathetic. He’s incredibly empathetic.” The singer emphasized the depth of Martin’s support, crediting him for his ability to understand her pain and help her process it in a healthy way.
Shakira and Piqué, who were together for 11 years, had a public and tumultuous breakup in 2022. Their separation was widely covered by the media, especially as rumors of infidelity surfaced a year later. The two share two children—sons Milan, 11, and Sasha, 9—and their divorce was fraught with emotional and legal complexities, creating an even more intense atmosphere for Shakira during an already turbulent period.
Speaking candidly about the emotional toll of her breakup, Shakira admitted in a previous Rolling Stone cover story (July 2024) that the experience was incredibly painful. “The suffering I felt was probably the greatest I had ever experienced in my entire life,” she recalled. “It kept me from functioning at times.” Shakira said the pain was so deep it felt physical, like a gaping wound in her chest. “It felt like someone had stabbed a hole in my chest, and the sensation was so real, almost physical,” she explained. “I physically felt like I had a hole in my chest and that people could see through me.”
As the singer tried to navigate the aftermath of the breakup, she turned to music as a source of solace and healing. In an October interview with GQ Spain, Shakira revealed how her music became her therapy. “For many months after my separation, I had been silent, trying to begin my mourning, but I couldn’t really begin to grieve until I started writing music,” she shared. “It was my way of healing. And it continues to be. Grief is a process that is not linear. It’s full of peaks and valleys.” Shakira’s latest album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women Don’t Cry Anymore), released in 2024, reflects her emotional journey and serves as an important chapter in her ongoing recovery.
While Shakira’s music has long been an outlet for her creativity, it has also allowed her to express the pain and catharsis of a woman who has faced public scrutiny, personal loss, and the constant pressure of maintaining a public image. Yet through it all, Chris Martin has remained a steadfast friend. His empathetic nature, and his ability to offer genuine support during her darkest days, have undoubtedly helped Shakira navigate this turbulent chapter in her life.
Martin’s support is even more remarkable considering the context of his own career and life. As the frontman of Coldplay, Martin has long been in the public eye, with his band frequently facing criticism. In a separate interview with GQ earlier this year, he admitted that Coldplay often finds itself as a “very easy, safe target” for detractors. “We deserve to take some s—,” Martin quipped, but he added that the band takes it all in stride.
Despite his own challenges in the spotlight, Martin’s friendship with Shakira highlights the importance of leaning on loved ones during trying times. The two musicians’ bond is a testament to the strength of empathy and emotional support in helping someone heal and move forward. For Shakira, that support came at a crucial moment, with Martin offering words of wisdom, comfort, and most importantly, his consistent presence through the dark days following her breakup.
As Shakira continues to navigate her personal and professional life with resilience, it’s clear that she is not alone. With friends like Chris Martin by her side, she is finding her way through the grief, using her music as a tool for self-discovery and healing.
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