It has been over years since Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt called it quits, but for fans of Hollywood’s once-“Golden Couple,” the wound still feels fresh.
Now, the Morning Show star is looking back at that world-shifting moment with the kind of wisdom only time can provide. In a deeply personal new cover story for Vanity Fair, Aniston, , finally shared the exact seven words she used to navigate the fallout of her divorce.
When asked how she handled the end of her marriage while the entire world watched from the sidelines, Jen revealed her internal dialogue was surprisingly simple.
“Just pick yourself up by the bootstraps,” she told the publication, before adding the ultimate mantra: “Keep on walking, girl.”
The split remains one of the most documented events in pop culture history, occurring just years after Pitt’s iconic guest appearance on Friends as the president of the “I Hate Rachel Green Club.” But while the world was busy choosing sides—remember those “Team Aniston” vs. “Team Jolie” t-shirts?—Jen was privately struggling to stay afloat.
Reflecting on the tabloid circus that followed the announcement, Aniston admitted that the “tearing down” process was deeply painful.
“It’s a shame that it had to happen, but it happened,” she shared candidly. “And boy did I take it personally.”
She noted that the constant media scrutiny felt like a trap, explaining that she didn’t always feel equipped to handle the pressure. “I didn’t have a strong enough constitution to not get affected by it,” she recalled. “We’re human beings, even though some people don’t want to believe we are.”
The Friends alum also pushed back against the idea that fame means forfeiting the right to have feelings. “They think, ‘You signed up for it, so you take it.’ But we really didn’t sign up for that,” she added.
The pair’s “fairytale” began back in when they were introduced by their managers. They made their red-carpet debut at the Emmy Awards and famously announced their engagement on stage at a Sting concert just two months later. Their $ million Malibu wedding in July was the envy of the industry.
However, by January , the dream ended. In a joint statement shared with PEOPLE at the time, the couple maintained that the decision was the result of “thoughtful consideration” and that they remained “committed and caring friends.”
Decades later, that friendship seems to be intact. While Jen is currently sparking romance rumors with wellness expert Jim Curtis, her history with Brad remains a poignant reminder of her resilience.
As Nichola Murphy, lifestyle editor and weddings expert, notes: “When you’re Hollywood’s golden couple, put on a pedestal as the rulebook to a ‘perfect’ relationship, it’s inevitable you’ll end up disappointing some people.”
But as Jen’s -word response proves, the only person she was truly worried about disappointing was herself. By choosing to “keep on walking,” she didn’t just survive the split—she became a Hollywood icon of strength and self-love.
Jennifer Aniston and Friends Show Off Stunning Summer Styles
These days, when people say something is basic, they don’t always mean it in a flattering way. But when it comes to wardrobe staples, basic is anything but boring. Just look at the ways Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Garner, and Joanna Gaines have been wearing them.
All three stars recently wore mix-and-match pieces that are the foundation of any great capsule wardrobe. Aniston paired vintage-wash jeans with a fitted black tank for a sleek, casual look, and Garner dressed up light-wash jeans with a luxe-looking, short-sleeve polo shirt. As for Gaines, she went monochromatic in black jeans and a loose-fitting tank.
If you’re also now inspired to upgrade your own staples, keep scrolling for lookalike Quince clothing pieces starting at $16.
Jennifer Aniston’s Minimalist Masterclass
Aniston’s minimalist tank top and jeans combo is a go-to for her, and we can see why. To recreate her effortless ensemble, we found this Quince tank top with a modest scoop neck, fitted silhouette, and thick straps. It’s made of breathable cotton that’s lightweight enough for summer but can also be layered in the fall and winter. Team it with this pair of jeans, which has a vintage-inspired wash similar to the actress’s. The wide-leg style makes them a comfortable choice whether you’re running errands or heading to lunch.
Jennifer Garner’s Polished Polo
If your style favors classic silhouettes, Jennifer Garner’s sunset look belongs in your closet. Her timeless polo shirt looks nearly identical to this Quince one, which is made of soft, luxe cashmere. It has ribbed, fitted arms, a mid-sized collar, and an adjustable button-front neckline. Shoppers say it’s “lightweight enough for warm weather,” with one noting they “didn’t feel hot at all” wearing it on a 90-degree day. When it comes to her jeans, this lightwash pair is a great option with its subtle heathering at the hips and traditional five-pocket design. The barrel silhouette isn’t overwhelming, and reviewers call them “comfortable in all the right places.”
Joanna Gaines’ Black Basics
Basics are timeless, but that doesn’t mean they can’t also feel modern. Gaines’ monochromatic look proves that. Like this Quince top, her tank has a breezier fit with a subtle curve along the arms, and yes, while it looks good on its own, it’s also great for styling under linen button downs in summer and cardigans come fall. Our personal favorite piece of her look, though, is the sleek, flared jeans. Achieve the same style with Quince’s Luna pair, which mirrors Gaines’ silhouette and has built-in stretch for comfortable, all-day wear and a just-right mid-rise fit.
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