Here's Why Taraji P. Henson Called Off Her Engagement to Fiance Kelvin Hayden

Taraji P. Henson has opened up about her split from former fiancé Kelvin Hayden.

The Empire star appeared on an episode of The Breakfast Club on Monday and finally confirmed long-circulating rumors that she has broken up with the former NFL player. Speculation surrounding the end of Henson and Hayden's relationship started swirling on social media after 37-year-old Hayden was missing in action at Henson's 50th birthday celebration in Mexico in September. According to Henson, the pair couldn't manage to get on the same page with their wants and desires for the relationship, so after being engaged for two years, the couple decided to go their separate ways.

"I just turned 50 and I mean, I hadn't said it yet, but it didn't work out. I tried. I was, like, 'Therapy. Let's do the therapy thing.' But if you're both not on the same page with that then you feel like, you're taking it on yourself, and that's not a fair position for anybody to play in a relationship," Henson explained.

Henson, who often advocates for mental health, said as she was undergoing therapy and working through her own trauma, she realized that it was important that she and Hayden put in more effort to "make ourselves happy to make each other happy," noting that neither of them had been fulfilled in the relationship because of their proclivity to rely heavily on each other for their happiness.

"My happiness is not his responsibility, and his happiness is not mine," she said. "When one person is taking on the weight of the entire relationship, it's never gonna work. You have to show up, and yes, you want to be understanding, but you can't lose yourself in that."

Henson added: "You have to still stand up for yourself and be there for yourself, but it's hard to do if the other person isn't doing that part, either."

The award-winning actor and Hayden were set to walk down the aisle in June after announcing their engagement two years ago. However, during a March appearance on Extra, Henson revealed the couple had postponed their wedding in an effort to prevent the potential spread of coronavirus, noting that both she and Hayden had elderly relatives who were at risk of COVID-19 infection and preferred to wait until it was safer for them to attend.

In 2018, Henson revealed that Hayden had proposed by posting an Instagram photo of her bright diamond engagement ring.

"I said yes y'all!!! He started with the Cartier love bracelet BUT that was my #Mothersday gift and then he dropped to his knee and I almost passed out!!! #sheisofficiallyoffthemarket and she is sooooooooooooo HAPPY!!!!!! #GODIS," Henson captioned the photo.

Uncommon Knowledge

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