Ne-Yo, the R&B singer/songwriter behind classics like “Miss Independent” and Beyoncé‘s “Irreplaceable,” filed for divorce from wife Crystal Renay last month in the state of Georgia.
However, there is a twist, the World of Dance judge with Jennifer Lopez quickly withdrew the case and reconciliation between the two parties now seems likely.
The development was surprising because the 40-year-old father of four previously said that the marriage was “irretrievably broken.”
Ne-Yo and Crystal got married in February 2016 and have two children together — sons Shaffer Chimere Smith, Jr., 4, and Roman Alexander-Raj Smith, who was born in June 2018.
Ne-Yo had asked the court for legal custody of the kids, and he also wanted their prenuptial agreement to be fully enforced.
Things changed quickly, and the singer opted not to move forward with separation, weeks after his estranged wife was spotted with Black Ink Crew: Chicago star Ryan Henry.
She even went on vacation with her rumored fling, and at that point, many thought the divorce would go through. The artist also put out a song titled “Pinky Ring” about his wedding ring.
Talking about the divorce Ne-Yo shared in an interview: “It’s not a sad thing, it’s more of a us realizing us .. long story short … I’m not going to talk bad about her; I’m not that person. There’s nothing bad to say about her. She’s a fantastic woman; she’s the mother of my children. She’s always going to be there. I will always respect that.”
He added: “Long story short, she’s got demons just like everyone else. Just like me. Then we realized our demons don’t mesh, and until both of us get ahold of our personal demons, it’s going to be difficult for us to stay married. That’s the end of the chapter, not the end of the book.”
The couple started the year on good terms, but things got sour fast, and the couple even went after each other on social media.
For the new year, Ne-Yo wrote: “Headed into the new year wit a RIDER. 2019 had its bumps and bruises, yea sure. But it’s not about the difficulty; it’s about ones ability to realize when something is worth fighting for and ones willingness to push thru to the potential greatness of a situation. There no such thing as perfect, a lesson we both have had to learn and lock in. But perfect for each other is a real thing.
And that’s you and me.❤️
Big plans for 2020 baby! But regardless of what happens 2020 will be absolutely AMAZING so long as you’re by my side.
I love you @itscrystalsmith ????????
#FlyMarriedShit”
Fans had interesting responses to the news of the couple possibly getting back together.
One person stated: “Quarantine making ppl want that old thang back.” A second commenter added: “Publicity stunt for new music. Just didn’t pan out due to it really not being good and COVID. Better luck next time? Lol.”
A third observer chimed in: “She put it in him. Lol nahh he must’ve seen the value he was about to lose with his family… good for them.”
Ne-Yo also has two children with ex-girlfriend Monyetta Shaw.
