Jane McDonald has made a shockingly honest admission about her past marriage — revealing she was never truly in love with her ex-husband Henrik Brixen and that his decision to leave was, in her own words, “the best thing he ever did.”
The beloved singer, now 62, was married to Danish engineer-turned-manager Henrik for eight years. But despite the length of their relationship, Jane has now confessed that the emotional connection simply wasn’t there — even if she failed to realise it at the time.
Speaking candidly on the Table Manners podcast with Jessie and Lennie Ware, Jane reflected on a pivotal moment in her life. She recalled arriving in Las Vegas in 2001 — what should have been a career high — yet privately knowing her marriage was already falling apart. She said it felt strange because she should have been having the best time of her life, but deep down she knew the relationship was on the brink.
Describing Henrik as a “nice guy,” Jane admitted their relationship looked stronger from the outside than it really was. She openly confessed that she wasn’t in love with him, adding that everyone around her could see it coming except her. She explained that people were already saying it wouldn’t last, but she was the only one who didn’t recognise the truth.
Their dynamic was further complicated by the fact Henrik also managed her career. While Jane acknowledged he had strengths, she suggested he struggled to understand the realities of the entertainment industry. She explained that success in showbiz often requires playing the game — something she felt he never fully grasped.
At the time, Jane was carving out her identity as a club performer and cruise ship singer — a background that wasn’t always taken seriously by the industry. Yet against expectations, she shot to number one with her album and sold out tours across the country. She recalled that even her record label hadn’t predicted her success, describing it as a shock to everyone.
After being dropped by her label, Jane took matters into her own hands. She revealed she funded her own tours and albums, even putting her house up multiple times to keep her career alive. She said many artists believe they need a record company, but in her experience, all you really need is some backing and determination. Her loyal fanbase, she added, stayed with her throughout — something she credits for her long-term success.
Following her split from Henrik in 2003, Jane reunited with her teenage sweetheart Eddie Rothe — a relationship she described as deeply meaningful. The couple later got engaged, but tragedy struck when Eddie died of lung cancer in 2021.
Opening up about her grief, Jane admitted that not a single day passes without thinking about him. She shared that grief never truly leaves you, but you have to learn to place it alongside joy. She explained that she consciously tries to bring as much happiness into her life as possible so that joy outweighs the sadness — adding that she’s only just beginning to feel balanced again.
