It started like a movie script. A nine-year-old kid named Chancelor Bennett—now known to the world as Chance the Rapper—is at his mom's office Christmas party in 2003. He sees a girl. She’s lead-dancing to Destiny’s Child’s "Independent Women Part 1." He doesn't even talk to her because he’s convinced, right then and there, that she’s the one he’s going to marry.
Fast forward through a Grammy-winning career and a very public "wife guy" era, and that same girl, Kirsten Corley, is now officially Chance the Rapper ex wife.
The headlines made it look sudden. It wasn't. By the time the world heard they were done in early 2024, they had already been living separate lives for quite a while. Honestly, the story of Kirsten Corley is a lot deeper than just being the muse for a gospel-rap album about marital bliss. She’s an entrepreneur, a former basketball player, and someone who has been through the highest of highs and some pretty gritty lows with one of Chicago’s biggest stars.
The Reality of the Kirsten Corley and Chance the Rapper Split
People were shocked when the joint Instagram statement dropped in April 2024. It was polite. It was "amicable." It was everything a PR team would want. But if you look at the timeline, the cracks had been showing for a minute.
By January 2025, the legalities were basically wrapped up. Documents filed in Cook County, Illinois, confirmed they had reached a settlement to finalize the divorce. Kirsten’s filing in December 2024 described the marriage as "irretrievably broken." That’s a heavy phrase for a couple that seemed like the blueprint for black excellence and young love.
What went wrong? Fans point to "the video." You know the one.
🔗 Read more: Why Sexy Pictures of Mariah Carey Are Actually a Masterclass in Branding
In 2023, footage of Chance at Carnival in Jamaica went viral. He was caught on camera dancing... let’s just say very closely with another woman. Kirsten didn't go on a rant. She didn't do a tell-all. Instead, she posted a Maya Angelou quote about people not growing up. It was subtle, but it spoke volumes.
Life After The Big Day
For years, Chance’s identity was tied to his marriage. His debut studio album, The Big Day, was literally a 22-track celebration of their wedding. It’s kinda ironic now.
But Kirsten Corley was never just a background character. She’s a graduate of DePaul University with a degree in psychology. She’s also a powerhouse in the kids' fashion world. In 2021, she launched World of BOBY, a clothing brand focused on inclusivity and representation for children of color.
She’s been incredibly open about the "real" parts of her life that didn't make it into the catchy song lyrics:
- Postpartum Depression: She’s spoken candidly with Essence about struggling after the births of both of her daughters, Kensli and Marli.
- Mental Health Advocacy: Her business isn't just about clothes; 10% of proceeds go to mental health charities.
- Independence: Long before the divorce, she was making her own moves in modeling and branding.
How They’re Handling Things in 2026
If you’re looking for a messy, Cardi-and-Offset-style public feud, you won't find it here. At least not right now.
💡 You might also like: Lindsay Lohan Leak: What Really Happened with the List and the Scams
Chance recently hopped on the New Rory & Mal podcast and got real about the "transition." He admitted it’s weird. He said they still travel together. They still see each other at least every other week because they live near each other in Chicago.
"I ain't gonna act like it’s not tough," he said. "It’s just a different format of family."
It’s a very "adult" way to handle a breakup, especially when you have two kids—Kensli (9) and Marli (5)—in the mix. They’re basically in what Chance calls a "Venn diagram" life. They are two separate circles, but their kids are the overlapping part that will keep them connected forever.
What You Might Have Missed
Their relationship wasn't a straight line from that 2003 party to the 2019 wedding.
- They started dating in 2013.
- They actually broke up back in 2016. Kirsten even filed for child support back then and asked to be the sole caretaker of Kensli.
- They reconciled in 2018.
- The big Newport Beach wedding in 2019 featured guests like Kanye West and Dave Chappelle.
This isn't their first time navigating a separation. The difference is that this time, the legal "broken" status seems final.
📖 Related: Kaley Cuoco Tit Size: What Most People Get Wrong About Her Transformation
Kirsten has mostly stayed out of the spotlight since the settlement. She’s focused on her girls and her business. If you follow her on social media, you see a lot of "self-care" and "healing" content. It’s less about being a rapper’s wife and more about being a woman who is finding her own feet again after a decade-long relationship.
Looking Forward: Lessons from the Split
What can we actually take away from the saga of Chance the Rapper ex wife?
It’s a reminder that putting your relationship on a pedestal for the public is dangerous. When you brand yourself as the "Wife Guy," there’s nowhere to go but down if things get human and messy. Kirsten seems to be navigating the aftermath with a lot of grace, choosing to build her own brand rather than leaning into the "scorned ex" trope.
If you’re following this story, keep an eye on Kirsten’s work with World of BOBY. She’s proving that there’s a massive, successful life to be had after a high-profile divorce.
Next Steps for You:
If you're interested in supporting her mission, check out the World of BOBY website to see how they're integrating mental health awareness into children's fashion. You can also listen to Chance’s recent podcast interviews for a deeper look at how he's processing the end of his "Big Day" era.