When Tina Knowles and Richard Lawson tied the knot on a white yacht in Newport Beach back in 2015, it felt like the ultimate "second act" victory. Here was the woman who had helped build the Beyoncé empire, finally finding her own peaceful harbor after a very public, very painful split from Mathew Knowles. Richard wasn't some stranger, either. They had been friends for thirty years. It was the kind of "friends-to-lovers" story that usually ends with a "happily ever after" title card.
Instead, it ended in a Los Angeles courthouse.
By July 2023, the dream was officially over. Tina filed for divorce, citing those infamous "irreconcilable differences." But for anyone who has followed the Knowles family for decades, the split felt like more than just a legal filing. It was a shift in the matriarch's entire philosophy on life. Honestly, seeing how she’s handled the aftermath in 2024 and 2025 tells you everything you need to know about where she’s at now.
The Breakup Nobody Saw Coming (But Everyone Felt)
For a while, they were the "it" couple for the over-60 crowd. They were constantly on red carpets, looking radiant and genuinely happy. Richard, a seasoned actor known for Poltergeist and his work with the WACO Theater Center, seemed like the perfect match for Tina’s high-energy lifestyle.
But then, the public appearances slowed down. The Instagram posts got a little quieter.
When the news broke that they were separating, the internet did what it does best: it started speculating. Was it money? Was it the pressure of being in the Knowles-Glow? In her 2025 memoir, Matriarch, Tina finally pulled back the curtain—well, most of it. She described a morning in July 2023 where she simply "woke up" and knew it was over. No big explosion. No scandal. Just a realization that the relationship wasn't serving her spirit anymore.
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She was 69 at the time of the filing. Most people that age might just coast to avoid the hassle of a legal battle. Tina didn't. She basically decided that being "fine" wasn't enough when she could be happy.
Inside the Divorce Settlement: Cars, Cash, and NDAs
Divorce in the world of the ultra-wealthy is rarely about who gets the toaster. By August 2024, the legal dust had settled, and the documents revealed a surprisingly pragmatic split.
Tina didn't just walk away; she ensured the transition was smooth. She agreed to pay Richard a one-time lump sum of $300,000. Neither party asked for ongoing spousal support, which is a big deal in celebrity land. They basically shook hands and said, "Let's keep our own stuff."
The asset list looked like a high-end dealership inventory:
- Tina Knowles kept her 2018 Tesla and her 2020 Bentley.
- Richard Lawson walked away with a 2021 Cadillac Escalade.
Tina also kept the rights to her homes in Los Angeles and Texas, along with her massive 1% stake in Kirby Beauty Management LLC and her lucrative book deal with Penguin Random House. Richard kept his royalties, his SAG-AFTRA pension, and all the funds associated with Richard Lawson Studios.
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The most interesting part? The non-disparagement clause.
The agreement explicitly bans both of them from speaking ill of each other, their children (Beyoncé, Solange, Bianca, and Richard Jr.), or their grandchildren. In the age of "tell-all" podcasts, this was a brilliant move to protect the family brand. It’s why you won’t hear Richard on a late-night talk show venting about his ex-wife anytime soon.
Why This Split Hits Differently
When Tina left Mathew Knowles, she famously said she felt like she was going to die. That marriage lasted 31 years. It was her identity.
This time? She told People magazine in early 2025 that she hasn't lost a single night of sleep over the decision to leave Richard. That’s a wild level of growth. It’s the difference between a trauma-filled exit and a conscious choice to move on.
There were rumors, of course. Some YouTube "experts" claimed Richard felt disrespected, while others suggested Tina felt she was "settling." But if you look at the facts, it seems more like two people who were great friends but perhaps weren't meant to be life partners in the long run. They had ten years together—two dating and eight married—and sometimes a decade is just a season, not the whole book.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the $300,000
Fans were confused why Tina had to pay Richard at all if he wasn't broke. In California, community property laws can be a headache. That $300,000 wasn't "alimony"; it was a "full and complete settlement" of his interest in the assets they acquired while they were together. Basically, it was the price of a clean break.
The 2026 Reality: Life After the Storm
So, where are they now?
Tina is currently living her best life. In 2025, she confirmed she was "spending time with a friend"—a "very nice gentleman" she hasn't fully debuted to the public yet. She’s focusing on her Cécred hair care line with Beyoncé and her philanthropic work.
Richard is still deeply involved in his acting studio. He’s been seen at industry events and continues to be a respected figure in the Black Hollywood community. The two seem to be sticking to their agreement to remain "amicable," at least in the eyes of the public.
Actionable Takeaways from the Lawson-Knowles Split
If there is anything to learn from this high-profile breakup, it’s these three things:
- It’s never too late to pivot. Tina’s decision to file for divorce at 69 proves that your "golden years" should actually be golden, not just endured.
- Paperwork is your friend. The speed and relative quiet of their settlement (13 months) happened because they had clear boundaries and likely a solid legal team that prioritized privacy over drama.
- Protect the next generation. Their non-disparagement clause isn't just about them; it’s a masterclass in how to handle a blended family's public image during a crisis.
Ultimately, Richard Lawson and Tina Knowles showed us that a marriage ending doesn't have to be a failure. It can just be a conclusion. As Tina wrote in Matriarch, she chose herself. And in 2026, it looks like that was the right call.
If you're following the latest moves of the Knowles-Carter clan, keep an eye on Tina's upcoming public appearances for her book tour. It’s where she’s likely to drop more gems about navigating life's second (and third) acts without losing your cool.