Jessica Biel counts husband Justin Timberlake among 'chosen sisters' of her close-knit support system
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jessica Biel is surrounded by a close-knit support system she lovingly refers to as her "chosen sisters", and her husband Justin Timberlake is proudly included in the group.
The actress, 43, opened up about the importance of these relationships in her life during her recent InStyle interview on Monday, May 19.
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Jessica Biel calls Justin Timberlake one of her 'chosen sisters'
Biel reflected on the people who have shaped her journey, saying she is grateful for the strong women in her life.
“I’m really lucky, because I have amazing groups of women kind of scattered throughout the country that have really been my rocks as I’ve grown up,” Biel said.
She added, “I would also consider my husband one of my chosen sisters. He’s also my best friend.”
“All of them together have gotten me through my life. I don’t know how I would have survived life without them,” Biel shared.
Biel and Timberlake tied the knot in 2012 and share two sons — Silas, 10, and Phineas, 4.
Jessica Biel says raising kids while working is 'so hard'
The actress also opened up about the difficulties of parenting in the public eye, especially with two high-profile careers to juggle.
“It’s a tricky one, a tricky balance. We do really try hard not to expose them in a way that they’re not comfortable with,” Biel said of her children, as Daily Mail noted.
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“It really takes a village to raise any kid, let alone in a wild business like this where parents are traveling for long times for work,” Biel said elsewhere in the interview.
She noted that the couple tries to coordinate their schedules so that one parent is always present for the children.
“We try to have one of us working full time, only one,” said Biel. “It doesn’t always happen, because the opportunities arise, and the timing is what it is. You just have to take advantage of it.”
Biel is currently starring in the upcoming film 'Matchbox', the shooting of which coincided with Timberlake’s Forget Tomorrow World Tour.
“We had our incredible [travel] teachers and our incredible nanny, and our family helped out,” Biel said. “The kids are good, we’re good, it’s all positive; it’s just when you’re in the middle of it, you’re like, ‘What am I doing?’”
Michelle Purple's advice helped Jessica Biel be fully present whether working or raising children
Despite her busy schedule, Biel shared the best advice she ever got about being a working mom was from her producer partner Michelle Purple.
“I don’t do it very well all the time,” Biel admitted.
“She said one thing to me a long time ago. She goes, ‘Listen, all you can do is: When you’re working, you’re 100-percent working, and when you’re home, you’re 100-percent home," she said according to US Weekly.
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"Do not take a work call when you’re at home with the kids. If you do it half-ass, you’re not good at anything.’ That was a good piece of advice,” said Biel, recalling words from Purple.
She also touched on how challenging it can be to prioritize herself, even with Timberlake’s support.
“I do feel like I’m often at the bottom of the totem pole, even though my husband is the best at trying to always help encourage me to take time for myself,” Biel said.
