Marc Anthony Remains So "Proud" of Ex-Wife Jennifer Lopez, Recalls Being Told He Was "Ugly" by His Dad

Singer also gushes over his new wife Shannon de Lima with host Meredith Vieira

By Mike Vulpo Feb 24, 2015 12:18 AMTags

Marc Anthony is the first person to admit the simple fact that Jennifer Lopez works pretty darn hard.

Whether judging contestants on American Idol or performing around the world, the "On the Floor" singer always gets major kudos and support from her ex-husband.

But when it came to the "Dance Again" beauty's entrance into the publishing business with her book True Love, some may have expected Anthony to have a few hesitations about the project. Turns out, he knew what to expect from beginning to end.

"I was proud of her. I know what it takes and I know her very, very well," he shared on Tuesday's all-new Meredith Vieira Show. "I just did everything in my power to be supportive of her."

Paul Zimmerman/NBC

In fact, Lopez felt so comfortable with her ex that she allowed to share stories during the writing process.

While Lopez is willing to talk openly about the divorce, Anthony chooses to keep the matter a bit more private.

"I don't talk about it much as a whole; I just think that's private," he explained to Meredith Vieira. "I really do and I never have and I'm not sure I ever will. I don't think it's for public consumption. It's hard enough as it is."

One thing Anthony is more than willing to share is his love for new wife Shannon de Lima. When asked how a Latin superstar lands his dream woman, the "You Sang to Me" crooner admitted that he doesn't rely on his looks.

"My dad told me early on, ‘Son, we're both ugly.' I swear to God, he says it to this day," Anthony recalled. "He said you work on your personality. It builds character."

And before you feel bad for the performer, Anthony says it didn't exactly hurt his feelings.

"Absolutely not," the 46-year-old said. "I was born looking at his face and he was right."