Prince’s Ex-Wife Mayte Garcia Opens Up About Their Marriage, Losing Their Son & Her ‘Greatest Gift’

Prince’s ex-wife Mayte Garcia is healing.

Mayte took the podium at Single Mom’s Planet’s “Single
Mom’s Awards” in Los Angeles on Friday, where she spoke candidly about the
personal tragedy she and Prince experienced in 1996, when their newborn son
passed away just a week after being born.

“Like most women, I always dreamt of becoming a
mother,” she began, pausing to wipe away tears.

PHOTOS: Prince Through The Years 

“It just wasn’t my time yet,” she continued.
“After that, I was broken. And I lost hope. I basically gave up my dream
of becoming a mom.”

More than a decade after the devastating loss, Mayte went on to co-star in
VH1’s “Hollywood Exes,” an experience she said was one she had to
consider carefully. 

WATCH: Prince: Why The Music Icon Didn’t Have To Die

“For years my marriage to Prince was mine,” she
said, explaining that she was initially reluctant to take part in a reality
show that would make her personal life public.

“The idea of exposing myself to the world … was
terrifying,” Mayte said.

However, she said the series ended up being unexpectedly
cathartic.

“I will never regret being a part of it, because the
show served as therapy for me,” she said, expressing gratitude for the
chance to open up about her son’s death. 

PHOTOS: Prince’s Famous Proteges

Mayte told the crowd that Prince’s passing on April 21 has
been an emotional ordeal she has chosen to keep private.

“As you know, Prince is no longer with us,” she
said. “It is extremely difficult for me, and that is why I have chosen not
to discuss it.”

Mayte went on to share the story of how she adopted her
daughter and why she believes it was the universe giving her a “second
chance” at fulfilling her motherhood dream.

“I fell in love … with that baby girl,” Mayte
said, adding that “another sign” was that she and the
then-8-month-old also share a birthday.

“Five years later, she is my greatest gift,” she
added.

— Erin Biglow