LeAnn Rimes Opens Up On Why She Cheated on Her Ex-Husband: "We Grew Apart"
NEW YORK (CBS) Despite having dated for almost two years now, LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian are still the focus of criticism for the scandalous way their relationship began.
And Rimes is finally talking about why she made the controversial decision to leave her husband for Cibrian, who was also married at the time.
Wearing a red bikini on the cover of Shape Magazine, Rimes says: "I understand why people are disappointed in me, especially since I grew up as America's sweetheart."
"I think any relationship is hard to get out of, and I don't think the way I did it was right."
"I feel like I'm just now finding myself. I've always been one of those people who takes care of everyone else--and their needs--first. This past year, for the first time ever, I put me first."
"I'm sure some people are thinking that I was totally selfish, but the truth is, there are times in your life when you have to be selfish in order to find out what truly makes you happy."
At the time, Rimes was married to husband of six years Dean Sheremet. They separated in July 2009 and filed for divorce in September.
She says: "My relationship with Dean was great, but ultimately it wasn't a fulfilling marriage for either of us."
"We got married so young: I was 19 and he was 21, so as we got older, we grew apart."
Cibrian, 37, was married to wife of seven years Brandi Glanville, with whom he has two children. The couple separated in July of 2009 and Cibrian filed for divorce in August of that year.
Rimes, who is 28, and now lives Cibrian and his two sons, Mason, 7, and Jake, 3, says she couldn't stand the anger from her disappointed fans.
"I didn't want to get out of bed," she says.
'I truly believe there are lessons in it for me to learn. Cultivating strength from rough situations is the most important thing.
"After going through this, I know I can face anything."
And according to the singer, exercise is what helped her get through the rough patch.
'Just getting to the gym, even for a few minutes, was a big accomplishment. Working out 'really did make me feel better and kind of saved me. It gave me a bit of sanity.
"Even now, on days when I'm really frustrated, I'll walk into the gym and say to my trainer, "We're boxing today. For an hour. I need to hit things."