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Beyonce Knowles, ever the “Independent Woman,” has dropped her father, Mathew Knowles, as her manager.
The pair have parted ways “on a business level,” (which means that they remain on each other’s Christmas card lists). “I am grateful for everything he has taught me,” Beyonce said in a statement to the AP. “I grew up watching both he and my mother manage and own their own businesses. They were hardworking entrepreneurs and I will continue to follow in their footsteps.”
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But nobody seems to know what has caused the rupture in the relationship. Mathew Knowles sent a separate statement to the AP confirming that the decision was mutual. To call him instrumental in the 29-year-old’s career to date is an understatement of epic proportions. Knowles has managed his daughter since the late 90’s Destiny’s Child days and through her metamorphosis into not just a solo artist but her forays in film and fashion.
Perhaps the split was inevitable, considering that the two other Destiny’s Child members, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, have also parted ways with him over the past few years. And it would be remiss not to note that 2009 was the year that Beyonce’s parents divorced after a 29-year marriage.
But for now, both parties are keen to stress the importance of family. Beyonce said that, “He is my father for life and I love my dad dearly. I am grateful for everything he has taught me.” Mathew Knowles also got personal. “Business is business and family is family. I love my daughter and am very proud of who she is and all that she has achieved. I look forward to her continued great success.”
(More on TIME.com: See more on Destiny’s Child)