Beyonce Speaks on Motherhood, Husband, Liberation

Having successfully shot down the most ridiculous rumor of the year, Beyonce can return her focus to her impending state of motherhood.

That's the main topic for the singer in the latest issue of Harper's Bazaar, as she opens up to the magazine about why she waited until now to start a family:

"It was important to me that I gave myself time to focus on becoming the woman I want to be, building my empire, my relationship, and my self-worth, before I became a mother. Now God has blessed us with the ultimate.”

Beyonce says patience was also a virtue in her relationship with Jay Z, about whom she has nothing but many great things to say:

“We have been together since I was 20 years old. We took our time and developed an unbreakable friendship before we got married. I admire his ability to inspire others.

"To me, Jay represents the American dream. Jay’s music has helped define our generation. All that he has overcome and worked to achieve gives millions hope that they can become whatever they want to be. I respect him so much; he is a great man and a great artist.”

Finally, Beyonce talked about the level she's reached in both her personal life and her professional life:

“I am finally at the stage in my life where I am not so concerned with other people’s opinions about my life decisions. It is so liberating to really know what I want, what truly makes me happy, what I will not tolerate. I have learned that it is no one else’s job to take care of me but me.”

For more from the star, pick up this issue of Harper's Bazaar.