No, Ellie Goulding Isn't "Quitting" Music

It would likely seem to most that Ellie Goulding is at the top of her career: She's sold millions of singles globally, performed at Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding reception, and even sang for President Obama and his family at the White House. After earning her first Grammy nom for her Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack addition, "Love Me Like You Do," and releasing her third album, Delirium, in 2015, she began 2016 by embarking on an international tour. But, when the tour ends in October, the 29-year-old has announced she plans on hitting pause on her various musical endeavors in favor of some much-needed time to herself, especially after her recent breakup with McFly bassist Dougie Poynter, whom she dated for two years. But, make no mistake about it: Ellie Goulding isn't quitting music; she's taking a break.

In an exclusive interview with British publication The Sun, she spoke of both the relief and exhaustion she has found in touring "seven years non-stop," as well as her need for personal exploration, admitting:

Everyone knows that breaking up with someone is a really terrible thing. It’s hard, complicated and it’s never going to be easy. I can’t think of any of my friends or family who have been through a break-up and actually thought, ‘That was all right’. I am just grateful I am in a time in my life when I’m completely preoccupied with the tour and seeing my fans every night. If I wasn’t on tour it would have been a great deal harder. I would be by myself, overthinking and wallowing. I have been trying to take my mind off it by watching things and reading. It’s the only thing I can do.

She also explained to The Sun how she needs the break to reassess her personal life:

People think I’m invincible but these past few weeks have been tough. When you’re in the public eye, it seems like you’re able to deal with stuff better than anyone else, which is not remotely true. I’m not in a relationship any more and that’s been hard. [...] But I think for me and anybody else going through the same thing, it’s really important to get to know yourself, be happy with your own company and like yourself. The only way I can do that is by spending time with myself. The last couple of weeks have been quite strange and quite different for me because I’ve been by myself so much, but I think it’s healthy to do. [...] Having a break will be a good thing for me and my head. [...] My plan is to have a month off in August and do more of my charity stuff and then next year I need to live a bit. Who knows? My situation has changed.

Break or no break, Goulding fans need not worry: This absolutely does not mean Goulding is quitting music. Many, if not most, major recording artists take breaks at some point and return to their music bigger and badder than ever. Take Beyoncé, who "took some time to live [her] life" (so she explains in "Bow Down"), between 2011's 4 and 2013's Beyoncé. Or bands, like No Doubt, which formed in 1986, broke up a few times, and then got back together years later to reach new career heights. Or The Backstreet Boys, who took a 5-year hiatus before reuniting in 2005 for new tours. Even Taylor Swift, who has toured and recorded since her debut album, admitted to Vogue Australia last year, "I'll feel like I'll need to give people a breather from me, because at a certain point they're going to get a little sick of hearing about me. So I'll need to go away for a while then, depending on my gauge on how sick of me they are, I'll decide when to put out the next album."

While The Sun reported that Goulding would "quit" the 'biz for "at least a year," the singer was quick to denounce the notion that she would be retiring from music altogether: Thursday, she took to Twitter to clear up the rumors once and for all:

So there we have it: We'll get Goulding's musical talents back at some point, just not immediately after her Delirium tour lets out in October. Honestly, if this is the best decision for her (and it sounds like it is), then I — as I'm sure other fans will — support it 100 percent. Health and happiness first!