Madonna tells AP work good distraction from split

NEW YORK — Madonna's marital breakup is tough, but she says she's grateful that her heavy workload "provides a distraction that keeps me going."

"I'm sad about my personal life, but I feel very blessed and very lucky that I have the opportunity to do what I do in my professional life," Madonna told The Associated Press in an interview Sunday. "It would be horrible if I was just thinking about getting a divorce and had nothing to do."

(enlarge photo) In this Sept. 1, 2008 file photo, British director Guy Ritchie, left, and his wife Madonna arrive for the world premiere of his film 'Rock n Rolla' in London. .' (AP Photo/Sang Tan, file)

Last week, Madonna and Guy Ritchie were granted a preliminary decree of divorce after eight years of marriage.

Among her current projects is promoting her documentary "I Am Because We Are," which explores the impoverished African nation of Malawi, where more than 1 million children are orphaned by AIDS. The film has its TV premiere on Sundance Channel Dec. 1.

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