Check out Taraji P. Henson!

The Golden Globe winner shines on the cover of Essence Magazine‘s March/April cover.

Her feature arrives at an interesting crossroads, both professionally and personally.

Because, after six years, she’ll be bidding adieu to her ‘Empire’ character Cookie Lyon now that the show is coming to a close.

She’ll also be embarking on an exciting new chapter with NFL player partner Kelvin Hayden – who she’ll be marrying later this year.

Head below for pics and quotes, including musings on her wedding, next career move, mental health, and her new  haircare line (TPH by Taraji).

WHAT’S NEXT AFTER “EMPIRE”: “I’m always trying to be my better self, to grow and learn more about myself. I need to work on my patience. Everyone needs to work on their compassion. There are days when I’m better at it and days when I’ve been through stuff and I don’t care. I just want to continue to work on me and be the best version of myself that I can be before I leave this earth…”

TALKING ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH: “In the African-American community, we don’t deal with mental health issues. We’ve been taught to pray our problems away. I’m here using my celebrity, using my voice, to put a face to this, because I also suffer from depression and anxiety, and if you’re a human living in today’s world I don’t know how you’re not suffering in any way…”

ON GETTING ENGAGED (AND NOW PLANNING HER WEDDING) TO FIANCEE KELVIN HAYDEN: “…I was all on hush because I had to make sure it was forever, honey. We plan to get married this summer. He can’t wait. He’s like, ‘I want my ring.’ I’ve waited my whole life for this moment. It’s not going to be a big show. It’s going to be really small. I’m not going to have a bridal party either. Nice and simple…”

Your thoughts?

[Photo Credit: Essence / Kwaku Alston]