HOW iS JENNIFER COPiNG?

Ever since we learned of the tragic deaths of Jennifer Hudson's relatives, all we wanted to know is, how is she doing? Few people have seen the Oscar-winning star since her mother, brother and nephew were killed on last October.

Regina Peters, a longtime friend of the singer, told ESSENCE.com that Hudson is doing surprisingly well.

"She's not down and out; she's not depressed," says Peters. "She's coping very well."

In fact, Hudson cooked Thanksgiving dinner, and is fast becoming the rock of the family, shares Peters. [William] Balfour's arrest was a "relief for the family. They just hope the charges stick."

Adds Peters, "Her spirits are high considering the circumstance, but with the support of her friends and love ones, she's doing just fine."

On Tuesday, Balfour was charged with the murder of Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson; brother, Jason Hudson, and 7-year-old nephew, Julian King. The mother and brother were found shot dead in their Southside Chicago home on October 24, while Hudson's nephew's body was found days later in an abandoned vehicle.

Despite her show of strength, friends say it has to be a stressful holiday season for the singer, whose mother would have celebrated her 58th birthday last month.

source: Essence.com