AJ McLean and Rochelle McLean lost their "hopes of reconciling in the future" months after announcing their separation.
In March, AJ and Rochelle decided to take a break from their marriage by choosing to split temporarily. The split would reportedly allow them to possibly build a stronger future for themselves and their family, but the reconciliation never happened.
AJ McLean and Rochelle McLean Divorced
On Monday, January 1, AJ released his and Rochelle's joint statement on Instagram, disclosing their decision to end their relationship for good "with deep love and respect."
"Our focus now is moving forward in the healthiest way possible with friendship and co-parenting our girls at the forefront of this next chapter," they continued. "We appreciate your kindness, respect, and privacy at this time."
His followers immediately commented on the post and sent their love and prayers to the family.
One said, "I'm so sorry to hear that things couldn't be worked out. May God give your entire family the comfort and strength you need."
"Thinking of you in your time of need. These decisions do not come easy. Sending you and your entire family so much love and support as you navigate this emotional and delicate journey," another added, while a third wrote, "I wish you both good luck and I love you both."
The news came out almost a year after the pair announced their separation to work on themselves. In the months thereafter, they reportedly started living separately while undergoing couple's therapy. The Backstreet Boys member also mentioned in his interviews, including on the "Sex, Lies and Spray Tans" podcast by Cheryl Burke, that they spent more time together while "rebuilding something that was never there from the beginning."
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AJ McLean and Rochelle McLean's Relationship
The divorce ultimately ended AJ and Rochelle's marriage, which started after the duo met in 2008. AJ asked her out while she was working as a waitress at Saddle Ranch in West Hollywood.
She initially rejected him but finally gave it a shot after AJ asked her again.
They got engaged in January 2010, and wed after two years. The then-love birds then expanded their family and welcomed daughter Elliott in 2012 and daughter Lyric in 2017.
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