Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean officially divorcing wife after announcing separation

02 January 2024 , 08:23

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The couple are getting a divorce

AJ McLean has revealed that he is divorcing his wife, Rochelle DeAnna McLean.

The pair have been together for 18 years and share two daughters, Ava, 10, and Lyric, six. However, early last year they annouced they'd be separating, but explained they wouldn't be getting a divorce at the time.

AJ has since shared a statement confirming their plans to officially divorce, taking to Instagram with the following message for his fans. He wrote: "As you all know we have been separated for over a year now. While we have hoped for reconciliation we have decided to officially end our marriage."

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The pair share two kids (FilmMagic)

They wed in 2011 (WireImage)

"It is with deep love and respect that we have made this decision," he continued. "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. We appreciate your kindness, respect, and privacy at this time."

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AJ and wife Rochelle, who had been "temporarily" separated in a bid to get back on the right track until now, tied the knot in 2011 in front of the rest of his bandmates at the Beverly Hills Hotel, but hit a rough patch. At the time, the singer said: "Marriage is hard, but worth it.

"We have mutually decided to separate temporarily to work on ourselves, and on our marriage with." Continuing his statement to TMZ, he added: "The plan is to come back together and continue to nurture our love for one another, and our family."

And after asking for privacy, the star concluded: "Separation is hard enough without the commentary, please be kind and remember there are children involved." He previously spoke about how Rochelle had been his "rock".

AJ said Rochelle is his rock (FilmMagic)

The Dancing with the Stars alum explained that she was his "super hero" adding to US Magazine: "She has been through hell and back with me. If there was an award for everything that she does on the daily, she deserves them all. The greatest reward that I get from her on the daily is just a constant affirmation of love.

"She’s always there for me, it doesn’t matter what it is. She’s very supportive. She’s a great listener. We have amazing conversations — sometimes until the wee hours of the morning."

Lauren Gordon