Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean And Wife Rochelle Officially Announce Their Separation

Backstreet Boys singer AJ McLean and his wife, Rochelle, have officially decided to end their 12-year marriage after being separated for over a year. The couple, parents to daughters Elliott (11) and Lyric (6) expressed their decision with deep love and respect in a joint statement posted on Instagram on January 1. Last year, in March 2023, AJ, 45, and Rochelle, 35, had initially announced a temporary separation to focus on personal growth and work on their marriage, as reported by E! News. Despite facing challenges, the couple remained optimistic about the possibility of rekindling their relationship in the future, expressing their commitment to coming back together.

However, the latest post from the duo confirms their separation. According to them, their focus now is moving forward in life and co-parenting their two daughters together.

“As you all know we have been separated for over a year now. While we hoped for reconciliation we have decided to officially end our marriage,” AJ and Rochelle McLean said in a joint statement they posted on Instagram.

“It is with deep love and respect that we have made this decision,” AJ continued in the post, also shared on Rochelle’s page. “Our focus now is moving forward in the healthiest possible way with friendship and co-parenting our girls at the forefront of this next chapter. We appreciate your kindness, respect and privacy at this time.”

Take a look here:

A post shared by AJ McLean (@aj_mclean)

Reacting to the news, the comment section was soon filled with their fans and well-wishers’ reactions. While some empathised with the now estranged couple, others expressed solidarity and courage to them. “Congratulations to both of you for being mature enough to try and to then realise that it’s healthy to let go. Congratulations on new beginnings and the start of a healing journey. I wish you both all the best and hope this is the start of good things for you both,” read a comment.

“A brave decision to make, sending love to both of you,” wrote a fan.

Rochelle’s last Instagram post featuring the couple was a tribute to their 11th anniversary, quoting lyrics from Guns N’ Roses’ song November Rain.

“And when your fears subside And shadows still remain, oh yeah I know that you can love me when there’s no one left to blame. So never mind the darkness, we still can find a way, ‘Cause nothin’ lasts forever, even cold November rain,” she captioned the photo.

A post shared by Rochelle DeAnna Mclean (@rochelle_deanna)

AJ and Rochelle McLean reportedly began dating in 2009 and married two years later in December 2011. The duo welcomed their first child in November 2012, followed by another daughter in March 2017. They completed their 12th year together on December 17, 2023.