Backstreet Boys singer AJ McLean is separating from his wife Rochelle Deanna Karidis. But unlike most celebrity splits, it doesn't sound like the breakup is going to spell the end of their relationship. In fact, according to the couple themselves, this may just be a speedbump on their path to a stronger and better future.
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TMZ first shared the news of their split.
The outlet reported that AJ and Rochelle were separating on March 27 after speaking to the pair.
"Marriage is hard, but worth it," they said in a joint statement. "We have mutually decided to separate temporarily to work on ourselves, and on our marriage with the hope of building a stronger future."
They hope this will help them achieve their long-term relationship goals.
This may not be the permanent solution that it is for so many other celebrities though.
"The plan is to come back together and continue to nurture our love for one another, and our family. We ask for respect and privacy at this time," the statement continued.
AJ and Rochelle also asked fans to "please be kind" and to remember that the pair have two children to think about.
It's good that the duo are thinking about their daughters.
Things may be rocky for them, but at least they're trying to keep their children's emotional well-being at the forefront of everyone's mind as they navigate this tricky new chapter in their lives.
Given the ages of their daughters — they share 10-year-old Elliott and 6-year-old Lyric — we imagine there are plenty of private conversations going on at home.
AJ and Rochelle's relationship hasn't always been an easy one.
The Backstreet Boys crooner has been open about his struggle with drugs and alcohol in the past, telling People in a 2020 interview about how it almost cost him everything.
"[Rochelle] was at her wit's end with me. She had thrown out leaving and taking the girls, but my ego always told me, 'She's not going anywhere,'" he confessed. "If I were her, I would have left, but she's always been able to see through the BS to who I really am."
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May Rochelle and AJ's plan work.
This has to be a trying time for the family of four. Hopefully they're all getting the support they need so they can come out on the other side of things with a stronger connection.
We're pulling for this couple to find a way back to each other!
