Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean is splitting from his wife Rochelle DeAnna McLean.
AJ, 45, and Rochelle, 41, announced the news to TMZclarifying that they are not divorcing, but separating.
Marriage is hard, but it’s worth it. We have mutually decided to temporarily separate to work on ourselves and our marriage in hopes of building a stronger future,” he told the outlet.
“The plan is to get back together and continue to nurture our love for each other and our family. We ask for respect and privacy at this time.”
“The separation is difficult enough without the comment, please be kind and remember that there are children involved,” the statement concluded.
The couple, who share two daughters, married in 2011 after dating for six years.
The Latest: Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean Splits From Wife Rochelle DeAnna McLean
Family: The couple, who share two daughters, tied the knot in 2011 after dating for six years.
In October 2020, AJ opened up about his path to sobriety after a 20-year addiction.
He had just returned home from a trip to Las Vegas.
I was never sober. Not for a second. And the turning point for me was when I came home, my wife could smell it on my breath, and the younger of my two daughters wouldn’t sit with me,’ she said. Good morning america.
After that time, AJ has maintained his sobriety and works with a program and a sponsor.
Adding: ‘There’s so much to live for today: my beautiful children, my amazing wife, my career, my siblings. I have never felt more punished than today.’
During the same interview, AJ revealed when his drug addiction started.
“The first time I tried drugs was literally an hour before my call time for The Call video shoot,” he recalled.
‘I was out of control’ during the video shoot.
His drug addiction was a secret for a while until his bandmates Nick Carter, Brian Litrell, Kevin Richardson and Howie Dorough found out.
‘When the boys found out, I missed the rehearsal. They basically broke into my house and poured ice water on me while I was passed out in my bed.
‘Everyone started to take notice. It wasn’t me anymore, you know, I was just living a lie,” AJ said.
AJ and Rochelle are parents to Ava, 10, and Lyric, six. Ava decided to change her name to Elliott last year.
The star: AJ, 45, and Rochelle, 41, broke the news to TMZ, clarifying that they are not divorcing, but separating
In September 2022, AJ opened up about the name change, revealing that he felt his name was not unique.
“When my daughter asked to change her name to Elliot, initially, I didn’t know if she was a transgender thing, which she isn’t, but it’s a personal choice,” she said during an appearance on the Today show, via page six.
Last week, the couple celebrated Lyric’s sixth birthday.
She shared snaps of her birthday party on her Instagram page, writing, “Happiest of birthdays to my mini me.” Dad is very proud of the little woman you are. I love you baby. Happy Birthday my love! Now let’s celebrate!