Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez have announced in a joint statement that they have officially gone their separate ways and will focus on their friendship.

The former major league baseball shortstop and Grammy award winning performer have been together since 2017 but have announced Thursday that they have called off their two-year engagement and will focus solely on remaining friends.

In an exclusive joint statement given to TODAY, the couple said:

“We have realized we are better as friends and look forward to remaining so. We will continue to work together and support each other on our shared businesses and projects. We wish the best for each other and one another’s children. Out of respect for them, the only other comment we have is to say thank you to everyone who has sent kind words and support.”

There were rumors circulating about a split between the two earlier this week when Lopez posted selfies from the set of her new movie, “Shotgun Wedding”, where she is seen with an empty ring finger.

The two have both been married previously and have children with their respective exes, but they often shared joyous moments on social media of their blended family.

“I was so loving to his kids and he was so loving and accepting of mine, and they embraced each other right away,” Lopez said to People in 2018.

Although we are saddened to hear the news of the split, we send lots of love to them and their children during this transition.

Featured photo by: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)