American singer, and dancer, Alexander James McLean better known as AJ McLean who was a member of the pop vocal group Backstreet Boys is reportedly separating from his wife, Rochelle DeAnna McLean, but not filing for divorce after nearly twelve years of marriage.
Speaking with TMZ, the couple said
“Marriage is hard but worth it. We have mutually decided to separate temporarily to work on ourselves, and on our marriage with the hope of building a stronger future.
“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.
“Separation is hard enough without the commentary, please be kind and remember there are children involved.”
AJ and Rochelle got married in 2011 after 6 years of dating at the Beverly Hills Hotel with the rest of his Backstreet Boys crew in attendance. They have 2 daughters together; Elliott, 10 and Lyric, 6.
While touring worldwide and entertaining audiences with Backstreet Boys’ greatest hits, AJ also participated in season 29 of Dancing with the Stars, partnering with Cheryl Burke.
Before being eliminated, AJ danced to “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” by Dean Martin in tribute to his wife.
Then after the 2020 performance, He told US Weekly:
“She’s my superhero. 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.”
And while the singer admitted to not always being the easiest husband, he expressed gratitude for Rochelle’s support.
“She’s always seen the good in me and seen past—as hard as it may be to see past—all the bad stuff I did when I was drinking and using drugs,” he said. “But things are the best they’ve ever been today, and I couldn’t ask for anything else.”
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