Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez have split up

Enlarge image

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez at the 2019 Academy Awards

Photo: ETIENNE LAURENT / EPA

US pop singer Jennifer Lopez, 51, and her fiancé Alex Rodriguez, 45, have split up.

"We have recognized that we are better as friends, and look forward to staying that way," said a message from the two, from which the TV broadcaster NBC quoted.

A spokeswoman for the couple confirmed the content of the message to the dpa news agency.

»We will continue to work together and support each other in our joint ventures and projects.

We wish each other and our respective children the best, ”it continues.

According to the couple, the coronavirus pandemic had postponed the wedding, which had actually been planned last year, indefinitely.

Since then, there has been repeated speculation about a separation.

In February Lopez, who is one of the most successful singers in the world, said in an interview that she had done couples therapy with Rodriguez.

In March, the two denied reports of an alleged separation.

They are still in a relationship and "work their way through some things together," and the engagement is still in place.

Lopez and Rodriguez became a couple in 2017 and got engaged in 2019.

Lopez, who became world famous with songs like "If You Had My Love" and "Jenny From The Block", was married three times and has two children.

Rodriguez, who had enjoyed great success with the New York Yankees during his baseball career, was previously married and has two children.

wit / dpa