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Huge 90s pop star separates from wife after 18 years together

BACKSTREET Boys singer AJ McLean has announced his is separating from his wife Rochelle DeAnna McLean after 18 years together.

The pop star, 45, explained the couple, who share two daughters, were not getting divorced.

Backstreet Boys star AJ McLean and his wife Rochelle Deanna Karidis (L) are separating after 18 years together
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Backstreet Boys star AJ McLean and his wife Rochelle Deanna Karidis (L) are separating after 18 years togetherCredit: Getty
AJ has revealed the couple are taking time apart but will not divorce
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AJ has revealed the couple are taking time apart but will not divorceCredit: Instagram

"Marriage is hard, but worth it," AJ told .

He added: "We have mutually decided to separate temporarily to work on ourselves, and on our marriage with.

"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.

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"Separation is hard enough without the commentary, please be kind and remember there are children involved."

Backstreet Boys singer AJ and Rochelle married in 2011 after dating for six years.

They are parents to Ava, 10, and Lyric, six.

In September 2022, AJ revealed Ava decided to change her name to Elliott.

Opening up about the name change, he said she felt like her name wasn't unique.

"When my daughter asked to change her name to Elliot, initially, I didn't know if it was a transgender thing, which it is not.

"But it is a personal choice."

The Backstreet Boys, composed of members Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ, Brian Littrell, and Kevin Richardson, rose to fame in 1993.

Since forming, the group has released 10 studio albums and has sold over 100million records worldwide.

They are considered the best-selling boy band of all time and one of the world's best-selling music artists.

The band hit the road for a 2022 tour and has continued to sell out stadiums around the world.

The couple share two kids
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The couple share two kidsCredit: Getty
Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, and Kevin Richardson are the Backstreet Boys
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Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, and Kevin Richardson are the Backstreet BoysCredit: Rex
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