Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean, Wife 'Temporarily' Split After 12 Years to do THIS: 'Marriage is Hard!'

They're taking a break, not divorcing!

AJ McLean and Rochelle DeAnna made sure to clarify what was going on in their marriage before things could get twisted and miscommunicated.

The Backsteet Boy alum and his wife had an interview with TMZ, where they explained what was going on between them, "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."

According to reports, the couple has been together for 11-almost 12-years at this point, and they share two daughters.

Time Off and Privacy

Aside from being so forthcoming with their relationship status the McLeans also asked their fans and the paparazzi to go easy on them, citing their daughters' welfare.

"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," referring to their daughters Elliott, 10, and Lyric, 6.

Relationship Timeline

According to People magazine, the pair first met back in 2001 when DeAnna, who is a makeup artist and hairstylist, worked as a server at a Los Angeles restaurant.

They dated for six years before they decided to tie the knot in 2011 after the singer proposed to DeAnna in 2010.

The temporary split came as a surprise to some fans, especially after DeAnna commemorated their 11th anniversary just last year.

She shared a picture of them and captioned the post with lyrics from Guns N' Roses' "November Rain."

"And when your fears subside/ And shadows still remain, oh yeah/ I know that you can love me when there's no one left to blame/So never mind the darkness, we still can find a way/'Cause nothin' last forever, even cold November rain." She included a black heart and a lyric emoji.

Although they never explained why they decided to go on a break, some reports alluded that it might have something to do with McLean's addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Two years ago, he opened up about his addition to "Good Morning America."

"I was never sober. Not for a second. And the turning point for me was when I came back home, my wife could smell it on my breath and my youngest of two daughters would not sit with me," he shared.