Emily Maynard, Jef Holm Split: 'Bachelorette' Couple Announces Break-Up
Emily Maynard and Jef Holm got engaged on this summer's season finale of "The Bachelorette," but the relationship has already fizzled out.
After spending a significant time apart from one another in recent weeks, speculation circulated that the couple was facing a rough patch and had separated, and now it's official. Maynard and Holm confirmed to People magazine on Tuesday that they have in fact called it quits.
"I am sorry to tell you that Jef and I have, indeed, parted ways," Maynard said. "It was a very difficult and heartbreaking decision."
Both Maynard and Holm released statements to the celebrity magazine to explain the split and share their feelings about the end of the relationship.
"As you know, at first I wasn't sure that I should even be 'The Bachelorette,' but I am a hopeless romantic and I do believe in the show," Maynard said. "I have no regrets because I did find love and shared an incredible journey with a really special person -- and you know what, we tried our best because the love between us was so real. I have nothing but respect and love for Jef and his family, but ultimately we are just at different points in our lives. I've learned so much and I'm grateful for all of the support I've received. I'm excited and hopeful for the next chapter in my life with my daughter, Ricki. I do hope that you will respect our privacy and allow us the time we need to heal."
Holm also discussed how much he valued the time with Maynard and her 7-year-old daughter during the time the couple was together.
"Meeting Emily on 'The Bachelorette' was an incredible experience, we've had quite the journey. I've never loved someone so much in my whole life," he said. "Emily is the best person and mom I have ever met. She opened up her world to me and I fell in love with her, [her daughter] Ricki, her family and the Hendricks. She has a great group of people who surround her. What we shared was completely genuine and real and it breaks my heart but we have decided to break up. Emily will always have a special place in my heart. I don't regret a single second I spent with her or Ricki. They both have been a huge part of my life. Who knows what tomorrow will bring but we are moving on to the next chapter of our lives. Emily and I are great friends and I hope we can continue to be friends forever. Everyone wants a salacious story to break, but the truth is we are just two people who fell in love and tried our hardest to make it work. I will always love her."
