Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux’s split has come as a shock to many, but according to sources there were signs their relationship was leading to a break up.
Today the pair announced in a joint statement that they decided to end their relationship at the end of last year, after two years of marriage and over seven years together as a couple.
“Normally we would do this privately, but given that the gossip industry cannot resist an opportunity to speculate and invent, we wanted to convey the truth directly,” said a statement released by Aniston’s publicist to the Associated Press.
“Whatever else is printed about us that is not directly from us, is someone else’s fictional narrative. Above all, we are determined to maintain the deep respect and love that we have for one another.”
Over the years, the couple have spent frequent time apart, with Theroux constantly travelling to New York while Aniston stayed in Los Angeles with her close circle of friends.
Both have also been keeping busy professionally, with the former Friends star working on a new TV series with Reese Witherspoon and Theroux filming comedy movie The Spy Who Dumped Me.
However, sources tell PEOPLE that their time apart used to be a strength of their relationship.
“Justin often spends a few days in NYC by himself. When he is in NYC, Jen will catch up with friends and enjoys her own life,” a source told PEOPLE.
Another added, “They love and respect each other and do spend a lot of time apart. For them, it is a healthy part of their romance. By not spending every minute together, it’s like their honeymoon is lasting longer.”
This article originally appeared on WHO.
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