Bachelor's Ben Higgins & Lauren Bushnell Split

Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell, who met on the January 2016 season of The Bachelor, have split up.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce our decision to go our separate ways,” they tell People in a statement. “We feel fortunate for the time we had together, and will remain friends with much love and respect for one another. We wish nothing but the best for each other, and ask for your support and understanding at this time.”

Ben, 29, chose Lauren, 27, over future Bachelorette JoJo Fletcher and the couple began their journey. They had a Freeform reality show Ben and Lauren: Happily Ever After? Ben and Lauren have faced constant relationship rumors since they went public.