Emily and Jef respond to the media's and fans' speculations about their breakup, saying that they indeed end their engagement.
- Oct 17, 2012
AceShowbiz - Emily Maynard and Jef Holm eventually answered their fans' and media's curiosities about their relationship status. To PEOPLE, Emily stated, "I am sorry to tell you that Jef and I have, indeed, parted ways. It was a very difficult and heartbreaking decision."
She opened up, "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." She then explained, "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."
Next, she stated, "I have nothing but respect and love for Jef and his family, but ultimately we are just at different points in our lives." Later, the "Bachelorette" star disclosed, "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." She then went on, "I do hope that you will respect our privacy and allow us the time we need to heal."
Meanwhile, Jef said, "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, Emily is the best person and mom I have ever met." He then disclosed, "She opened up her world to me and I fell in love with her, Ricki, her family and the Hendricks."
Next, he shared his experience when he was in relationship with the blonde beauty, "She has a great group of people who surround her." He also explained, "What we shared was completely genuine and real and it breaks my heart but we have decided to break up."
He also stated that he didn't regret every single time he spent with her and Ricki. He said, "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."
Moreover, he revealed his hope for their future, "Emily and I are great friends and I hope we can continue to be friends forever." He went on, "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."
Emily picked Jef over Arie in the "Bachelorette" season 8 finale. The lucky man then said, "I'm so in love with you... I promise you if you let me into your life and Ricki's life you will never feel lonely ever again." Later, he proposed to the single parent, and she said yes.
Before they confirmed their split, a source told PEOPLE that the twosome were seldom seen together. On Sunday, October 7, they were spotted spending time at an event, yet the source noticed that they were barely seen looking at each other.
Their actions to change their Twitter pictures on Sunday, October 14 also provided more evidences of their separation. Previously, the couple displayed pictures of them together. Now, Jef shows a picture of him alone with a forest in the background, whereas Emily poses with her 7-year-old daughter.
