AceShowbiz - A.J. McLean, the iconic singer from the Backstreet Boys, is still holding out hope for a reunion with his estranged wife, Rochelle DeAnna McLean. The duo, who married in Los Angeles in December 2011 and have two children together, Elliott, 11, and Lyric, 7, officially announced their separation in January after a split in March 2023.

AJ, however, told PEOPLE exclusively at the iHeart Radio Music Festival that he still dreams of calling Rochelle his wife again. "We're co-parenting our kids the best we can, and everyone's really having a good time," he shared. "We still spend as much time together as a family as possible, and who knows what the future holds, but secretly, but not secretly, my fingers are crossed [for a reconciliation]."

When asked directly if he would like to get back together with Rochelle, AJ responded with a definitive, "Oh yeah." The singer elaborated, "We are the best of friends, and honestly, we're in the best place I think we've ever been. We love each other and that's never going to change."

In their January statement, the former couple emphasized the "deep love and respect" they share. "As you all know, we have been separated for over a year now," they wrote. "While we have hoped for reconciliation, we have decided to officially end our marriage."

"It is with deep love and respect that we have made this decision. Our focus now is moving forward in the healthiest way possible with friendship and co-parenting our girls at the forefront of this next chapter. We appreciate your kindness, respect, and privacy at this time."

Despite their separation, AJ has made it clear that he has no interest in dating. "I'm too busy anyways. I got no time for that," he explained, noting that most of his time is dedicated to being a present father to his kids.

Recently, AJ shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute to his daughter Elliott after her elementary school graduation in June. He expressed immense pride in his children every day, highlighting the graduation as "a new beginning and a new journey for my oldest daughter."

Though Elliott is proud of her father's musical career, she isn't exactly thrilled about constantly hearing the Backstreet Boys' hit, "I Want It That Way." According to AJ, both Elliott and Lyric would prefer to hear "That's The Way I Like It" from the band's 1997 album, "Backstreet's Back", despite its lack of release in the U.S.

Only time will tell if AJ's hopes for a reunion with Rochelle will come to fruition, but one thing is clear: his dedication to his family remains unwavering.