The “Bachelor in Paradise” couple announced the news in joint Instagram statements on Tuesday morning. Katie uploaded a photo of them posing together in a kitchen, and Chris’ picture showed them moments after she accepted his proposal on “Paradise.” He commented on his own post, “I’ll cherish this pictured moment for rest of my life. @katieemo ❤️”

The statement began, “One of the many lessons this life has taught us is that it’s okay to be stubborn in the pursuit of happiness. To fight for what is real and good, and that often times the hardest thing and the right thing are the same. We’ve reached a point in our story where we agree it’s best to go our separate ways.”

It continued, “We have chosen to love and respect each other as friends because that’s the base of our relationship, and it’s what is most natural for us. We are incredibly thankful for the support we’ve received from our family, friends and everyone who supported us throughout our journey - from paradise to this moment.”

Katie and Chris concluded, “We are grateful for everything that we’ve learned in this chapter, and are hopeful for what is to come in life and in love for both of us.”

Many of their “Paradise” and Bachelor Nation friends offered their support in the comments. Becca Kufrin wrote, “Eloquently said. I love you, you strong woman. I have the wine and Minno snuggles ready and waiting.” Derek Peth commented, “Two amazing people. Love you both. Sending a big bear hug your way right now.” Tayshia Adams added, “you both are so strong! This isn’t easy! Love you both!”

“Paradise” Season 6 couples Tayshia Adams and John Paul Jones as well as Demi Burnett and Kristian Haggerty also broke up after the show.

Right after their engagement on “Paradise” and subsequent tearful discussion on the Reunion episode, Katie wrote a long Instagram caption about their relationship and the lessons she’s learned about “navigating what was real and staying true to myself, and my world that spun out afterward.”

She wrote, “None of it has been a walk in the park. BUT I’ve learned, a lot. I’ve learned to be more direct, how to challenge myself and others, I’ve learned that I’m empathetic to a fault, that love languages are so important to understanding others, that self sabotage can be found in many forms, and BOY have I learned what patience looks like. But most of all, I’ve learned that happiness isn’t something to look for in your partner. Your partner can make you laugh but your partner is not responsible for your happiness.”

Katie added, “We have grown so much in our friendship and now in our relationship since that day. Like I said to both of our parents and I will say to you- I can’t promise you this relationship will be perfect (it won’t be/ it isn’t) and I can’t promise we will last forever. Honestly, some relationships don’t last after 20 years and some do, that’s life.”

In October, Chris joined Nick Viall for an episode of his podcast “The Viall Files” where they discussed his relationship with Katie, among other topics. Nick asked Chris what his “favorite thing” about Katie was, and Chris answered, “She tells it like it is. When we have conversations, they’re effective. I always feel like there’s always a solution at the end of the conversations, whether it’s something we disagree or agree on. She’s someone that really thinks about the things she’s going to say, and I respect that.”