Gaby Espino, Jencarlos Canela Confirm Breakup: ‘We Aren’t Separating, We Are Deciding To be Best Friends’

Gaby Espino and Jencarlos Canela have confirmed their breakup in a joint statement they posted on Twitter. Days after LatinTimes broke the news exclusively, the telenovela stars have made it official. "To all the press and public in general," the statement read. "Due to all the love that we have for all of our fans around the world, we want to inform you that a while ago we mutually decided to end our sentimental relationship in the best terms and with all the respect that our family deserves. That is why and because of all the love that we have for each other that we ask the media and our fans, your complete support and understanding and good use of this information."

Espino and Canela went on to state that there were no third parties involved in their separation. "This is a chapter that ends in our lives without this parties involved and with the best intentions to continue more unified than ever for the well-being of our people," they added. "We are not separating, because when family is involved that word doesn't exist. We are simple deciding to be best friends and continue. We take this opportunity to communicate to the press that this statement will be the only time that we talk about this matter." The press release was signed by Gaby Espino and Jencarlos Canela marking the end of a relationship of close to 4 years after the couple met on the set of the Telemundo production "Más Sabe El Diablo."

Gaby Espino later added some kind words for the father of her children. "I want to add that Jen is and will be along with our children, the most important person in my live. The best companion, the best father and my best friend. We are more together than ever and stronger than ever... and what's most important, we are fine. We will have each other forever." Jencarlos also added: "One of the best decisions in my life is named Gaby Espino and that has not changed. Nothing and nobody is above the love and friendship that is between us. I couldn't ask for a better mother, friend and woman with whom to have a beautiful family with that today completes me and gives me strength. Thank you for everything, I love you."

News of the split doesn't come as a surprise as rumors of an eventual breakup had been swirling for months. This past week Espino hosted Premios Tu Mundo for Telemundo where fans honored the couple with an award. Although the award was for the "Espinelas" fan base, which is a hashtag that Espino and Canela followers use on social media to refer to themselves. Gaby accepted the award, but never made reference to her significant other. Jencarlos will be coming to Mexico for the upcoming months as he is one of the judges of the talent show "Va Por Ti" that will begin taping at Televisa's studios.

Read this story in Spanish HERE.