'Bachelorette' couple confirm breakup

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LOS ANGELES, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Emily Maynard and Jef Holm, who got engaged on the U.S. dating competition series "The Bachelorette," announced Tuesday they have ended their courtship.

The proposal episode of the show aired in July but was taped months earlier.

The couple confirmed long-circulating rumors they split up to People.com Tuesday.

"I am sorry to tell you that Jef and I have, indeed, parted ways," Maynard said in a statement. "It was a very difficult and heartbreaking decision.

"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. 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. I have nothing but respect and love for Jef and his family, but ultimately we are just at different points in our lives."

Holm also issued a statement to the celebrity website.

"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. She opened up her world to me and I fell in love with her, [her daughter] Ricki, her family and the Hendricks," he said. "She has a great group of people who surround her. What we shared was completely genuine and real and it breaks my heart but we have decided to break up. Emily will always have a special place in my heart. I don't regret a single second I spent with her or Ricki. 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. Emily and I are great friends and I hope we can continue to be friends forever. 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."