AJ McLean and Rochelle DeAnna McLean Find Their "Absolute Best" Almost Three Years After Split
AJ McLean and Rochelle DeAnna McLean, his spouse, find themselves in a more positive situation almost three years since they revealed their split.
“While we haven't completely reunited, we are, without a doubt, at our absolute best,” the Backstreet Boys vocalist reveals exclusively to Us Weekly, coinciding with the launch of his new solo EP, Hi My Name Is Alex. “A profound affection exists between us, and we've navigated immense challenges. I've subjected this woman to considerable hardship, and her continued presence suggests she's either exceptionally devoted, a bit eccentric, or perhaps a combination of both.”
AJ, aged 47, indicates that he and Rochelle, 44, have been “inseparable” as they dedicate themselves to their marital relationship, preceding their 14th anniversary next month.
“Our focus now is on future actions, discussions, and determining those subsequent stages. However, we are undeniably progressing together favorably,” he states. “Our family environment is wonderful. My children are content, and they observe this positive change. They witness it in Rochelle and me.”
Nevertheless, the McLean daughters, Elliott, celebrating her 13th birthday this Thursday, November 27, and Lyric, 8, are still adjusting to witnessing their parents reunited.
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“They continue to dislike it when we share a kiss,” AJ confides to Us. “They're at an age where it somewhat repulses them. Even during a film, they'll exclaim, ‘Ugh, disgusting!’ Consequently, I intentionally say, ‘Mommy, a quick kiss please.’ They respond with, ‘Oh, seriously, Dad!’ I reply, ‘What? I adore Mommy. I'll give her a kiss. Just let me be.'”
AJ acknowledges that joint counseling “didn't resonate” with him and Rochelle, leading them to depend on traditional, dedicated time together recently.
“I am now proactively suggesting, ‘Let's do this tomorrow. Let's get breakfast. Let's catch a movie,'” he recounts. “We recently embarked on a brief parents' getaway to Vegas to experience Paul McCartney. She's an ardent Beatles enthusiast, and our time there was absolutely incredible.”
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AJ further mentions, “We just returned from New York, and I suggested, ‘We need to plan another outing. Let's determine a time my schedule allows. A short weekend trip. Grandma can look after the girls. Let's arrange something.’ And she responded, ‘Just let me know when.’ However, I doubt she would have reacted similarly three years prior.”
AJ and Rochelle jointly declared in March 2023 their “mutual decision to temporarily separate,” expressing a desire to “reunite.” Nevertheless, the subsequent January saw the couple “officially conclude their marriage.”
Although AJ and Rochelle have not fully rekindled their romantic partnership, he informs Us that they are excelling at “coparenting” and consistently prioritize their family.
“Should we ultimately decide against reconciliation, we've still achieved a commendable position where we can happily coexist, but crucially, we prioritize our children, ensuring their well-being, care, and safety,” he clarifies.
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AJ’s relationship journey, with its highs and lows, has served as inspiration for multiple tracks on Hi My Name Is Alex, such as “Thinking About Us” and “The One That Got Away,” with additional compositions expected upon the release of his full-length solo album next year.
“An album track titled ‘Better Man’ exists, which I view as a companion piece — be it sister or brother — to ‘Arizona’ [from the EP],” he hints. “‘Arizona’ represented a sort of explorative narrative, whereas ‘Better Man’ truly reflects my current state. I am a significantly improved individual now.”
The EP, Hi My Name Is Alex, launched under his birth name, Alexander James, is currently available for streaming.
