Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean using his separation to fight his 'demons'
"We have mutually decided to separate temporarily to work on ourselves, and on our marriage with the hope of building a stronger future," AJ McLean told Daily Mail.
Backstreet Boys singer AJ McLean and his wife Rochelle have separated to try and work on their marriage.
The singer said the separation is aimed at helping them work out their differences so that they can have a better marriage.
"Marriage is hard, but worth it. We have mutually decided to separate temporarily to work on ourselves, and on our marriage with the hope of building a stronger future," he told Daily Mail.
"We're pushing to be the best version of us that we can, and to be the best husband and wife we possibly can for each other," McLean told the publication.
The couple have been married for 12 years and announced their separation in March.
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He says the separation is also a time for self-exploration, especially for him particularly. He has been sober for two years following his twenty-year battle with drug addiction.
"This is a journey of self-exploration, for me. I've never really done this journey since I got sober, and now is my time," the pop singer said.
He revealed that he loves his family and wants to be the best version of himself.
"I'm a little late, 45 years old, but better late than never. I love my wife, I love my family, I love my kids and I just want us to be happy and be the best versions of ourselves," McLean said.
"Actually, not get back to where we were, but be in a better place, because where we were, might not necessarily have been the best place. I want us to be in the best place."
He added that they are undergoing therapy.
"We have a therapist together and I'm working my 12-step program. I'm staying sober and I'm just focusing on myself and really what I need to do to be the best version I can."
The singer added that over the years, he abused drugs because he was running away from his demons, but he is finally facing them.
"This is a great opportunity for me to now finally do this and focus on me. That's what all the drinking and the drugs were for years, me not wanting to deal with my own demons, and now I'm dealing with it," McLean said.
"The plan is to come back together and continue to nurture our love for one another, and our family. We ask for respect and privacy at this time."
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