After seven years as a couple Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux announced in a statement that they would be going their separate ways.

The following was released by Aniston’s publicist: “In an effort to reduce any further speculation, we have decided to announce our separation. This decision was mutual and lovingly made at the end of last year. We are two best friends who have decided to part ways as a couple, but look forward to continuing our cherished friendship.

“Normally we would do this privately, but given that the gossip industry cannot resist an opportunity to speculate and invent, we wanted to convey the truth directly. Whatever else is printed about us that is not directly from us, is someone else’s fictional narrative. Above all, we are determined to maintain the deep respect and love that we have for one another.”

While the news of their separation was just released, they announced that they actually split at the end of 2017 with Aniston spending her time in L.A. and Theroux in New York City. That said, they did ring in the New Year together in their tradition of celebrating the holiday in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with several friends.

Aniston and Theroux first met on the set of 2008’s Tropic Thunder, which was written by Theroux, but didn’t begin dating until three years later. They got engaged in 2012 and then married in a surprise ceremony on August 5, 2015.

Aniston recently agreed to a return to TV. She will be starring in a drama for Apple TV with Reese Witherspoon — as yet untitled and inspired by Brian Stelter‘s book Top of the Morning: Inside the Cutthroat World of Morning TV — set in a morning-news show. Friends fans will remember that the two women played sisters on the hit NBC comedy.

This was a second marriage for Aniston, who was previously married to Brad Pitt. It was a first marriage for Theroux.