The sun has set on Brandon Jones and Serene Russell‘s paradise.
The Bachelor Nation stars announced on Instagram (May 8) that they had split up and called it quits on their engagement.
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“We have tried to work privately on our relationship which has been incredibly challenging in the public eye,” they wrote in a joint statement on Instagram. “This has been immensely hard to accept and painful, as there is a lot of love between the two of us. We are deeply hurting and can only ask that there be no hate.”
Brandon and Serene continued, “The best path for us at this time is to try and move forward and heal from this as individuals.”
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After getting engaged on the Bachelor in Paradise season eight finale, the couple announced their separation five months later. “You are this everlasting spark that has hit me so hard,” Brandon said during his seaside proposal to Serene. “I’ve come to the realization that, from the moment I saw you, my happily ever after could have never started until I started a life with you.”
Calling Serene his “best friend,” Brandon added at the time, “I will love you until the end of time. I will love you until my last breath and I want to start forever with you.”
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Although as an ordained officiant, host Jesse Palmer offered to marry the pair right away, they rejected, with Brandon saying that he wanted his parents to be present when he and Serene eventually got married. Following the episode, the two joked, “meet the joneses… kinda,” in a joint Instagram post.
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The end of another BIP couple! Let us know your thoughts on Branden Jones’ and Serene Russell’s seperation by leaving a reaction below or by sending us a DM on Instagram @celebsecrets.
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