The romance is over. After nearly nine months of dating, Ariana Grande and Big Sean have split.

The couple announced their separation in a joint statement via their reps. “They both deeply care for each other and remain close friends. We kindly ask that the media respect their wish for privacy regarding this personal matter at this time.”

The singer, 21, and rapper, 27, began dating in August 2014. Ariana confirmed their relationship in an October interview with the U.K.’s Telegraph Magazine. “He is one of the most amazing men in the whole world, and that includes my grandfather and my brother,” she said. “I think the world of him, and he’s an amazing person. That’s kind of all there is to it.”

Sean, who was previously engaged to Naya Rivera, gushed about the “Love Me Harder” singer. “Ariana is very, very special. She’s very special to me,” he told Ryan Seacrest.

According to Us Weekly, the two quietly and amicably ended their relationship a few weeks ago. “They made the decision to part ways because their conflicting touring schedules would keep them apart over the next year,” says an insider.

While together, the pair was not shy to show PDA. They often posted Instagram pics and even showed off their chemistry while performing their duet “Best Mistake” at “A Very GRAMMY Christmas” in December.