Washington, February 16: The year witnesses its first major breakup and it is none other than Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux. Yes, the gorgeous Hollywood couple has called it quits on their relationship and their separation is very, very disappointing. Jennifer and Justin were together for seven years and married for two and a half have announced their separation in a joint statement, E! Online reported. Post this high-profile breakup, the rumours are rife that we may see the Friends star reuniting with her ex-husband Brad Pitt -- at least that's what Pitt and Aniston die-hard fans wish to see!

"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," the couple said in a joint statement to E! Online.

"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," concludes in the statement that left the hearts of Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux fans broken in thousand pieces.

The couple had been spending time apart recently, while Aniston stayed based in LA, Theroux spent more time in New York City after filming 'The Spy Who Dumped Me' in Budapest last summer.

Aniston turned 49 on Sunday, February 11, and Theroux was noticeably absent from the Malibu celebration. A source close to the couple recently told People the two didn't mind their frequent separations. "Justin often spends a few days in NYC by himself," the source said.

Aniston and Theroux began dating in May of 2011 and became engaged in August 2012. They married three years later, on August 5, 2015, at their home in Bel-Air.  She was previously married to Hollywood star Brad Pitt for five years before their divorce in 2005 after the Troy actor fell in love with Angeline Jolie and moved in with her. However, Brad and Jolie's relationship also went kaput and fans are now rooting for Jennifer and Brad Pitt to reignite their love and get back with each other.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 16, 2018 10:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).