Michael Strahan and Nicole Murphy‘s happily ever after has faded away. The couple have decided to call it quits after a five-year engagement.
A rep for the television host and former NFL star confirmed the news with PEOPLE, stating that life and career got in the way. The announcement was made just a day before Strahan was to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“They love each other very much, but with the distance and work schedule it has been hard to maintain the relationship,” the rep said. Murphy’s rep also verified the news.
Strahan and Murphy began dating in 2007 and were engaged by June 2009. Both were previously married (Strahan to Wanda Hutchins and Jean Muggli; Nicole to Eddie Murphy) and have nine children between them.
As recent as July, both stars spoke about their relationship and their rather lengthy engagement, but nothing seemed to be out of order. In an interview with The Jasmine Brand, Murphy said she was not worried about following anyone’s timetable.
“I’m not under the pressure. It seems like everyone else is,” she said. “Everyone’s like ‘You all together? What’s going on? How come I haven’t seen you post a picture of him?’ And I’m like, ‘It’s none of ya’ll’s business at this point.’ I’m good!”
Photo courtesy of Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images North America
In the August 2014 issue of Ebony magazine, Strahan said: “For us it’s key that we maintain normalcy. We have a great life. People can buy into their own celebrity, and that’s a dangerous thing.”