Irony of ironies: The longtime-married host of ‘The Bachelor‘ and ‘The Bachelorette’ is now a bachelor himself. E! News reported this Thursday that Chris Harrison has separated from his wife of 18 years, Gwen Jones.

According to a joint statement, Harrison and Jones arrived at the decision after “much heartfelt consideration.” The couple said that, “Though we have made this incredibly difficult decision to separate, our love and mutual respect remain, and we look forward to sharing in the lives of our wonderful children.”

In Touch Weekly earlier reported their split.  The former high school sweethearts have two children together.

The celebrity ex-couple remain close friends. Chris Harrison and Gwen Jones amicably shares custody of 9-year-old son Joshua and 7-year-old daughter Taylor.

They were even seen together. Notably, ‘The Bachelor’ host threw a birthday party for his ex-wife Gwen Jones in Las Vegas this January.

Chris Harrison, 40, has presided over 16 seasons of ‘The Bachelor,’ two seasons of ‘Bachelor Pad,’ and seven seasons of ‘The Bachelorette.’ The last program’s eighth season will premiere on May 14 with Emily Maynard taking over hosting duties.

Earlier, Maynard accepted contestant Brad Womack’s proposal during the climax of the 15th season of ’The Bachelor.’ But Emily Maynard refused to join her supposed fiancé in Texas, which quickly led to obvious fractures in their relationship.

Asked if they had a chance, ‘The Bachelor‘ host Chris Harrison told Reality TV World that, ”It’s absolutely easy for everybody in the magazines and radio and TV to say they’re going to break up. I mean, that’s just easy, and they’re easy to take shots at. Couples always are. I mean, statistically, your neighbors are going to get divorced tomorrow.”