It's difficult to accept: Brandon Jones and Serene Russell end their engagement in Bachelor Nation

The engagement between Bachelor in Paradise alumni Brandon Jones and Serene Russell has come to an end, according to a joint statement shared on Instagram on May 8. The couple cited the difficulties of maintaining a private relationship in the public eye and expressed their deep love for one another despite the situation. The statement also emphasized the decision being the best for them at this time and their intent to heal as individuals. The former lovers became engaged during the eighth season of the popular show and were one of the strongest couples, leaving Mexico as one of the two engaged pairings.

"You are this ever-lasting spark that has hit me so hard and I have come to the beautiful realization that from the moment I saw you, my happily ever after could’ve never started until I started a life with you," Brandon said during his romantic proposal. However, the season aired in 2022, during which they were engaged, and the relationship has since come to an end.

Serene was a contestant on Clayton Echard's Bachelor season while Brandon made his reality TV debut during Michelle Young’s season of The Bachelorette. The couple agreed to keep their 2024 wedding plans a secret from the public during an interview with Life & Style, though rumors that they had split began to circulate shortly after. Serene dismissed these rumors, calling them untrue and labeling those who spread them as seeking clout.