Long Coming? Jennifer Lopez And Alex Rodriguez Call Off Engagement After 2 Years

Jennifer Lopez And Alex Rodriguez break up: Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez have broken up! The couple ended their four-year relationship and engagement after two years, E! News confirmed.

"This has been a long time coming," a source told People. According to Page Six,  last month, it was rumoured that Rodriguez was having an affair after Southern Charm's Madison LeCroy was accused of sleeping with a married MLB player. As Lopez, 51, and Rodriguez, 45, who got engaged in 2019, are calling it quits after a long journey she had embarked upon four year ago, here is a timeline of their relationship.

1999: First meeting

Jennifer Lopez And Alex Rodriguez first met each other in 1999 when Rodriguez was still playing baseball and Lopez just broke up with boxer Ojani Noa.

In 2018, the former Yankee Instagrammed a throwback photo of an autograph from J. Lo, captioning it, "#TBT to almost 20 years ago when a big time global pop superstar signed a pic for a young ball player." After that she married American singer, songwriter, actor Marc Anthony.

March 2017: They started dating

It was confirmed in March 2017 that the couple were officially dating. A source close told People, “He has been around her family and she really likes that he is a dad. She is aware, though, that he is a ladies’ man too and is being cautious. For now, it’s just fun. She is single and enjoys dating.”

April 8, 2017: Instagram official

Lopez then took to her Instagram and made it official with a photo of the pair enjoying a Yankees game together.

April 24, 2017: First announcement

Lopez on The Ellen DeGeneres Show " target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-describedby="external-disclaimer">told that Rodriguez asked her out first and they started dating. She claimed that she "was having lunch somewhere and I saw him as he passed by. Afterwards, I went outside, and for some reason I felt like tapping him on the shoulder." Rodriguez " target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-describedby="external-disclaimer">confirmed the story to DeGeneres in April 2018.

May 2017: Met Gala debut

The couple made their fans go gaga over their red carpet debut at the 2017 Met Gala.

June 2017: First family photo

Lopez took to Instagram and shared the first photo of their families. It included her twins Max and Emme and Rodriguez's daughters Natasha and Ella — hanging out together in a pool. Same month, they also went on their first public vacation together to Paris.

October 2017; Moving in together

Lopez and Rodriguez moved in together. “They will invest together in a new home when they find the perfect one,” said a source. “They are starting to make more financial decisions together. It’s nice for Jennifer to be with a man who has his own money and spends it wisely.”

May 2018: Second Met Gala

Together, they attended their second Met Gala in May 2018. Lopez and Rodriguez celebrated their birthdays in July. Rodriguez wrote of Lopez, "When we were kids, birthdays were exciting because it was all about the gifts we would be getting. A new bat, dance shoes, maybe a new CD (yes I’m old!). I see firsthand how that’s changed for Jennifer, and how she’s found joy in sharing with others. For someone who has been about giving everything she has 365 days a year—to our children, our families, the world—I hope today, we can give you all the happiness you deserve. I love you mucho Macha 13."

Lopez shared, "Baby, spending time with you over the past year and a half...getting to know the real you more and more...I am surprised everyday by the generous, loving person you are to me and everyone around you... you bring energy and laughter everywhere you go. But I am most impressed by the man you strive to be...growing everyday... reaching for new heights, new understanding, new dreams and new goals. YOU ARE A SUPERSTAR, a force of nature, a visionary and a gentleman. I love you and I wish for you, today and everyday, all the goodness and abundance God and the universe has to offer... HAPPY BIRTHDAY Macho Bello. Te Adoro."

February 2019: Two-year anniversary

The celebrity couple celebrated their two-year anniversary. "You make my world a more beautiful safe and stable place... in the midst of our ever-changing, ever-moving life... you make me feel like a teenager starting out all over again... Every time I think I have you pegged, you surprise me in the most wonderful ways reminding me how blessed I am to have found you now in this moment at this time... our time... Te Amo Macho," Lopez said in her post on Instagram.

Rodriguez wrote, "I can’t believe it’s been two years. Only 730 days, which have flown by, but it feels like we have been together forever. We are meant to be, and how much you mean to me cannot be put into words."

March 2019: Engagement

After two years of togetherness, they got engaged in the Bahamas in March 2019.

January 2020: Lopez nominated for a Golden Globe

Lopez was nominated for a Golden Globe, which she lost, Critics' Choice and SAG Award for her role in Hustlers. Rodriguez wrote on Instagram, "Jen, it doesn’t take a trophy, medal, or plaque to identify a true champion. To millions of young women who have watched you and have been inspired and empowered to do amazing things in their lives, you are a champion."

February 2020: Lopez's Super Bowl performance

Rodriguez showed support for Lopez when she performed alongside Shakira at the Super Bowl.  "AMAZING!! She ABSOLUTELY CRUSHED IT! Wow, that was so fun! I’m so proud of you, Jen! ," he captioned a video while dancing in the crowd on Instagram.

April 2020: Wedding postponed

The couple had to think about their wedding again since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their plans. The family spent lockdown time in Miami.

January 21, 2021, Lopez performed at Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' Inauguration ceremony

To cheer for his would-be-wife, Rodriguez went there with her for support. The former pro-baseball player wrote on Instagram, "I can’t stop thinking about Wednesday and Jen’s performance at #Inauguration2021."

Feature Image Credit: Hello Magazine