new statement

J Balvin and Valentina Ferrer split after nearly 10 years together: ‘We have decided to take separate paths’

The announcement follows days of speculation

SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 3:18 PM EDTSEP 16, 2026, 3:18 PM EDT

J Balvin and Valentina Ferrer have gone their separate ways. After nearly a decade together and welcoming their son, Río, the Argentine model confirmed on Wednesday, September 16, that she and the Colombian superstar have ended their relationship.

Ferrer shared the news in a statement on her Instagram Stories, bringing an end to days of speculation surrounding the couple.

Valentina asked for understanding and respect as the family navigates what she described as a deeply personal moment.

“After sharing so many years and important moments together, José and I have decided to take separate paths,” she wrote in Spanish, referring to the singer by his birth name, José Álvaro Osorio Balvín.

The model stressed that the decision was made amicably and with their family at the center of it.

The former couple shares son Río, whom they welcomed in June 2021 and say will remain their priority.

“It has been a decision made from love, respect and the desire to do what is best for our family,” she continued. “Our priority will continue to be always accompanying Río with all our love.”

Ferrer concluded by asking for privacy as they navigate the change. “We are going through this process calmly and deeply appreciate the understanding and respect toward this very personal moment for us.”

The announcement follows days of speculation:

The confirmation comes after fans began questioning the status of Ferrer and Balvin’s relationship over a series of recent social media posts.

Valentina said the decision to separate was made “from love, respect and the desire to do what is best for our family.”

Earlier this month, Ferrer shared a TikTok set to Karol G’s “Alguien que me amaba,” prompting followers to speculate that the song about a changing relationship could have personal significance.

She also “liked” several comments from followers wondering whether she was communicating something about her relationship. At the time, however, neither Ferrer nor Balvin had confirmed a breakup.

J Balvin and Valentina Ferrer first met in 2017 when the Argentine model appeared in the music video for his song “Sigo Extrañándote.”

Other recent posts featuring Ferrer and Río, as well as Balvin’s absence from her recent content, added to the speculation. Reports noted that the last joint content on Ferrer’s profile featuring the singer dated to July 28.

The speculation was particularly surprising because Ferrer had spoken about their relationship only days earlier.

In an interview published by Brazil's gshow on September 10, ahead of Balvin's Rock in Rio performance, Ferrer discussed the relationship and described the individual dynamic that every long-term couple develops. The outlet reported that she and the singer had been together for nearly 10 years.

J Balvin and Valentina Ferrer have ended their relationship after nearly a decade together, with the model confirming the news in a personal statement.

Their love story began on a music video set:

Balvin and Ferrer first crossed paths in January 2017 when she appeared in the music video for his song “Sigo Extrañándote.” They played a family on screen, years before building one together in real life. Balvin's official website later described their meeting as “almost as a premonition of what was to come.”

The singer and model went on to build a family together, welcoming their only child, Río, four years after they first met.

Their relationship developed after the shoot, with Ferrer previously explaining that they were friends before becoming romantically involved.

The couple welcomed Río on June 27, 2021. Their son turned five this summer, with his parents celebrating the milestone with a Godzilla-themed birthday party.

Fatherhood has remained an important part of Balvin's public life. Earlier this year, the musician spoke about raising Río and how becoming a dad changed his perspective, saying he wants to lead his son by example.

Valentina Ferrer announced that she and J Balvin have “decided to take separate paths” after years together.

Their family also inspired some of Balvin's music. In 2025, he released “Río,” which his official site described as an expression of love for his family. Its music video incorporated personal footage of Ferrer and their son from Balvin's own phone.

Now, while their romantic relationship has come to an end, Ferrer's statement makes clear that their next chapter will continue to revolve around the child they share. “Our priority will continue to be always accompanying Río with all our love.”