A couple from “Bachelor” has recently ended their relationship about four years after first appearing on the ABC dating reality series.

Matt James, notable for being the first Black lead in the “Bachelor” series, shared the news on social media on Thursday regarding his breakup with 28-year-old Rachael Kirkconnell — marking their split, once again.

“Father God, grant Rachael and me the strength to heal our broken hearts,” James, 33, expressed on Instagram. “Bestow a peace upon us regarding this decision to end our relationship that surpasses worldly understanding.”

Rachael Kirkconnell has not yet shared her thoughts on James’ breakup announcement and continues to have several photos of them together on her Instagram. The reasons behind their decision to part ways have not been disclosed.

The duo first met on Season 25 of “The Bachelor,” which kicked off in January 2021, where Kirkconnell ultimately won, receiving the final rose in the last episode.

They briefly separated after facing criticism due to Kirkconnell’s attendance at a plantation-themed college party, which garnered negative attention. However, a few months later, they reignited their romance.

In February 2024, James told People Magazine that his aim was to get engaged and that he was eager to plan a “special” proposal for Kirkconnell. YSL News has reached out to representatives for both James and Kirkconnell for a statement on this matter.

‘Bachelor’ couple navigated through the controversy

It seemed that things were progressing positively for James and Kirkconnell after the filming of the “After the Final Rose” special, where they discussed the season and dealt with the drama that followed the emergence of an old photo of Kirkconnell and her social media activity.

Following the show’s taping, but while it was still airing, Kirkconnell faced backlash for liking TikToks related to the Confederate flag and for a resurfaced photo allegedly showing her at a plantation-themed fraternity party in 2018.

In February 2021, Kirkconnell posted an online apology, describing her previous actions as “offensive and racist.” However, after the controversy, James decided to end the relationship.

Nonetheless, James was willing to give their relationship another chance, telling Wall Street Journal Magazine in May 2021 that he and Kirkconnell had reunited. He stated in the WSJ Magazine interview that it was “unfair” to abandon someone while they were learning and growing.

The couple was committed to putting in the necessary work together.

“We can engage in important discussions regarding this relationship, and what I need from a partner — especially if she isn’t Black — to understand the complexities of my life and the experience of being Black,” James explained to WSJ Magazine.

How to catch the latest season of ‘Bachelor’

The upcoming Season 29 of “The Bachelor” will feature Grant Ellis, a 31-year-old day trader from New Jersey who previously played professional basketball. He has been chosen as the leading man after being eliminated by Jenn Tran, the Bachelorette from Season 21, in August 2024.

Ellis will become the second Black lead in the Bachelor franchise’s history of over 20 years, following James in Season 25 in 2021.

ABC describes Ellis as having “captured the hearts of Bachelor Nation on Season 21 of ‘The Bachelorette’ with his infectious smile and uplifting spirit,” noting his genuine ambition to create a family-centered future before his emotional departure.

Season 29 of “The Bachelor” is set to kick off with a two-hour premiere on Monday, January 27 at 8 p.m. ET, with new episodes airing each Monday thereafter.

Contributors: Hannah Yasharoff, Elise Brisco, David Oliver, and Saman Shafiq.