Ariana Grande, husband Dalton Gomez separate after two years of marriage

Duo began dating in January 2020 and announced their engagement 11 months later

Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez have called it quits, ending their marriage earlier this year. The 30-year-old Positions artist and the 27-year-old luxury real estate agent have been working on maintaining a friendship since their separation, as confirmed by a source to PEOPLE. The news was first reported by TMZ.

According to a source close to the couple, the geographical distance between them played a significant role in their decision to split. Grande, who has been busy filming the screen adaptation of Wicked in the United Kingdom, spent a substantial amount of time away from Gomez. "She was happy in Los Angeles for a couple of years. She wanted to make a life there with Dalton," the source told PEOPLE exclusively on Monday.

The source further revealed that while Grande had initially been content living in Los Angeles with Gomez, his career as a luxury real estate agent required him to stay in the city. With their marriage becoming a long-distance relationship due to Grande's work commitments, it became challenging to sustain their bond.

"He is super focused on his career and needs to live in Los Angeles," the insider stated, referring to Gomez's job. "It's definitely been an issue for them. Dalton's career is demanding and he can't leave Los Angeles often. So when [Grande] started filming Wicked in England, they were in for a long-distance marriage." The source claims that while the relationship "didn't work, Ari has nothing but kind words to say about Dalton. During their marriage, he was her number one fan." On Monday, a different source shared with PEOPLE that the exes had separated earlier this year and "have been quietly and lovingly working on their friendship" since.

Last August, Grande had previously dismissed speculation about their relationship troubles when she was seen without her wedding ring in a makeup tutorial on TikTok, explaining that it was being cleaned and assuring fans that they were not getting a divorce. In May, Grande posted on Instagram to celebrate the couple's second anniversary, expressing her love for Gomez. Similarly, Gomez shared affectionate photos on Valentine's Day, which Grande reposted on her own account.

Grande and Gomez tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at their Montecito home in California in May 2021. The wedding was attended by fewer than 20 people, and their representative confirmed the marriage, stating that both families were overjoyed. Sources close to the couple have previously described Gomez as a perfect match for Grande, emphasising his grounded nature and ability to remain unfazed by her celebrity status. They noted his maturity, work ethic, and preference for a low-key lifestyle.

Grande and Gomez began dating in January 2020 and announced their engagement 11 months later. Throughout their relationship, they mostly kept their romance private, with occasional glimpses shared on social media by Grande.

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