Bachelor Nation Devastated Over Brandon Jones & Serene Russell Split

Serene Russell first appeared in the “Bachelor” franchise during Clayton Echard‘s season. The 27-year-old teacher finished the competition in fourth place, getting sent home right after hometowns. She then went on to “Bachelor In Paradise” where she found love with Brandon Jones.

The two ended up getting engaged and fans rallied around the couple, thinking they would be endgame.

Unfortunately, the two announced their split yesterday, completely shocking Bachelor Nation.

“We are really excited for wedding planning,” Russell told PEOPLE after the “Bachelor In Paradise” finale.

“We’ve landed on 2024, and we’re starting to think what time of year we want to get married in, what kind of wedding we like, do we want it more in the day or at night? We’re starting to have these fun little conversations,” she continued. “But right now, we’re really excited to get to do the holidays together, and be in public and be normal.”

Unfortunately, after nearly one year of dating in the real world, the two called it quits. Brandon Jones and Serene Russell released a joint Instagram statement announcing their split. "After many months, today we have ultimately decided to end our engagement," they wrote. "We have tried to work privately on our relationship which has been incredibly challenging in the public eye. This has been immensely hard to accept and painful, as there is a lot of love between the two of us."

They concluded with, "We are deeply hurting and can only ask that there be no hate. The best path for us at this time is to try and move forward and heal from this as individuals."

The post included multiple photos and videos of their time together, completely devastating Bachelor Nation.

Members of the "Bachelor" franchise were quick to comment words of support for Russell and Jones, including "Bachelor In Paradise" star Johnny DePhillipo who wrote, "Both are amazing people 🖤".

Former "Bachelorette" lead Kate Thurston also commented, "Healing publicly is difficult. Sending you both love and strength during this time. ❤️."

And "Bachelor In Paradise" star Genevieve Parisi said, "Love you both so much 🤍."

Other fans of the reality franchise could not believe what they were reading. One member wrote, "My jaw literally just dropped. The most shocking breakup in Bach history 😭😭," as another said, "No way! You two gave me hope that true love existed. 😢."

Another chimed in, "Many couples need a break to reflect, and re-integrate who they are separate from the love of their life. They often come back stronger. If it’s meant to be, it will be. Just don’t let your egos or image in the public be the reason that you let the love of your life walk away. You two are beautiful no matter what happens. That will never change."

While one fan commented, "Woah I really didn’t see this coming :( wishing you both the best ❤️."