Breaking up is hard to do – even when the split is amicable. So Britney Spears' ex fiancé Jason Trawick really appreciated the well-wishes of fans on Twitter on the day it was announced he and the pop icon have broken off their engagement. "Thanks for all your kind words. You guys/girls are wonderful. I truly appreciate it," wrote the star's former manager, who had proposed to Britney over a year ago in Las Vegas.
Jason reportedly signed a non-disclosure contract last April when he officially became her co-conservator along with her father Jamie Spears. But sources close to the couple say Jason would never have talked about their relationship, confidentiality agreement or not, out of respect for mum-of-two Britney. The 41-year-old has reportedly resigned as Britney's co-conservator, but her father Jamie will remain as conservator. According to website Radaronline Jason has already moved out of the home the couple shared together, while other reports state Britney has returned her Neil Lane $90,000 engagement ring, though Jason did not ask for it back. The couple announced the end of their romance on Friday, with the singer saying: "Jason and I have decided to call off our engagement. I'll always adore him and we will remain great friends." Proving the split is an amicable one, Jason added: "As this chapter ends for us a new one begins. I love and cherish her and her boys and we will be close forever. "Jeff Raymond, Britney's representative, confirmed the news saying "Britney Spears and Jason Trawick have mutually agreed to end their one year engagement. As two mature adults, they came to the difficult decision to go their separate ways while continuing to remain friends."
There had been hints of trouble in paradise when Britney was pictured out and about in Los Angeles a week ago notably without her engagement ring (above). The Toxic singer also recently changed management meaning Jason was no longer handling her career. Reports suggest that the couple have been more like close friends in recent months and are determined to maintain their friendship despite no longer being romantically linked. Other stories have suggested the pair's differing opinions on whether to have children played a part in their deciding to go their separate ways.
Britney and Jason's split is not the only big change for the singer as 2013 gets underway. The Mississippi-born star has also announced that she is stepping down from her judging role on the US X Factor. "I had an incredible time doing the show and I love the other judges," she said. "I am so proud of my teens but it's time to get back in the studio." Love blossomed between Britney and her former manager in July 2009, when Jason was the star's agent. Friends praised New York-born Jason's relationship with Britney's sons Sean Preston and Jayden James. Once with Jason the Overprotected hit-maker stepped out of the media spotlight, helping her to recover from the metal illness that left her hospitalised in 2008. There is little doubt amongst Britney supporters just how integral Jason has been to the star's dramatic turnaround in recent years.