Bachelor Alums React To Ashley And J.P.'s Heartbreaking Split

Contestants on reality dating shows don't always find true love — juicy tales of broken engagements and shocking Bachelor breakups abound — but there are some alums of the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise who really seem to have found their soulmates through the long process of Rose Ceremonies and Fantasy Suites. That's why the celeb world was rocked by the recent news that Ashley Hebert and J.P. Rosenbaum are divorcing. Hebert, the seventh Bachelorette in the series, married her final rose recipient in 2012 and had two children with him (per People) before the relationship began to fray. On her Instagram account (which still identifies her as Ashley Hebert Rosenbaum), Hebert announced, "It is with a heavy heart that I share with you that, after months of separation, Jp and I have amicably decided to go our separate ways."

The news was met with quick reactions from fans and friends alike, with most offering support, sympathy, and best wishes to both partners. But perhaps the most heartwarming reactions to Ashley and J.P.'s split came from fellow Bachelor alumni — and that's more than understandable. After all, who would know better how difficult it can be to have your entire romantic history played out on prime time and every squabble headlined in the tabs?

Fellow Bachelorette Ali (Fedotowsky) Manno was one of the first to respond to Hebert's poignant announcement. "Sending you love and strength during this very difficult time my friend," she posted via Instagram. If you ever need anything, I'm here." The first-ever Bachelorette, Trista Sutter, sent a shorter but still heartfelt note — "Love you" — followed by heart and praying-hands emojis. Molly Mesnick, whose marriage to Bachelor Jason Mesnick is still going strong, simply posted: "❤️❤️❤️." 

Kaitlyn Bristowe's message ("Sending you guys so much love") may have rung especially true. Bristowe lost out on The Bachelor before being chosen as Season 11's Bachelorette, and her engagement to winner Shawn Booth ended after three years (per Marie Claire). "Thinking of you" was the message of DeAnna (Pappas) Stagliano, another previous Bachelorette who endured a public breakup with her final-rose recipient before finding love with the brother of another Bachelor. 

Rosenbaum received more than his share of Instagram condolences as well. Among them: Jason Mesnick, who wrote, "The Mesnick's [sic] are thinking about you guys... love those kiddos and keep your head high." Tanner Tolbert, of both Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise fame, posted, "Sending our thoughts to you both ❤️."

Even in the midst of their heartache, Hebert and Rosenbaum have to be comforted in the knowledge that they have a lot of people in their corner.