Singer Ricky Martin and partner Carlos
Gonzalez Abella have called it quits.
According to a statement by Martin's
publicist given to El
Nuevo Dia, the couple decided to part ways a few days before
Christmas. The break-up was reportedly amicable.
Martin, who came out gay in 2010, did
not publicly discuss his relationship with Gonzalez, a financial
analyst he met in 2008, until the following year.
In March of 2011, Martin thanked
Gonzales in accepting a GLAAD Media Award.
“I just want to be free. I can say
today I'm free. And for that I definitely need to thank my parents
for being so supportive, my mother and my dad for their unconditional
love, and my friends, my family, my fans. And my partner in crime
and my boyfriend Carlos,” Martin said in accepting the group's Vito
Russo Award.
Speaking with gay glossy The
Advocate, Martin described Gonzales as “sexy” and “smart.”
“That is such a turn-on... He leaves
the house every day in a suit and tie and that is so sexy,” Martin
said in 2012. “It's two different worlds – his and mine. I know
as much about his world as he knows about my world, which makes it
really cool.”
Speculation that the couple was
planning to marry followed Martin through much of the relationship.
Last month he relented, telling
reporters: “If I were to get married, I would love to do it Spain.
There is spectacular scenery for a big wedding.”
The 41-year-old former Menudo star and
father of two is currently a judge/coach on Australia's singing
contest The Voice.