Chris Harrison, wife split after 18 years

"Bachelor/Bachelorette" host Chris Harrison and his wife of 18 years, Gwen Jones, have separated, People magazine reports.

"Though we have made this incredibly difficult decision to separate, our love and mutual respect remain, and we look forward to sharing in the lives of our wonderful children," they said in a joint statement Thursday.

The couple, who live 35 miles from Hollywood, have two children, Joshua, 9, and Taylor, 7. In a 2010 interview with People, Jones described Harrison -- who coaches both kids' soccer teams -- as "an amazing father . . . he's very loving and involved."

In 2010, Harrison was accused on-screen by controversial "Bachelor" contestant Rozlyn Papa of making a pass at a producer's wife -- the same producer with whom Papa allegedly was having an affair.

At the time, Harrison called Papa's accusation a "cheap shot," telling People, "I had nothing to hide. My wife was there."

Harrison hosts the new season of "The Bachelorette," which premieres May 14 on ABC. He also hosts "Bachelor Pad," which returns in July.