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How the 12-year love story between Alex and Teigan McKinnon came to a sad but amicable end

They're putting up a united front for their daughters.
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After 12 years together, overcoming incredible odds and welcoming three beautiful daughters, Alex and Teigan McKinnon quietly split in January 2022.

The couple kept their separation private for several months, likely as they focused on co-parenting their children; Harriet, three, and twins Audrey and Violet, one.

But eagle-eyed fans suspected something was amiss with the Aussie golden couple when, five years into their marriage, Alex stopped appearing on Teigan’s social media and the young mum was seen regularly without her wedding ring.

The pair intend to remain friends and co-parent their three daughters.

(Image: Instagram)

Their sad split was confirmed in April, when the Sydney Morning Herald reported: “Alex has strong family support and he will ensure Teigan has all of his … [there is] no ill will.”

The outlet added that Alex and Teigan split amicably and are devoted to co-parenting their daughters and remaining friends, proving the point when they came together to mark their twins’ first birthday on April 26.

Soon after, Alex turned his Instagram account to private while Teigan took to hers to reveal the deep pain caused by the fact their “split had been made public without our consent”.

She wrote: “We are asking for our privacy to please be respected at this time. We are together concentrating on protecting our family and children, as they are our main concern. We have the utmost respect for each other.”

Though details of their split remain unclear, SMH reported that the stress of raising a young family took its toll on the couple, who first met at a pub through mutual friends in 2010.

Teigan shared the following statement asking for privacy.

(Image: Instagram)

“I was there for a friend’s birthday dinner and we hit it off straight away, feeling very comfortable around each other. We were friends for about a year before we started dating in 2011,” Teigan told Body and Soul previously.

But Alex was sure about his feelings for Teigan from the moment they met: “It was definitely ‘love at first sight’ for me!”

Their love story captivated the nation when Teigan stood by her man after Alex’s life-changing injury in 2014.

While playing NRL for the Newcastle Knights the 22-year-old was injured in a dangerous tackle and became an incomplete quadriplegic after fracturing his C4 and C5 vertebrae.

In hospital, Teigan was told he might not make it through the night, but he was a figther and just three weeks later, Alex was able to propose to Teigan.

The primary school teacher has been his emotional and physical support through rehabilitation and their day-to-day life.

On Valentine’s Day in 2015, Alex shared a message on his social channels thanking Teigan for getting him through everything.

“Happy Valentine’s Day babe ❤️. The last year has challenged us a lot more then we would of every imagined, yet we’ve become so much stronger then ever before. I can honestly say I don’t know where I would be without you, I love you a fair bit 😊👰❤️ @teiganpower,” he captioned the post.

Three years after the horrific accident, they tied the knot in a stunning ceremony in the Hunter Valley.

It had been Alex’s goal to stand on his wedding day, in the end he was able to achieve his dream, with photos from the day showing him on his feet.

In 2018, Teigan gave birth to their first daughter, Harriet Anne and three turned to five when the family welcomed twin baby girls Audrey Jill and Violet John in 2021.

Though the proud mum and dad have now decided to part ways, there’s no doubt they’ll continue to love and respect each other while co-parenting in the years to come.

Relive Teigan and Alex’s wholesome love story in pictures below.

(Image: Instagram)

Teigan McKinnon Alex McKinnon young

Baby-faced Teigan and Alex look adorable in this picture from their early years together.

(Image: Instagram)

Teagan McKinnon Alex McKinnon event

The most 2012 Instagram post we ever saw! These photos are from the couple’s first time attending the Dally M Awards.

(Image: Instagram)

Teagan McKinnon Alex McKinnon concert

Here they are getting ready to watch John Legend and Alicia Keys sing iconic love songs in 2013.

(Image: Instagram)

Teigan McKinnon Alex McKinnon standing

Teigan captioned this photo, “This time last year we experienced a huge moment of standing together! So proud of how far you have come in those 12 months, you are continually getting stronger and improving this weekend we venture back to the Gold Coast for rehab for a week to find more improvements. Love having you as my partner in crime through this journey we have found ourselves on!”

(Image: Woman’s Day)

Teigan McKinnon Alex McKinnon

Speaking with Woman’s Day a then 24-year-old Alex credited Teigan for helping his mental health, “If it wasn’t for Teigan I wouldn’t be in as good a place as I am mentally.”

(Image: Instagram)

Teigan McKinnon Alex McKinnon today

The couple visited the Today Show to launch The Big Day Off to highlight spinal cord injuries and raise funds.

(Image: Instagram)

Teigan McKinnon Alex McKinnon couple

Teigan and Alex look beautiful in this touching photo.

(Image: Instagram)

Teigan Alex McKinnon new york

Enjoying time together during their trip to New York City.

(Image: Instagram)

Teagan McKinnon Alex McKinnon wedding

Alex standing for pictures on his wedding day.

(Image: Instagram)

Teigan McKinnon Alex McKinnon weddign new idea

“Together is a beautiful place to be♥️.”

(Image: Instagram)

Teigan McKinnon Alex McKinnon sonogram

Teigan and Alex announce their first pregnancy.

(Image: Instagram)

Teagan McKinnon Alex McKinnon daughter

Baby Harriet came into the world in time for her parents anniversary.

(Image: Instagram)

Teigan McKinnon Alex McKinnon christmas

The family of three spending Christmas together in 2020.

(Image: Instagram)

Teigan McKinnon Alex McKinnon pregnant

Teigan and Alex announce they are expecting twins, and we love their simple but exciting post.

(Image: Instagram)

Teigan McKinnon Alex McKinnon Twins

“Two little precious girls have entered the world and have stolen our hearts 26/04/21. 3:13pm and 3:19pm,” Teigan annouced.

(Image: Instagram)

Alex McKinnon

Alex shared this adorable picture from inside their living room, which has been taken over by babies – and they are of course elated by their doll house and play kitchen life.

(Image: Instagram)

Alex McKinnon

The McKinnons decorated their tree together ahead of Christmas 2021, Alex captioning this sweet snap of Teigan and Harriet, “best mum in the world.”

Instagram

Teigan McKinnon Alex McKinnon

In January 2022 the family marked Teigan’s 28th birthday, Alex taking to Instagram with cute a photo of her holding their twins with their eldest girl in the background. He also shared a snap from the big day of the mother-of-three holding Harriet while they smiled at the bday cake.

(Image: Instagram)

“First Christmas as a family of five 🤍 hearts and hands are full!” Teigan captioned this snap, though some fans noticed her wedding ring was missing.

(Image: Instagram)

Alex and Teigan’s split was made public in April 2022 but the devoted parents are working to continue co-parenting as friends.

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