LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'This Is Us' star Chrissy Metz has separated from her boyfriend Bradley Collins, who works as an author and songwriter based in Los Angeles and Nashville, Tennessee, as per NBC.
Before opting to devote his whole time to his creative endeavors, Collins worked as an executive at the key music rights management organization Broadcast Music, Inc (BMI).
Metz made her relationship official by taking to Instagram in October 2020.
On Friday, October 6, the 43-year-old actress and the author announced their split in a joint Instagram post, adding that they still "love each other very much."
The statement read, "After three and a half years together, we've decided to end our romantic relationship amicably. While we continue to love each other very much, we believe this is the best path for us both."
It continued, "We still have books to write, songs to sing, and a special friendship to keep us in each other's lives forever."
Bradley Collins worked for Broadcast Music, Inc before becoming a writer
Chrissy Metz's now ex-boyfriend Bradley Collins worked with BMI Broadcast Music, a company that facilitates direct artist contact, before devoting his time to being a writer.
Although it's unclear exactly what role he played, a BMI article from October 2012 claimed Collins was promoted from "Director to Senior Director, Writer/Publisher Relations" at the time.
"Collins joined BMI in 2002 from Acuff-Rose Music Publishing, where he worked with the creative staff in administering the catalogue," stated BMI.
"Among his responsibilities at BMI are coordinating writer events throughout the industry, creating opportunities for BMI writers and publishers, and identifying new sources of revenue and exposure for emerging artists," as per Hollywood Life.
Additionally, Collins received his commercial real estate certification from Cornell University on June 13, 2020.
How did Bradley Collins meet Chrissy Metz?
Chrissy Metz and Bradley Collins initially met via the dating app Bumble. During their appearance on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show', they recalled the sweet tale of him being too nervous to formally ask for her number even after conversing for a month.
For Metz's 40th birthday, Collins took to Instagram to pen a heartfelt message, writing, "Happy Birthday to my love, Chrissy. From our first date in May, you’ve had me #Metzmerized with love, laughter and kindness."
Notably, in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Metz discussed how the two interact with one another.
The 'This Is Us' star stated, "I don't know if you can see it in his eyes, but he's very in touch with his feelings. I won’t call you out because if you cry then I'll cry, but it's just so nice to have someone that you really care about and you enjoy spending time with be vulnerable."
In terms of their most recent endeavors, the couple co-wrote and published the children's book, 'When I Talk to God, I Talk to You', which accompanies the album, 'Pray for This Day'.
Speaking with PEOPLE Magazine, Collins described the book's inspiration, noting, "When [we] were starting to get to know each other, I just realized we had a lot in common."
"The book is a general introduction to prayer and a reminder that children can pray for anything that's on their heart and minds," added Metz.
Bradley Collins and Chrissy Metz celebrated their three-year anniversary in May
During a guest appearance on Andy Cohen's 'SiriusXM Radio Andy' show in January 2021, Chrissy Metz talked about how their paths had crossed.
She said, "Who knew I had to go on the old Bumble? But I have no shame," as per Daily Mail.
Metz celebrated their three-year anniversary with her then-beau with an anniversary post in May of this year.
She took to Instagram to write, "Three whole years, Babe, and through a pandemic and all! Look at us just loving each other and creating together. Growing and learning from one another. You are a dream to me. Happy 3rd Anniversary, my love, @bradley_collins."
In response to Metz's post, Collins shared an image and captioned it, "A very happy 3rd anniversary with you, @chrissymetz! Time together has been as loving as it has flown by. I love you!"
