Michael Strahan And Nicole Murphy End Their Five-Year Engagement, Blame Distance And Work Schedule

Michael Strahan and his fiancée of five years, Nicole Murphy, called off their engagement because of their busy work schedules, People reported Friday. The model ended her relationship with the former New York Giant and current television talk-show host just a day before Strahan was to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Representatives of both confirmed the split to People.

“They love each other very much, but with the distance and work schedule it has been hard to maintain the relationship,” the “Live with Kelly and Michael” host’s representative said. The couple began dating in 2007 and got engaged in 2009, but their wedding kept getting delayed because of their busy work schedules.

“I have a great relationship, and she’s a great girl,” Strahan said at the time of his engagement. “I don’t like to talk much about my private life, but I’m really happy.”

The 42-year-old former football star first was married first to Wanda Hutchins until they split in 1996: They share daughter Tanita, 22, and son Michael Jr., 19. Strahan then was married to Jean Muggli, with whom he has twin daughters. They divorced in 2006.

The 46-year-old VH1 star was previously married to actor and comedian Eddie Murphy, with whom she has five children.

“Michael and I talk about everything, and we both love to travel, explore and laugh,” Nicole Murphy told People in February 2008.