Jon Hamm and Jennifer Westfeldt split up

Jon Hamm, the star of the television series “Mad Men,” and his longtime partner, Jennifer Westfeldt, have separated after being a couple for the past 18 years, the online edition of People magazine reported.

“With great sadness, we have decided to separate, after 18 years of love and shared history,” the couple said in a joint statement to the magazine, adding that “We will continue to be supportive of each other in every way possible moving forward.”

After several months of rumors about the end of their relationship, Hamm, 44, and Westfeldt, 45, are now putting an end to all the speculation. The last time that they were seen in public together was on July 22 in New York after the presentation of Netflix’s “Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp.”

In late March it was reported that Hamm had completed rehab for alcohol abuse a personal problem he shares with Don Draper, his character on “Mad Men” and said that Westfeldt had supported him throughout his treatment. In April, the couple even released a statement denying reports they had broken up.

The TMZ.com Web site said that the actor had been under treatment for 30 days at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut, and that he concluded his therapy in late February.

Last year, Hamm said he felt very lucky to have Westfeldt in his life.

“Our lives are entwined,” he said. “It’s a long time (together). I’m definitely the guy that repeats his stories! Mostly it’s just paying attention and keeping engaged and not succumbing to inertia or going through the motions.”

Hamm and Westfeldt began dating in 1997 and even starred together in the film “Friends with Kids” (2011).