Bachelor Nation Stars Break Off Engagement

"The Bachelorette" alums Kaitlyn Bristowe and Jason Tartick have said their goodbyes ... calling it quits on their engagement after 4 years together.

They announced the split in a joint statement, posted on Instagram Sunday ... saying theyre "saddened with heavy hearts to share that we have decided to end our engagement," breaking the news after filling in family and close friends.

Kaitlyn and Jason say theyre thankful for those that gave them "time and space to process the life-altering decision as there are many emotions and changes to navigate."

They add theyll be co-parenting their 2 dogs, Ramen and Pinot ... and say theyll be remaining friends despite the breakup -- writing, "We feel grateful to be ending our engagement with love and respect for each other," adding its "heartbreaking" to say goodbye.

Fans of the show remember Kaitlyn first appeared on Chris Soules season of "The Bachelor," then returned to "The Bachelorette" the same year as the seasons lead. As for Jason, he was on Becca Kufrins season in 2018.

Kaitlyn and Jason met in 2019 when he jumped on an episode of her "Off the Vine" podcast -- they started dating that same year and announced their engagement in May of 2021.

FYI, Kaitlyn told her followers soon after their breakup announcement that shed be going off the grid for a while ... writing, "I just know social media can be awful so taking a little break."