J Balvin 'celebrates' Valentina Ferrer, days after split

J. Balvin shared a heartfelt message of praise for Valentina Ferrer, just days after it was revealed they have split.

The former Miss Universe contestant confirmed earlier this week that they have gone their separate ways after almost 10 years together, but they have stayed on good terms and the 41-year-old musician insisted the model "deserves all the flowers" on her birthday for making life "more beautiful" for the people she knows.

Balvin gushed on Instagram on Saturday (19.09.26) in a post translated from Spanish to English: “Today I celebrate your life, Vale.

“I celebrate the woman you are — your light, your strength, the way you love, your wisdom and that heart of yours that makes life more beautiful for those fortunate enough to know you.”

The I Like It hitmaker - whose real name is José Álvaro Osorio Balvín - went on to praise Valentina for giving him "the greatest gift in life", their five-year-old son Rio.

Alongside a carousel of throwback photos, he wrote: “Thank you for giving me the greatest gift in life: Río. Watching you be his mom is one of the things I admire most about you.

"There are people who deserve all the flowers — not just for what they do, but for who they are. And today, all the flowers are for you.

“May God watch over you, bless you, and return to you, multiplied, all the love and light you give. Happy birthday, Vale.”

Valentina announced earlier this week that she and Balvin had split but were determined to put the best interests of their son first.

She wrote on her Instagram Story: “[Our split] has been a decision made from love, respect and the desire to do what is best for our family.

“Our priority will continue to be always accompanying Río with all our love.”

The model went on to appeal for privacy while she and the Mi Gente hitmaker navigate the new stage in their relationship.

She added: “We are going through this process calmly and deeply appreciate the understanding and respect toward this very personal moment for us."

Fans had been questioning the couple's relationship status after they didn't share any joint social media content for several weeks, and according to Hola, Valentina recently responded by liking posts that suggested she was dropping a major hint when she posted Karol G's break-up song Alguien Que Te Amaba.