Kevin Richardson has announced that after 13 years he is leaving the Backstreet Boys.
Billboard reports that a statement on the group's official website said that Richardson was leaving to "pursue other interests" and had given the other members his blessing to continue work without him.
"The door will always be open for him to return to the Backstreet Boys," the statement added.
Richardson said that the decision to leave was very tough but "necessary in order to move on with the next chapter of my life".
The group began work on their new album at the weekend.
