Cherry Jones admits split from longtime lover

October 10, 2008: 24's female U.S. president CHERRY JONES has split from her longtime girlfriend, SARAH PAULSON.

The 52 year old sparked rumours of a break-up after she failed to thank Paulson during her acceptance speech at the Emmy Awards earlier this year (09).

As she collected the honour for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her 24 role, Jones thanked her agents and family but made no mention of her lover.

She has now admitted they have split up - and that she didn't namecheck Paulson because it would have attracted questions from reporters throughout the event.

Jones tell UsWeekly.com, 'We're not together anymore, but we're still dearest of friends.

'Sarah understood, and we talked about it (acceptance speech). And I know enough to know that if I had said her name, the rest of the night that's all anybody from the press would have asked me about. I just wanted to keep it focused on my family. That's the back-story.

'It's the happiest break-up that's ever been. We grew so much together and now we can send each other off with a kiss and great love.'

--IANS-WENN