Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez attend The Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony honoring Simon Fulleron May 23, 2011 in Hollywood, Calif.
He had her love, but now they’re letting go. After seven years of marriage, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony have separated.
The couple, who briefly dated in the 1990’s before tying the knot in a small ceremony in 2004, released a joint statement Friday confirming the news, saying, “We have decided to end our marriage. This was a very difficult decision. We have come to amicable conclusion on all matters.”
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According to US Weekly, singer Anthony was noticeably absent from his wife’s side at the BAFTA Brits to Watch bash in L.A. last weekend, which was hosted in honor of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Catherine Middleton, who were visiting from England. Instead, Lopez walked the red carpet with her mother, Guadalupe.
This was the third marriage for Lopez, who has recently made a reappearance in the spotlight with a stint as a judge on American Idol, and the second for Anthony. The pair have 3-year-old twins Emme and Max.
“It is a painful time for all involved,” the statement read, “And we appreciate the respect of our privacy at this time.”