Showbiz

Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony to divorce

Published Friday, Jul 15 2011, 23:03 BST | By Daniel Sperling | 27 comments

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony have announced that they are to divorce.

The American Idol judge and her husband of seven years confirmed their separation in a joint statement released tonight.

"We have decided to end our marriage," they told People. "This was a very difficult decision. We have come to an amicable conclusion on all matters.

"It is a painful time for all involved and we appreciate the respect of our privacy at this time."

The couple married in a secret ceremony at Lopez's Beverly Hills home back in June 2004. They renewed their wedding vows on their sixth anniversary last year.

The 'On The Floor' singer and Anthony are parents to 3-year-old twins Max and Emme.

Lopez was previously married to Ojani Noa for 11 months between 1997 and 1998, before tying the knot with backing dancer Cris Judd in September 2001. Their relationship ended in June 2002 and the pair were officially divorced the following January.