Gwen Stefani & Gavin Rossdale confirm divorce

by

Carolyn Robertson

posted in Celebrities

More sad news out of Hollywood today as Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale announced that they're calling it quits.

The couple, who have been married for 13 years and have sons Kingston, 9, Zuma, 6, and Apollo, 1, released a statement this afternoon confirming that they are divorcing.

"While the two of us have come to the mutual decision that we will no longer be partners in marriage, we remain partners in parenthood and are committed to jointly raising our three sons in a happy and healthy environment," it reads. "To that end, we respectfully request privacy from the media during this time."

What is happening in Hollywood these days? We're used to hearing about celebrity splits, but in recent months the break-ups have been somewhat surprising.

After a decade together, Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin shocked many when they revealed their decision to "consciously uncouple" last spring. Then, more recently, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck announced their divorce after 10 years of marriage. And while they don't have kids, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert broke hearts when they put an end to their 5-year union last month.

I try not to invest too heavily in celebrity romances, fleeting as they often are, but I have to admit I was really rooting for all of these couples.

Gwen and Gavin in happier times, out fishing with their boys in 2012

While rumors of relationship turmoil have come and gone during Gwen and Gavin's almost 20-year relationship - they started dating in 1996, a lifetime ago by celeb standards - they always seemed to find a way to stay together.

The No Doubt singer has never shied away from talking about how hard it is to juggle motherhood, marriage and a career, but despite that once said that having children had only made her relationship stronger.

“We’ve both become more romantic and caring for each other simply because we’ve seen how beautiful it is to have come this far together and started a new chapter in our lives," Gwen, 45, said. "I feel we’re closer in many ways now that we’re building something together outside our own crazy relationship.”

Reading that just makes today's announcement seem that much sadder, knowing how drastically things can change.

Are you surprised by the news of Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale's split?

Here's what other famous folks have had to say about divorce...

Photos: PR Photos, INFphoto.com