Jewel and Husband Ty Murray Announce Divorce

Jewel and her husband, professional rodeo rider Ty Murray, have announced their intention to divorce.

The singer-songwriter shared the sad news directly with her fans online Wednesday (July 2).

“Dear World,” she writes. “It is infinitely strange to write those words, especially considering the personal nature of the topic, which is the purpose of my writing today. But the truth is I have lived my life in the public eye since I was nineteen. And while it is intimidating to live a life in the public, it has also been a privilege to make a living with my words, my thoughts, my feelings.”

“Ty and I have always tried to live the most authentic life possible, and we wanted our separation as husband and wife to be nothing less loving than the way we came together,” she continues. “For some time we have been engaged in a private and difficult, but thoughtful and tender undoing of ourselves. Allowing ourselves the time and space to redefine what we are to each other with love rather than malice.”

The singer -- who has released both pop-rock and country albums -- says she shared the news directly with her fans so they wouldn't hear it though the tabloid press.

The couple married in 2008. They have been together for nearly 16 years. Their son, Kase Townes, is almost three. They still plan to raise him together.

“Our dedication to our son is unwavering and we are both committed to being the best partners in raising our son,” Jewel explains. “Due to the spirit in which we have gone about this separation, we trust we can remain dear friends who hold each other in high esteem, which is so important to us as parents- as we wish only what is best for our son.”