Phil Collins and wife announce separation

Couple was married in 1999 and has two children together

Celebrity video

Celine Dion on her miscarriage
Dec. 9: Celine Dion sits down with Access Hollywood’s Nancy O’Dell to talk about her recent miscarriage and the challenges she has faced in getting pregnant with her second child. Plus, has publicly talking about her troubles been a source of inspiration for others?

Taylor Lautner as Pee-Wee?

Lambert: Music ‘is my dream’

Bono, 50 Cent, others celebrate VEVO

Jenny McCarthy dishes on becoming a grandmother

Will sponsors stand by Tiger Woods?

Slideshow

Best and worst celebrity fashions of 2009
From glamorous gowns to stylish suits to complete fashion failures, a look at the year so far.

more photos

updated 8:26 p.m. ET March 15, 2006

NEW YORK - Splitsville for Phil Collins and his wife, Orianne.

The British rock star and his Swiss-born wife, who were married in 1999, announced in a joint statement Wednesday that they’ve separated.

They have two sons, Nicholas, 4, and Matthew, 1. Collins has three children from two previous marriage.

Story continues below ↓

advertisement | your ad here

“They have been living separately since the beginning of the year and both cite the fact that they have been growing apart for some time now and this has put too much pressure on their relationship,” the statement said.

“Consequently, they have decided in the interests of their two children that it is better to separate. They are both very sad that it should come to this but have as their priority the welfare and happiness of their children and are determined to remain friends and be loving parents to them.”

The Grammy-winning former Genesis drummer and singer, 55, and Orianne, in her early 30s, met in 1994 on a tour supporting his solo record, “Both Sides.” At the time, he was going through a divorce from his second wife, Jill.

The couple lived in Switzerland, and Collins will continue to live in that country “to be near to the children,” the statement said.

Collins won an Oscar in 2000 for the hit single, “You’ll be in My Heart,” from the 1999 animated film, “Tarzan.” His score will also be featured in Disney’s stage version of “Tarzan” that is opening May 10.