Hugh Jackman separates from his wife after 27 years

AFP / Angela Weiss

Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman and his wife, Deborra-lee Furness, have decided to split after 27 years of marriage amicably, they announced in a joint statement.

In a statement shared exclusively with PEOPLE magazine, the couple said, "We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting, and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth."

"Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives."

The statement, signed "Deb and Hugh Jackman," concludes: "This is the sole statement either of us will make."

The beloved pair married on April 11, 1996, in Toorak, Victoria, a suburb of Melbourne, after meeting on the set of the Australian TV show Correlli. They share two adopted children, Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18.