Hugh Jackman and his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, have announced their divorce.
The pair were married for more than 27 years and were loved for being one of Hollywood’s couples who stood the test of time while being dignified and drama-free.
In a statement issued to PEOPLE, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness explained that they had realized that their 30-year romance had shifted and took the decision to move on in separate directions.
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.”
They went on to say: “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 continued: “This is the sole statement either of us will make.”
The Australian couple share two adopted children: Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18. The couple revealed that they were not able to conceive naturally or via IVF.
Hugh Jackman explained their decision to adopt by saying: “Our motivation behind adopting was, ‘Where is the need? The biggest need is in mixed-race kids. I want to tell my kids that … it doesn’t matter what sexual [orientation] you are, it doesn’t matter what job you do, it doesn’t matter whether your hair is straight or curly, if you’re tall or short, man or woman, what race you are. What defines you as a human being is underneath all that.”
The couple faced other struggles in their relationship, including the constant chatter about the fact that there is a 13-year gap between them.
In a past interview, Hugh Jackman attempted to set the record straight by revealing that while his wife might be older, he is the adult in the relationship.
He confessed: “She’s just like a little kid. I’m the [one saying], “Babe, this is not a legal parking spot”, she would respond “Oh, come on, Mr. Goody- Goody.”
Deborra-Lee Furness also spoke about the insulting comments she often received from people who told her she was “lucky” for being married to the The Greatest Showman star.
She confessed: “That to me is a putdown. [It’s] like you suggesting I won [a] … raffle. I think we create our own destiny. When people look at my life, they don’t know the challenges [I face], just like I don’t know someone else’s [challenges].”
Relationships in Hollywood are notoriously hard.
