Hugh Jackman and Wife Deborra-Lee Furness Announce Separation

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Hugh Jackman and longtime wife Deborra-Lee Furness have decided to go their separate ways.

The couple—who have been married since 1996—announced the news themselves with a statement on Friday, Sept. 15, letting fans know that they have amicably decided to split after 27 years of marriage.

"We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage," the pair said in a statement to PEOPLE. "Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth."

The Greatest Showman star, 54, met the Australian actress back in 1995, before tying the knot just a year later. Throughout their marriage, the spouses welcomed two children, Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18.

"Our family has been and always will be our highest priority," the twosome added in their statement on Friday. "We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness."

They continued, "We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives," while noting "This is the sole statement either of us will make."

The statement was signed "Deb and Hugh Jackman," the outlet reports.

The news comes just months after the pair celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary back in April, with the X-Men star taking to Instagram at the time to celebrate the occasion.

"I love you Deb," he gushed in his caption, while exclaiming, "Today is our 27th wedding anniversary. 27 YEARS!!"

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"I love you so much," he added, alongside a photo of the duo cuddling up for a photo and giving big smiles to the camera.

"Together we have created a beautiful family. And life," Jackman wrote, while going on to praise is his wife by saying, "Your laughter, your spirit, generosity, humor, cheekiness, courage and loyalty is an incredible gift to me."

"I love you with all my heart.," he concluded at the time.

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