UPDATED: Madonna's Rep: Divorce From Guy Ritchie Confirmed

Access Hollywood - October 15, 2008 8:16 AM PDT
Story photo: UPDATED: Madonna's Rep: Divorce From Guy Ritchie ConfirmedAccess Hollywood

LONDON, England -- Madonna and Guy Ritchie are divorcing, a rep for the singer confirmed to Access Hollywood.

The couple will end their marriage after almost eight years.

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British publications The Sun and The Daily Mail first reported news of the split on Wednesday.

The Sun claimed that Madonna and Guy "can't bear to live with the pretence any longer," also citing Madonna's desire to adopt another child and the amount of time their careers consume as factors that eroded the marriage.

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A "highly-placed" source reportedly told The Sun, "It's very sad. They were a great couple and brilliant parents. They just couldn't live together any more."

Another source close to Madonna claims they had initially planned on waiting until next year to announce their divorce -- after her "Sticky & Sweet" finished -- but they decided now to finalize the separation before Christmas, according to The Sun.

News of Madonna and Guy Ritchie's alleged impending divorce was a hot topic on Wednesday morning, even making news on NBC's "Today" show.

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As previously reported by Access, speculation of marriage troubles started in June, when Madonna reportedly had talks with Fiona Shackleton, the high-powered British divorce lawyer who represented Paul McCartney during his split from Heather Mills, according to The Times of London.

Madonna is said to be worth an estimated $590 million, and the couple does not have a prenuptial agreement, according to The Times.

The following month, in July, the divorce rumors flared up again when Madonna was reportedly spotted leaving the apartment of New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez, according to Us Weekly.

Madonna denied she was having a relationship with Rodriguez, telling Access in a statement, "My husband and I are not planning on getting a divorce. I know Alex Rodriguez through Guy Oseary, who manages both of us. I brought my kids to a Yankee game. I am not romantically involved in any way with Alex Rodriguez."

That same week, Madonna's rep told Access, "It's nothing new that people are airing tons of dirty laundry Madonna's way lately - much of it untrue."

The Material Mom married the British film director in 2000. They have three children between them: Lourdes, 12, who Madonna had with Carlos Leon, Rocco, 8, and David, 2.

Madonna is in the middle of the U.S. leg of her "Sticky & Sweet" tour, which lands in Boston tonight. She premiered her feature film directorial debut, "Filth and Wisdom," in New York on Monday.

Ritchie has been filming his latest movie, "Sherlock Holmes." His latest film, "RocknRolla," his U.S. theaters on October 31.

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: Access Extended: Madonna's 'Filth And Wisdom' Premiere
PLAY IT NOW: T.G.I.F - Are Madonna And A-Rod Together Again?

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Madonna - Celebrities - Music - Divorces - News

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  • Goddess
    The children are the real victims in the mess! They're only people who have my sympathy!! Guy knew how Madge was BEFORE they got married!!! She wasn't going to change, end of story!! I hope they do what's best for the children. That's what both of them need to focus on. If I had her money I'd never marry!!!
    report abuseposted October 16, 2008 7:03 AM PDT
  • Lizzie
    Almost 8 years! That is still an accomplishment in Star years. Madonna still Rocks! She has to be herself, brilliant. She will find someone who is not threatened by her success and who would appreciate it. Until then, she just needs to be happy with her successful career and beautiful kids.
    report abuseposted October 15, 2008 9:50 AM PDT
  • Grace J
    ~~OMG@@@~~ He is my favorite. Just saw his personals ID on millionaires personals site """"WW w.C e l e b C u p i d.c o m"""""" yesterday. I am wondering what kind of relationship he is looking for on ~that site.☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
    report abuseposted October 15, 2008 9:27 AM PDT
  • kappy
    Good. She's a hag and he's a bore. The kids are being raised by nannies anyway, so they'll have that 'continuity'.
    report abuseposted October 15, 2008 9:01 AM PDT
  • nightows
    How irresponsible to be adopting a boy from another country and culture only to have him land in a family without both parents present. That's what he left!
    report abuseposted October 15, 2008 8:47 AM PDT
  • Nooshi A
    another celeb.divorce.... why do they even bother to get married????
    report abuseposted October 15, 2008 8:45 AM PDT
  • MISS DEE
    I am sure they will still be friends and will take care of their children in the right way. I just hope that they explain to them that mommy and daddy are not in love with each other but will always love them.
    report abuseposted October 15, 2008 8:27 AM PDT
  • About time they admitted it. It's been gossip fodder for more than six months.
    report abuseposted October 15, 2008 8:21 AM PDT
  • About time they admitted it. It's been gossip fodder for more than six months.
    report abuseposted October 15, 2008 8:21 AM PDT
  • American
    I feel really sorry for all concerned, but especially for the children. The holidays will be difficult to negotiate emotionally this year. My advice: keep as much continuity as possible, favorite toys activities, foods and friends, etc. Also, the kids need to know that the "LOVE "survives this, the love of both parents. Love to All, American
    report abuseposted October 15, 2008 7:21 AM PDT
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