In a move that has left fans and the entertainment world stunned, Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-lee Furness have announced their decision to amicably separate after nearly 30 years of marriage.
The couple chose to share this deeply personal news exclusively with PEOPLE magazine.
In their heartfelt statement, they said, โWe have been blessed to share almost 3 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.โ
The couple went on to underscore the enduring importance of family in their lives, both past and future.
They stated, โOur 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.โ
Anticipating the media frenzy that often accompanies such high-profile separations, Hugh and Deborra-lee made it clear that they wonโt be making any more public statements on the matter.
The statement concluded with a definitive, โThis is the sole statement either of us will make,โ signed with love by โDeb and Hugh Jackman.โ
The Australian power couple, who are parents to two children, Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18, have been the epitome of marital happiness for 27 years.
Their love story is the stuff of fairy tales, beginning with a chance meeting on the set of the Australian TV series Corelli in 1995.
It was love at first sight, or so it seemed, and the chemistry between them was palpable from the get-go.
Hugh Jackman, who was then a fresh-faced actor just out of drama school, recalled the magic of their first meeting in a 2017 interview with PEOPLE.
He gushed, โDeb, she was a big starโฆI get picked up, and Deb is in the front seat of the car. Iโll never forget.โ
Hugh continued to paint the picture of that fateful day, saying, โShe took off her seatbelt and she turned around and put out her hand and took off her sunglasses and said, โHi, Iโm Deborra-lee Furness, nice to meet you.โ
I remember thinking, โI like this girl.โโ
It was a moment that would change the course of both their lives.
Wasting no time, the couple got hitched on April 11, 1996, less than a year after their first meeting.
Over the years, theyโve not only built a beautiful family but have also become one of Hollywoodโs most beloved and enduring couples.
Their love story has been a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that true love does exist in the glitzy world of showbiz.
On their 27th wedding anniversary this past April, Hugh took to Instagram to shower his wife with love and gratitude.
In a heartfelt post, he shared, โI love you so much. Together we have created a beautiful family. And life. Your laughter, your spirit, generosity, humor, cheekiness, courage and loyalty is an incredible gift to me.โ
It was a touching tribute that melted hearts across the globe.
The coupleโs last public outings were nothing short of glamorous, gracing the red carpet at the Met Gala on May 1 and later appearing at the menโs finals at Wimbledon in July.
As they now set out on individual paths, the world watches with a mix of sadness and respect.
While their romantic journey as a couple may be taking a new direction, their commitment to family and individual growth remains unshaken, leaving us all with a bittersweet sense of admiration.
To learn more about their relationship and the recent news watch the video below.
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