In news that is catching no one by surprise — except possibly the PR reps who issued countless denials of domestic trouble? — Madonna and Guy Ritchie announced Wednesday they are divorcing after nearly eight years of marriage.
Whether or not this also means the truth will come out about Madonna`s relationship with playoff-less Yankee Alex Rodriguez remains to be seen. Over the summer, Madonna was linked — unfairly, she said — to the breakup Rodriguez and his ex-wife Cynthia.
The couple issued a brief statement by their representatives Wednesday, asking for respect from the press for their family`s sake.
A financial settlement has not been agreed on by the wealthy couple, who also must decide child custody issues.
Madonna and Ritchie married in December 2000. The couple have two children: Rocco, 8, and David Banda, 3, who was adopted from Malawi in 2006. Madonna also has a 12-year-old daughter, Lourdes, from her relationship with personal trainer Carlos Leon.
The couple are reportedly worth some $525 million, the bulk of that belonging to Madonna. Ritchie has an estimated $35 million fortune. They own homes in London, Los Angeles and New York, and the retreat in Wiltshire.
