Melissa and Tammy Etheridge split

Reps for Melissa Etheridge have announced the singer’s split from her partner of nine years, Tammy Lynn Michaels.

Etheridge and Michaels exchanged vows in California in 2004, but were never legally married in the state. Melissa’s rep released a statement to People Magazine about the split:

“Melissa and Tammy Etheridge are saddened to announce that they are now separated,” Melissa’s rep tells PEOPLE exclusively.

The former couple add in a statement: “We ask for consideration and respect for our family as we go through this difficult period.”

The couple have a son, Miller, and a daughter, Johnnie Rose. Etheridge has two children- Bailey, 13, and Beckett, 11- with former partner Julie Cypher. The high profile breakup is not the only big celebrity split over the past few days. Dueling spouses Larry King and Shawn Southwick have just filed for divorce, and Aussie actor Mel Gibson has broken up with his new girlfriend and baby momma, Oksana Grigorieva.