Steven Tyler splits from wife Theresa

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has separated from his wife of 17 years, the World Entertainment News Network reported Monday.

Tyler issued a statement through Aerosmith publicist Mitch Schneider asking for the public to respect his and his family's privacy.

"Before the tabloid media makes more of this than it is, I am announcing that my wife Teresa and I are currently separated," Tyler wrote in the statement. "We're just a family trying to work through a difficult time. A little privacy and sensitivity -- for Teresa, my children and myself -- would be nice."

Tyler has two children -- Chelsea, 16, and Taj, 13 -- with Theresa, his second wife.