Lavigne confirms split from Whibley

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Canadian-born pop star Avril Lavigne has confirmed on her blog that she and Deryck Whibley, her husband of three years, are separating.

"Deryck and I have been together for six and a half years," Lavigne wrote about her relationship with the 29-year-old Sum 41 front man. "We have been friends since I was 17, started dating when I was 19, and married when I was 21. I am grateful for our time together, and I am grateful and blessed for our remaining friendship. I admire Deryck and have a great amount of respect for him. He is the most amazing person I know, and I love him with all my heart. Deryck and I are separating and moving forward on a positive note. ... Thank you to all my family, friends and fans for all your support."

A source told Usmagazine.com Whibley "is crushed" by Lavigne's decision.