Jewel splits from Ty Murray after almost six years of marriage

AUSTIN, Texas, July 2 (UPI) -- Singer/songwriter Jewel is splitting from her husband Ty Murray.

The 40-year-old Grammy nominee made the announcement Wednesday in a statement posted on her blog.

"My husband, friend and partner of 16 years and I have decided to get a divorce," Jewel wrote after a long introduction about her life under the spotlight.

"Ty and I have always tried to live the most authentic life possible, and we wanted our separation as husband and wife to be nothing less loving than the way we came together," she continued. "For some time we have been engaged in a private and difficult, but thoughtful and tender undoing of ourselves."

The "Satisfied" singer attributed the breakup to "the very thing that Ty and I sought in coming together," personal growth.

"And growth became tragically and undeniably stifled as a couple, and we believe we can find it again in setting each other free," she explained.

Jewel went on to say that both she and Murray believe they can "find greater happiness apart than together," which is "why we are taking the enormous and heartbreaking step of divorce."

Jewel and the rodeo star tied the knot in 2008 after 10 years together. The two have a 2-year-old son, Kase Townes Murray.

You can read the singer's full statement on her website.