Greg Vaughan and Touriya Haoud separate

LOS ANGELES, April 15 (UPI) -- Days of Our Lives star Greg Vaughan announced he was separating from his wife of nine years, Touriya Haoud, in an Instagram message he shared Sunday.

"As we open our hearts full of love & sadness, 9 years together & 3 beautiful children, we have decided to amicably separate," the 40-year-old actor wrote.

"With dear love for each other and our family, as parents first and foremost, we kindly ask our space and privacy to be respected at this difficult time," he continued.

Vauhgan and Haoud married in 2006. The couple has three sons together, Jathan James, 6, Cavan Thomas, 4, and Landan Reid, 2. Vaughan is best known for playing the role Lucky Spencer in General Hospital. He joined Days of Our Lives in 2012, as the adult version of Eric Brady.

[Instagram]