Klum and Seal confirm separation

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- German-born fashion model and TV personality Heidi Klum and her husband, British singer Seal, confirm they have separated.

They married in 2005 and are the parents of four children. They are known for renewing their marriage vows in themed celebrations each year on their wedding anniversary. Reports of their breakup began swirling on the Internet late Friday.

"While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal and happy years of marriage, after much soul-searching we have decided to separate," the couple said in a statement issued to People.com Sunday.

"We have had the deepest respect for one another throughout our relationship and continue to love each other very much, but we have grown apart. This is an amicable process and protecting the well-being of our children remains our top priority, especially during this time of transition," they said. "We thank our family, friends, and fans for their kind words of support. And for our children's sake, we appreciate you respecting our privacy."