Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness have decided to divorce after 27 years of marriage. They announced their split in an exclusive statement shared with PEOPLE magazine on Friday, September 15. The decision was made with “gratitude, love, and kindness” and was accepted by all parties.

“As husband and wife, we are thankful to have had over three decades of a beautiful, loving marriage. According to a statement from the couple, “family has been and always will be our highest priority” and “our journey is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.”

The ex-couple said, “We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives,” before saying this is the only comment they will make about their separation. Hugh and Deborra-lee both signed the statement that was exclusive.

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness initially met on the set of the Australian TV show Correlli, in which they both had parts, in 1995. Hugh was only starting his acting career at the time, thus he got a little part. The lead position was given to Deborra-lee, an established actress.

In a 2017 interview with PEOPLE, he recalled being picked up in a vehicle with Deborra-lee seated in the front. She introduced herself and he liked her right away. They soon began dating, and despite the fact that she was 13 years older than him, they rapidly fell in love.

Their love led to their marriage on April 11, 1996. The Sanskrit phrase “Om paramar mainamar,” which translates to “we dedicate our union to a greater source,” was etched on their wedding rings, and Hugh Jackman crafted her engagement ring. At St. John’s in Toorak, Victoria, a Melbourne suburb, they made their vows.

Over the next 27 years, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness rose to fame as one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples. The couple adopted two children, son Oscar Maximilian Jackman (born May 2000) and daughter Ava Eliot Jackman (born July 2005), after suffering two losses and failing IVF attempts.

It will be weird to not see Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness together because they have been together for virtually my whole life. Because of their separation, they won’t appear as a married couple on red carpets, in Instagram postings, or in interviews.

They made their last red carpet appearance at the 2023 Met Gala, which was held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. At the 2023 Wimbledon Championships, when Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in the men’s singles final with scores of 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 3-6, and 6-4, they last shared a public space.

Earlier this year, Hugh Jackman shared a photo on Instagram to mark their 27th wedding anniversary. I really love you. We have created a wonderful family together. and life. “I sincerely love you,” he said. “Your spirit, generosity, humor, cheekiness, bravery, and dedication to me are a priceless gift.”

It is heartening to see that they are still treating one another with “gratitude, love, and kindness,” even if their relationship may be ending. Even if that isn’t frequently the case with Hollywood marriages, especially ones that last for over three decades, we wouldn’t expect anything less from Hugh and Deborra-lee.