Sad news this holiday season.
Actor and comedian Chris Rock and his wife Malaak Compton-Rock are divorcing after nearly 20 years or marriage.
Although the couple denied divorce rumors in 2010, this time both Rock and Compton-Rock released statements on Sunday publicly confirming their split, reports PEOPLE.com.
“After much contemplation and 19 years of marriage, Chris and I have decided to go our separate ways,” Compton-Rock, 45, said in a statement. “Being fortunate enough to lead a life of service by working with those most vulnerable makes me well aware of life’s blessings, even when faced with difficulties.”
The Top Five star, 49, also released a statement through his attorney, Robert S. Cohen: “Chris Rock has filed for divorce from his wife, Malaak. This is a personal matter and Chris requests privacy as he and Malaak work through this process and focus on their family.”
The Rocks wed in 1996 and have two daughters—Lola Simon, age 12, and Zahra Savannah, 10.
“While recognizing that this is a significant change, my children remain at the center of my life and their well-being is my top priority,” Compton-Rock also stated. “It is in this spirit that I sincerely ask that their privacy and the privacy of our family be respected during this transition in our lives.”