NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee have announced their divorce after nearly three decades of their marriage.
On Friday, September 15, the duo revealed they have "decided to separate to pursue" their "individual growth."
Jackman and Deborra-Lee who have been married for 27 years called their relationship a "wonderful, loving marriage," according to People.
Does Hugh Jackman have a Sanskrit inscription on his wedding ring?
Jackman and Deborra-Lee who tied the knot in 1996 exchanged rings that 'The Greatest Showman' actor personally designed with an inscription in Sanskrit, one of the oldest languages known to humanity that has a close association with spirituality and mindfulness.
The inscription on their wedding rings reads, "Om paramar mainamar" translating to "We dedicate our union to a greater source."
The Aussie actor who was born a Christian has been touched by Hinduism and has been practicing Transcendental Meditation for decades.
"I used to question so much. I was brought up in a church and I fried my brain questioning, it felt quite limited, and as soon as I discovered more about Vedic ideas, philosophies and concepts, it felt right to me, it just felt natural," Jackman previously said in an interview.
Inside Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee's three decades of marriage
Jackman and Deborra-Lee first met on the set of 'Corelli,' an Australian TV series in 1995. At the time, Jackman had just begun his career after graduating from drama school and Deborra-Lee was already an established actress.
The couple began dating and got married less than a year later. Recalling his first meeting with his wife, the 54-year-old actor told People, "Deb, she was a big star…I get picked up, and Deb is in the front seat of the car. I’ll never forget."
"She took off her seatbelt and she turned around and put out her hand and took off her sunglasses and said, 'Hi, I’m Deborra-Lee Furness, nice to meet you.' I remember thinking 'I like this girl,'" he recalled.
Four months before their split, Jackman took to Instagram on April 11 to celebrate their 27th anniversary.
In the tribute to his 67-year-old wife, the actor wrote, "I love you so much. Together we have created a beautiful family. And life. Your laughter, your spirit, generosity, humor, cheekiness, courage and loyalty is an incredible gift to me."
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee's statement announcing their divorce
Announcing their divorce, Jackman and Deborra-Lee said, "We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage."
"Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth," the duo stated, according to People.
"Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness."
"We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives," continued the statement signed “Deb and Hugh Jackman," and concluded, "This is the sole statement either of us will make."
The now-former couple shares two children, Oscar Maximilian Jackman, 23, and Ava Eliot Jackman,18.
