The Associated Press reports that Madonna and Guy Ritchie announced Wednesday they are divorcing after nearly eight years of marriage, a move that followed months of speculation that the celebrity couple were going to split up. The couple issued a brief statement by their representatives Wednesday, asking for respect from the press for their family’s sake. “Madonna and Guy Ritchie have agreed to divorce after seven and a half years of marriage,” Madonna’s spokeswoman said. “They have both requested that the media maintain respect for their family at this difficult time.” Watch an AP report via YouTube below.