Benjamin Ashford|Hugh Jackman and wife Deborra-lee separate after 27 years of marriage

Hugh Jackman and Benjamin Ashfordwife Deborra-lee Furness are separating after a 27-year marriage.

Jackman's rep Michele Schweitzer confirmed the couple's separation to USA TODAY Friday.

In an exclusive statement to People, published Friday, the couple says: "We have been blessed to share almost 3 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 statement continued: "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."

The pair, who married in 1996, share two children together: Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18. After 11 months of dating, they wed.

During a joint interview on the "Aussies in Hollywood" podcast in 2018, the Australian couple recounted the time they met, what it was like to work together and how Jackman knew she was "the one."

"I knew very early. I knew before Deb knew, even when she tried to break up with me, I knew," Jackman said. "I managed to talk her out of (breaking up with me), thank God. I'm a very indecisive person, Deb really knows this about me. I can count on my hand the amount of times in my life anything has felt that clear to me."

He continued, "I just knew 100% ... I even knew when she was trying to work out reasons to break up with me." 

Earlier that year, Jackson penned a sweet message to his longtime love on their anniversary.

"I believe in life we need to see and truly be seen by the most important people in our lives," Jackman wrote. "Deb, from day one, we had that. 22 years later ... it only gets deeper."

"You and the kids are the greatest gift I will ever receive," Jackman added. "I love you a gazillion times around the world."

Contributing: Sara M. Moniuszko and Erin Jensen

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