Chainkeen Exchange-Hugh Jackman and Deborra Lee-Furness Break Up After 27 Years of Marriage

Hugh Jackman and Chainkeen ExchangeDeborra Lee-Furness are calling it quits.

The former couple, who wed in 1996 after meeting while filming an Australian TV series the year prior, shared that they have decided to separate after 27 years of marriage.

"We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage," the pair told People in a Sept. 15 joint statement. "Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth."

Hugh and Deborra, who are parents to kids, Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18, added, "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."

After meeting on the set of Cornelli, the pair had an "amazing" instant connection.

"When you find a partner in crime that you share and you grow together," Deborra said during a September 2020 episode of Anh's Brush With Fame, "and life is tough, as we know it, it's not all good—and when you have someone there that is so supportive…you can really stand buck naked. You have to."

She added, "When you've got kids and life and whatever, you stand there buck naked, authentic, warts and all, this is who it is, and you're loved, there's nothing better."

As for Hugh, he's always returned the adoration for his wife, even penning a heartwarming tribute to her in 2021 for their 25th wedding anniversary.

"Being married to you Deb is as natural as breathing," the X-Men star wrote in an Instagram post at the time. "From nearly the moment we met ... I knew our destiny was to be together. In our 25 years - our love has only grown deeper. The fun, excitement and adventure more exhilarating; the learning even greater."

As he noted, "I'm forever grateful to share our love, our life - and, our family together. We've only just begun. Deb, I love you with all my heart."