BERLIN — German-born supermodel Heidi Klum confirmed on jan. 23 she was separating from her husband, British singer Seal, after seven years of marriage, her publicity agency said.

 

"While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal and happy years of marriage, after much soul-searching we have decided to separate," the agency said in a statement on behalf of the blonde runway star and reality television mogul.

 

"We have had the deepest respect for one another throughout our relationship and continue to love each other very much, but we have grown apart.

 

"This is an amicable process and protecting the well-being of our children remains our top priority, especially during this time of transition."

 

Media reports said at the weekend that Klum would file divorce papers in Los Angeles County Superior Court in the coming days due to "irreconcilable differences."

 

The couple married in 2005 and have three children together. Seal, best known for international hits such as "Kiss from a Rose" and "Crazy," also adopted Klum's daughter from a previous relationship with former Formula One boss Flavio Briatore.

 

"We thank our family, friends and fans for their kind words of support," the agency said in the statement released by its Los Angeles-based office and confirmed by a spokeswoman for the company in Klum's native Germany.

 

"And for our children's sake, we appreciate you respecting our privacy."

 

Klum, 38, and Seal, 48, were famous for renewing their vows every year on their wedding anniversary.

 

But the model raised eyebrows when she attended this month's Golden Globes awards ceremony in Los Angeles without her husband.

 

Copyright 2012  AFP Global Edition