New York (ANTARA News/Reuters) - Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez and Latin pop singer Marc Anthony have decided to end their marriage after seven years, the couple said on Friday.

"This was a very difficult decision," they said in a joint statement. "It is a painful time for all involved, and we appreciate the respect of our privacy at this time."

Lopez and Anthony, who have 3 year-old twins, said they had "come to amicable conclusions on all matters."

Lopez (41) has most recently been seen on television as a judge on No. 1-rated show "American Idol," and her single "On The Floor" has been a top ten hit in several countries.

The entertainer, who topped People magazine`s "most beautiful" list this year, has scored hit songs with "If You Had My Love" and "Jenny from the Block." She also has become a top star in romantic comedy movies, most recently appearing in 2010 film "The Back-up Plan."

Anthony is a two-time Grammy winner and the top selling salsa artist of all time. His hit songs include "Si Tu No Te Fueras" and "Contra La Corriente."

Lopez and Anthony have a pair of fraternal twins named Emme and Max who were born in 2008.

The couple performed together in a 2007 tour called "Juntos en Concierto." They also worked on each other`s albums and starred opposite each other in 2006 film "El Cantante."

The two were married months after Lopez`s engagement to actor Ben Affleck ended, and days after Anthony`s divorce from former Miss Puerto Rico Dayanara Torres was finalized. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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