Phil Collins, wife announce seperation

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060316/ap_en_ce/people_phil_collins

NEW YORK - Splitsville for Phil Collins and his wife, Orianne. The
British rock star and his Swiss-born wife, who were married in 1999,
announced in a joint statement Wednesday that they've separated.

They have two sons, Nicholas, 4, and Matthew, 1. Collins has three
children from two previous marriage.

"They have been living separately since the beginning of the year and
both cite the fact that they have been growing apart for some time now
and this has put too much pressure on their relationship," the
statement said.

"Consequently, they have decided in the interests of their two children
that it is better to separate. They are both very sad that it should
come to this but have as their priority the welfare and happiness of
their children and are determined to remain friends and be loving
parents to them."

The Grammy-winning former Genesis drummer and singer, 55, and Orianne,
in her early 30s, met during a 1994 tour supporting his solo record,
"Both Sides." At the time, he was going through a much-publicized
divorce from his second wife, Jill.

The couple lived in Switzerland, and Collins will continue to live in
that country "to be near to the children," the statement said.

Collins won an Oscar in 2000 for the hit single, "You'll be in My
Heart," from the 1999 animated film, "Tarzan." His score will also be
featured in Disney's stage version of "Tarzan" that is opening May 10.