Jewel Divorcing Rodeo Star Ty Murray

On Wednesday, July 2, Jewell posted a rather lengthy and personal note on her blog JewelJK with the ominous title “DEAR WORLD.”

I have lived my life in the public eye since I was nineteen. And while it is intimidating to live a life in the public, it has also been a privilege to make a living with my words, my thoughts, my feelings. … I am forever grateful for the acceptance and compassion I found in my fan base as I shared my deepest hurts and shames along side my moments of inspiration and truth.

Oddly the very thing that Ty and I sought in coming together is the very thing we seek in separating. We both value growth. And growth became tragically and undeniably stifled as a couple, and we believe we can find it again in setting each other free. We truly believe we can find greater happiness apart than together, and this is why we are taking the enormous and heartbreaking step of divorce.

Jewel, now 40, married professional rodeo cowboy Murray, 44, in the Bahamas on Aug. 7, 2008, after dating for 10 years. A son, Kase, was born on July 11, 2011.