Scarlett Johansson, Ryan Reynolds Are Divorcing

They were one of the most private couples in showbiz – so private that they were rarely photographed together, despite being married since September 2008. Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johansson have announced they’re getting a divorce.

Unlike with other celebrity couples, whose breakup is usually preceded by rumors and tabloid stories, nothing along these lines made its way in the US press.

A joint statement from the couple confirms, though, that they are separated – and would proceed forward with the divorce, TMZ reports.

“After long and careful consideration on both our parts, we’ve decided to end our marriage,” the joint statement reads.

It then goes on to say that the split is amicable (which TMZ confirms) and that they’d appreciate some privacy, though they’re not expecting it.

“We entered our relationship with love and it’s with love and kindness we leave it. While privacy isn’t expected, it’s certainly appreciated,” the statement further says.

TMZ has also learned, aside from the fact that the breakup was very friendly, that the two are already living apart – and have been doing so for many months now.

“Ryan told GQ in September, Scarlett was ‘the best part’ of his life, though he said having a family was ‘a few years down the road’,” TMZ also notes.

“Interesting – the couple was rarely seen out together. The most visible appearance – at the Tony Awards this past June,” the e-zine further says.

Last month, when People magazine named him the hottest man alive, Ryan said Scarlett must be the happiest of the two for the honor bestowed on him because, starting then, she could ask him to take out the garbage by calling him “hey gorgeous.”

As fans must already know, perhaps precisely because they were such a private couple, rumors about a breakup would often come out in the press every few months.

Then, in July 2009, buzz had it they were looking to adopt a child, having decided to start a family.