Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum are one of the most beloved couples in Hollywood. The duo met during their audition for the movie Step Up, and have basically been inseparable ever since. Jenna posted a video of their first screen test together, and it melted hearts everywhere.
"Please watch how many times I giggle and I laugh. It's very cute," she said.
The pair got married in July of 2009, and it seemed like everything was perfect.
"It's all wonderful," Jenna boasted of their relationship in a past interview. "He's amazing, he's the sweetest man. We've been together seven years, married three. That's like 20 in Hollywood years. That's amazing!"
In May of 2013, the Tatums welcomed their daughter, Everly, to the world. They put everything they had into being a perfect family, and to the public it seemed to be working. Channing was seen dressed as a unicorn on his way to a Halloween party, and it appeared as though he just loved being a doting dad.
But as with everything else in life, things aren't always what they seem. Just yesterday, Channing and Jenna made an announcement that nobody, and I mean nobody, saw coming.
Channing Tatum posted a statement on his Instagram page, confirming that he and his wife were splitting up after almost nine years of marriage.
Hey world! So...We have something we would like to share.
First off, if feels odd that we have to share this kind of thing with everyone, but it's a consequence of the lives we've chosen to lead, which we also happen to be deeply grateful for. We're living in an incredible moment in time, but it's also a time where truth can easily get distorted into "alternative facts" ;) So we want to share the truth so you know that if you didn't read it here then it's most certainly fiction.
We have lovingly chosen to separate as a couple. We feel deeply in love so many years ago and have had a magical journey together. Absolutely nothing has changed about how much we love one another, but love is a beautiful adventure that is taking us on different paths for now. There are no secrets or salacious events at the root of our decision -- just two best-friends [sic] realizing it's time to take some space and help each other live the most joyous, fulfilled lives as possible. We are still a family and will always be loving dedicated parents to Everly. We won't be commenting beyond this, and we thank you all in advance for respecting our family's privacy.
Sending lots of love to everyone,
Chan&Jenna
Fans were obviously upset about the split, as it seemed like Channing and Jenna were a love made to stand the test of time, but most people chose to look at the positives about how they're handling the situation.
"What an amazingly mature and loving way to choose to go on your own journeys! If only more couples loved and respected one another this way! All the best to you xo"
"Beautifully said. Wish you both the best on lifes [sic] new adventures and I hope you get the privacy you both deserve ðŸ™â£â£"
"I'm sorry for you both. Sorry that you had to share this but I'm sure you will both do what's best for your little.#staystrong#lovehurts"
While it's sad to see a marriage come to an end, knowing they made a decision that is best for them in the long run is always comforting. When marriages end amicably, there's less change of animosity over the years, and in the end that's what's important for their daughter.