Jewel divorcing husband after 16-year relationship

New York - Singer Jewel and her husband are divorcing after a 16-year relationship.

The 40-year-old writes in a letter posted on her website that she and Ty Murray want their separation "to be nothing less loving than the way we came together".

A representative for the singer confirmed the news on Wednesday.

Jewel and Murray were married in 2008. They have a son named Kase.

Jewel says she decided to write the post — called "Dear World" — to inform her fans before the news broke in the tabloids.

Her hits include You Were Meant for Me, Foolish Games and Intuition. Her 1995 debut album, Pieces of You, has sold more than 12 million units in the United States.