Usher and wife Grace Miguel split

Cape Town – Usher and his wife Grace Miguel have called it quits after two years of marriage.

The couple said in a statement to Us Weekly on Tuesday their decision to separate was a joint effort and that they will remain friends.

“After much thought and consideration, we have mutually decided to separate as a couple.

“We remain deeply connected, loving friends who will continue supporting each other through the next phases of our lives. The enormous amount of love and respect that we have for each other will only increase as we move forward.”

The couple started dating in 2009 following Usher’s divorce from his first wife Tameka Foster – who he shares 10-year-old son Usher Raymond V and 9-year-old son Naviyd Ely.

While Usher and Grace kept their relationship out of the spotlight news broke in January 2015 that the Burn hitmaker proposed to his long-time love. Later that year in September Usher was seen wearing a wedding band, sparking rumours that he and Grace had tied the knot.

Months after the reported wedding Usher confirmed he was married on The Ellen Show, E! News reports.

He told Ellen at the time: “You know what's funny? We put this picture up and we were actually just in Cuba on a cultural exchange and people were like,' Hey, they got married.' You know the ring is on the other finger, you guys. But, we had a great time. Wonderful woman, Grace Raymond.”

Usher last shared a photo of Grace on Instagram in October last year, while Grace celebrated the new year with a snap of herself and now ex in January.