Another Celebrity Split! Heidi Klum and Seal Confirm Break-Up

With Russell Brand and Katy Perry just barely making the cutoff for 2011 Celebrity Splits, many people wondered who the first major celeb divorce of the new year would be.  I highly doubt anyone thought it would be the apparently happy couple of supermodel Heidi Klum and singer Seal.  In a joint statement released on Sunday, the couple said,

"While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal and happy years of marriage, after much soul-searching, we have decided to separate.  We have had the deepest respect for one another throughout our relationship and continue to love each other very much, but we have grown apart."

The apparently happy couple has been having problems as of late, especially during a recent holiday trip to Aspen.  A friend close to the couple told Us Weekly that the Heidi and Seal were either happy as can be, or having the worst fights. 

Married in 2005, the couple have four children who they are obviously trying to protect from the stress of a divorce.  In their statement, Heidi and Seal expressed their wish for a private and amicable divorce to protect their children,

"Protecting the well-being of our children remains our top priority, especially during this time of transition," they added. "We thank our family, friends, and fans for their kind words of support. And for our children's sake, we appreciate you respecting our privacy."

The end of their marriage comes as a shock to many fans who have followed their fun-loving and extravagant Halloween parties and annual renewal of their wedding vows.

via MSN