Christine Anu announces sad news on Facebook.

Almost six years after marrying, childhood sweethearts Christine Anu and Simon Deutrom have announced their separation.

Taking to Facebook on Tuesday evening, the “Island Home” singer and her partner released a joint statement explaining their decision to part ways.

Anu with journalist Stan Grant. Source: Facebook. 

"It is with great sadness that we confirm that we have separated," the post began.

"We have been living separately for some months to see what might come of us, however we have come to the conclusion that.

While we love each other very much, we have decided to go our separate ways."

"During our marriage we shared much love and laughter, and continue to remain good friends.

"It has been a very difficult time for the Anu-Deutom family and ask that our privacy be respected at this time.

"Big Love Christine Anu & Simon Deutrom xox". 

The image accompanying Anu and Deutrom's post. Source: Facebook.

Anu, who is a mother to 20-year-old son Kuiam and 14-year-old daughter Zipporah, is well known for her long-running singing career and TV appearances on singing shows Popstars and Australian Idol.

Despite what must surely be a difficult time for the pair who were married in 2010, the message is a beautiful example of how people can separate in a way that's still respectful and loving.