‘Newlyweds’ Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey announced their seperation on wednesday after the month long rumors and denials.

In a joint statement the couple said “After three years of marriage, and careful thought and consideration, we have decided to part ways.”

The statement further reads, “This is the mutual decision of two people with an enormous amount of respect and admiration for each other. We hope that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”

The rumors of a split started in October when Jessica was alone and without her wedding ring, in Las Vegas for Ashlee Simpson 21st birthday and Nick Lachey was the notable absentee then.

Also Jessica and Nick was not together on October 26 – their 3rd wedding anniversary and on November 9 – Nick’s 32nd birthday.

Jessica married Nick in Austin, TX, October 2002, in an hour-long Baptist marriage ceremony and Nick sang “My Everything” – the song he wrote just for his bride.

Jessica and Nick’s own reality show, Newlyweds, on MTV made them A-list celebrities.

Jessica Simpsons Singles

* Sweet Kisses o 1999: “I Wanna Love You Forever” #3 US, #7 UK, #9 CAN, US Certification: Platinum o 2000: “Where You Are” (featuring Nick Lachey) #62 US o 2000: “I Think I’m in Love With You” #21 US, #15 UK, #14 CAN * Irresistible o 2001: “Irresistible” #15 US, #11 UK, #16 CAN o 2001: “A Little Bit” * In This Skin o 2003: “Sweetest Sin” o 2004: “With You” #14 US, #7 UK, US Certification: Gold o 2004: “Take My Breath Away” #20 US o 2004: “Angels” #106 US * Rejoyce: The Christmas Album o 2004: “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow” o 2004: “What Christmas Means to Me” * The Dukes of Hazzard Soundtrack o 2005: “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” #14 US

Jessica Simpsons Albums

* 1999: Sweet Kisses #25 US, #36 UK, US Sales: 2.7+ Million; US Certification: 2x Platinum * 2001: Irresistible #6 US, #13 CAN, US Sales: 750,000+ Copies; US Certification: Gold * 2003/2004: In This Skin #2 US, #36 UK, US Sales: 3.2+ Million; US Certification: 3x Platinum * 2005: And The Band Played On – To be Released
Overall Jessica Simpsons albums were sold 7.3+ Millions.