After nearly 20 years together Chris Rock and his wife Malaak Compton-Rock are getting a divorce.

The news was revealed in a statement on Sunday by Compton-Rock. "After much contemplation and 19 years of marriage, Chris and I have decided to go our separate ways. Being fortunate enough to lead a life of service by working with those most vulnerable makes me well aware of life's blessings, even when faced with difficulties," explained the Malakk, who is the founder of the nonprofit styleWorks.

"While recognizing that this is a significant change, my children remain at the center of my life and their well-being is my top priority," Compton-Rock's statement continued. "It is in this spirit that I sincerely ask that their privacy and the privacy of our family be respected during this transition in our lives."

Rock's attorney, Robert S. Cohen, confirmed the couple's split in a statement of his own.

"Chris Rock has filed for divorce from his wife, Malaak. This is a personal matter and Chris requests privacy as he and Malaak work through this process and focus on their family."

The couple has two children, Lola Simone, 12, and Zahra Savannah, 10, and have been married since 1996.