Billy Joel and his wife Katie Lee Joel have split. Reps for both have confirmed the sad news, explaining "this decision is a result of much thoughtful consideration". A spokesman for the pair adds, "Billy and Katie remain caring friends with admiration and respect for each other."

Rocker Joel, 60, wed the then-budding chef in 2004. It was his third marriage.

Questions about the couple's relationship hit gossip columns last month after photographs of 27-year-old Lee dancing with designer Yigal Azrouel, 36, appeared in the tabloids.

Sources reported seeing the pair dirty dancing in Miami, Florida in January and have claimed that in unguarded moments Azrouel referred to Lee as "my girlfriend".

But Joel's publicists insisted Azrouel was just a friend, and the musician's spokeswoman, Claire Mercuri, tells the New York Daily News, "Their decision to separate was absolutely unrelated to Yigal."

Image © Janet Mayer / PR Photos

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)