Canadian musicians Avril Lavigne, 24, and Deryck Whibley, 29, have officially announced their separation after three years of marriage. We’ve been hearing rumors of problems in their relationship for months if not years and US Weekly came out with the “imminent split” news yesterday. Rather than drag it out, Avril released a statement on her website that pretty much chalks it up to the fact that he’s the only serious boyfriend she’s ever had. Rumor has it that things didn’t work out because Deryck wants a family and kids while Avril still acts like a kid.

Life’s going to be a little less complicated for Avril Lavigne.

After months of facing rumors about trouble in their marriage, the pop star and husband Deryck Whibley announced Thursday that they are separating on good terms.

“Deryck and I have been together for 6-an-a-half years. We have been friends since I was 17, started dating when I was 19, and married when I was 21,” Lavigne, 24, writes on her Web site. “I am grateful for our time together, and I am grateful and blessed for our remaining friendship.”

She adds: “I admire Deryck and have a great amount of respect for him. He is the most amazing person I know and I love him with all my heart. Deryck and I are separating and moving forward on a positive note.”

In a message on the MySpace page for his band Sum 41, Whibley also posted a message about the split. “The past 6 and a half years have been the most amazing years of my life. It’s sad it has come to an end but Avril and I are still family and moving forward in the most positive way possible,” reads the note. “Our decision to part ways is amicable and she holds a special place in my heart and forever will be a great and amazing friend. Thanks to all our family, friends and fans for all the support.”

Whibley, 29, and Lavigne, who are both from Canada, tied the knot in July 2006 at a private estate in Montecito, Calif. But save for one appearance together last month, the pair had been living apart for some time.

“They really want the best for each other,” a source tells PEOPLE. “They’re handling everything as amicably as possible.” In fact, says the source, Whibley produced much of Avril’s upcoming album.

[From People]

These two got married young and one of them has the mentality and fashion sense of an immature 16 year-old, so I guess it’s not surprising that their marriage failed. It sounds like Whibley and Avril are keeping it classy, and I don’t know much about him but he could be a decent guy despite picking Avril for a mate and looking incredibly douchey. Avril might realize what she gave up at some point, or maybe she’ll remain the clueless stuck up person that she comes across as in interviews. In March, 2007, Avril gave an interview to now-defunct Jane Magazine in which she said her relationship with Deryck was strong and that “I know how much I mean to him, and… I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to him.” After all is said and done, I wonder if she still feels the same way and if there was ever a point in their marriage when he agreed with her.