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Blair Underwood and his wife Desiree DaCosta are calling it quits.

The actor and DaCosta announced the news in a joint statement on Instagram this week. After 27 years of marriage and three children together, the couple has decided to divorce.

“After a tremendous amount of thought, prayer, and work on ourselves individually and collectively, we have come to the conclusion to end our marriage that began 27 years ago,” the statement read. “It has truly been a beautiful journey.”

Underwood noted that the best moments of their union are their children, sons Paris (24) and Blake (19), and daughter Brielle (22).

“Our proudest achievements are our three incredible children,” the statement continued. “Three souls to which God entrusted us. We continue to be awed & humbled by the blessings of parenting. We have always put their best interests first and will continue to do so. We will continue to be the best of friends and co-parents and have the utmost respect for one another as we embark upon this new chapter of our lives, separately.”

Blair Underwood, wife Desiree, Paris, Brielle and Blake Ellis (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/WireImage)

During better times, Underwood spoke highly about their marriage in a 2008 interview with Oprah.com.

“I wanted to be her rock, her protector,” the actor said of DaCosta. “If she had a problem, I wanted to solve it. I thought that’s what was expected of me.”

He added that he didn’t need to be her superman but rather her support system.

“I was relieved as well; she didn’t expect me to always have an answer for her,” he said. “She wasn’t coming to me for a repair. She just needed a shoulder to cry on.”

Underwood and DaCosta concluded their statement by saying, “We thank you all for your support throughout the years, and we humbly ask for privacy and understanding during this new season of change.”

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