The Legally Blonde star, 47, posted a statement from the former couple on her Instagram page on Friday, saying that they had taken the "difficult decision" to part ways.

They wrote: "We have some personal news to share...

"It is with a great deal of care and consideration that we have made the difficult decision to divorce.

"We have enjoyed so many wonderful years together and are moving forward with deep love, kindness, and mutual respect for everything we have created together.

"Our biggest priority is our son and our entire family as we navigate this next chapter. These matters are never easy and extremely personal.

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"We truly appreciate everyone's respect for our family's privacy at this time. Reese and Jim."

The pair have one child together, Tennessee James Toth, born in 2012. Witherspoon also has two children from her first marriage to actor Ryan Phillippe.

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Their announcement comes just two days before their 12th anniversary.

Witherspoon and Toth are believed to have met in February 2010 through Toth's work as a talent agent at Creative Artist Industry, where Witherspoon was a client.