Madonna's marriage deadline

Tuesday, 24 June 2008

Madonna will split from husband Guy Ritchie at the end of her forthcoming world tour, it has been claimed.

The '4 Minutes' singer and the film director have reportedly decided to end their seven-year marriage but will not make an announcement until her 'Sticky and Sweet' tour finishes in Mexico on November 29.

A source close to the couple - who raise three children together, Lourdes, 11, Rocco, seven, and two-year-old David - told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "Although the marriage is coming to an end, they don't want to say anything until the tour is over.

"They live like brother and sister rather than husband and wife and thought it best to call it a day. There's been speculation about them having furious rows, but they have just grown apart. They've decided they're better off as friends. It's sad, but they're determined to keep it amicable."

Madonna, 49, is said to be planning to split her time between her properties in London, New York and Los Angeles after the separation.

Her New York apartment is being extended and renovated to accommodate her children and staff.

Madonna is also said to be devastated her brother Christopher is writing an explosive book on the singer's sex and drug-fuelled past, something which he blames the breakdown of her marriage on.

An insider said: "Madonna is very saddened by Christopher's behaviour. As far as she's concerned her brother going public is the ultimate betrayal. He can't need the money that badly."