After increasing reports of discord in her marriage, Avril Lavigne has confirmed she has separated from her musician husband Deryck Whibley.

The 24-year-old singer posted on her official website that she and the Sum 41 front man are parting on good terms.

"Deryck and I have been together for six and a half years," she wrote. "We have been friends since I was 17, started dating when I was 19, and married when I was 21."

"I am grateful for our time together, and I am grateful and blessed for our remaining friendship."

"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."

On his band's MySpace page, 29-year-old Deryck also posted a message about the split saying: "The past six 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."

Avril and Deryck, who are both from Canada, married in California in July 2006.

Photo: � Rex