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Vanilla Ice separates from wife after 19 years of marriage

Gemma Strong
Online Digital News Director
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Vanilla Ice and his wife Laura Van Winkle have decided to end their nearly 20-year marriage. Laura filed her divorce papers in Florida this week, according to TMZ, which is also reporting that the long-term couple have actually been separated for some time now.

The 48-year-old rapper, real name Robert Van Winkle, and his wife are parents to two daughters together, Dusti Rain, 18, and 16-year-old KeeLee Breeze. The couple have been married since 1997.

Vanilla Ice and wife Laura to divorce© Photo: Rex

Vanilla Ice and wife Laura pictured back in 2004

Their breakup might come as a surprise to some; Laura stood by her husband when he was arrested for domestic battery in both 2001 and 2008.

The Grammy-nominated artist – who dated Madonna for eight months in 1990 - recently appeared on season 23 of Dancing with the Stars, competing with dance pro Witney Carson.

The pair made their debut in the competition with a cha-cha-meets-hip-hop performance to the rapper's iconic hit Ice Ice Baby. Unfortunately, they were eliminated during the week four results shows.

Vanilla Ice with Dancing with the Stars partner Witney Carson© Photo: Rex

The rapper with his Dancing with the Stars partner Witney Carson

Speaking immediately after their exit, the musician told E! News: "We did Ice Ice Baby so I'm good, I'm happy," adding of his partner Witney: "She's taught me a lot, she's been a trooper."

Vanilla Ice also said that he would keep on dancing after the show because "dancing is happiness", and despite having never seen Dancing with the Stars before his appearance, said he was leaving the competition as a huge fan.

"It's been a magical experience and to meet some great people is a lifetime changing thing," he concluded.

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