Beyonce's Parents Confirm Divorce News

Reports began circulating online last week (ends18Dec09) alleging stylist Tina Knowles had filed papers in a Harris County, Texas court in November (09) to put an end to her 29-year marriage.

The Knowles have now revealed the news is true, but insist the decision to split was "amicable".

In a joint statement, the former couple says, "The decision to end our marriage is an amicable one. We remain friends, parents, and business partners. If anyone is expecting an ugly messy fight, they will be sadly disappointed. We ask for your respect of our privacy as we handle this matter."

The divorce comes just weeks after Beyonce's manager father was hit with a paternity lawsuit from Los Angeles resident Alexsandra Wright, who works in the name branding business.

Pregnant Wright claims Mathew Knowles is the father of her unborn child, which is due in spring 2010.

The Knowles wed in 1980 and are parents to the Crazy In Love hitmaker and her younger sister Solange.