Rocker Neil Young has stunned fans by filing for divorce to end his 36-year marriage to wife Pegi.

Young filed divorce papers in California at the end of last month (Jul14) and a hearing is scheduled for 12 December (14).

Pegi, who has often performed with her husband, last took the stage with Young at last year's (13) Bridge School Benefit concert, which she co-founded with Young in the mid-1980s.

The couple met when Pegi was working as a waitress at a diner near his California ranch.

Inspired by her husband, Pegi has also enjoyed musical success, releasing three solo albums since 2007, and she also served as the singer/songwriter's muse for his tracks like Such a Woman and Unknown Legend.