Melissa and Tammy Etheridge Separate

Melissa and Tammy Etheridge have ended their nearly nine year relationship, a spokesperson for the couple confirmed to People magazine.

"Melissa and Tammy Etheridge are saddened to announce that they are now separated," Melissa's rep told People. The couple added in a statement: "We ask for consideration and respect for our family as we go through this difficult period."

Melissa, 48, and Tammy, 35, exchanged vows in Malibu in September, 2003, when Tammy still went by her professional name, Tammy Lynn Michaels. In 2006, Tammy gave birth to twins, son Miller and daughter Johnnie Rose.

The two stayed together through Melissa's breast cancer in 2004, and Melissa credited Tammy with being a huge part of her recovery.

Melissa is also the mother of two children -- 13-year-old Bailey and 11-year-old Beckett -- with former partner Julie Cypher.