From Latoya West,
Your Guide to Reality TV.
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Nov 24 2005

After months of denying the rumors, Newlyweds stars Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson have announced that they are going their separate ways.

"After three years of marriage, and careful thought and consideration, we have decided to part ways," they said in a statement released Wednesday, Nov. 23.

"This is the mutual decision of two people with an enormous amount of respect and admiration for each other. We hope that you respect our privacy during this difficult time."

Nick and Jessica, who are both pop singers, tied the knot in October, 2002. After their wedding, they signed up for their own reality show, "Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica." The MTV series was an instant hit, sending Nick and Jessica from the pop star C-list to the Hollywood A-list.

But while they both found new fame and fortune, it seemed that Nick was in Jessica’s shadow after the show took off. Jessica released a hit album, landed numerous endorsement deals, started her own beauty products line, and starred as Daisy Duke in the movie The Dukes of Hazzard. While she was filming The Dukes of Hazzard, there were reports that Jessica had an affair with her costar Johnny Knoxville. Both stars have denied the rumor.

Rumors weren't the only problems that came along with Nick and Jessica's success. Jessica’s busy schedule resulted in the couple having less time to spend together. By the fourth and final season of “Newlyweds,” fans could see how the Nick and Jessica’s marriage had changed since the show's first season, when they were two low profile stars in love.

POLL: What do you think caused Nick and Jessica's breakup?
(Click on your answer to vote. )
1)Jessica's hectic schedule.
2)Meddling magazines like US Weekly.
3)Infidelity.
4)The pressure to be the perfect couple.

View Poll Results