Avril Lavigne has confirmed her much-heralded split from husband of three years Deryck Whibley.

Rumours the couple were on the outs have been swirling for months - including accounts of Avril's public displays of distain for her hubby - and now the Sk8ter Boi singer has made the separation official.

A post on her official website reads:

"Deryck and I have been together for 6 and a half years. "We have been friends since I was 17, started dating when I was 19, and married when I was 21. I am grateful for our time together, and I am grateful and blessed for our remaining friendship. I admire Deryck and have a great amount of respect for him. He is the most amazing person I know and I love him with all my heart. Deryck and I are separating and moving forward on a positive note. Thank you to all my family, friends and fans for all your support. Avril."

April and and Sum 41 rocker, Deryck, married in July 2006 in Montecito, California.