Robin Thicke, Paula Patton ending marriage

NEW YORK - Robin Thicke and Paula Patton are calling it quits.

A representative for the actress confirmed Monday that she and the singer are ending their nine-year marriage.

"We will always love each other and be best friends, however, we have mutually decided to separate at this time," the entertainers said in a joint statement.

Thicke, 36, and Patton, 38, met when they were teenagers. They had a son, Julian Fuego Thicke, in 2010.

Robin Thicke had a breakthrough last year with the international hit "Blurred Lines," which was nominated for several Grammy Awards. Patton has appeared in the films "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol," "Idlewild," and "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire."

Patton also appeared in Thicke's music videos, including "Lost Without U" and "Love After War." She was the inspiration behind most of his music, and she appeared on the cover of his 2003 debut, "A Beautiful World."

Their separation was first reported on People magazine's website.