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Sad news for Zooey Deschanel, as it’s just been announced that she and Jacob Pechenik will be separating.

The New Girl actress has been married to Jacob Pechenik for just over four years…

“After much discussion and a long period of contemplation we have decided we are better off as friends, business partners and co-parents rather than life partners,” they said in a joint statement, according to Page Six. 

“We remain committed to our business, our values and most of all our children. Thank you for respecting our privacy at this time.”

Zooey and Jacob are proud parents to four-year-old daughter Elsie Otter Pechenik and 2-year-old son Charlie Wolf Pechenik, both of whom have been kept out of the public eye.

Zooey was previously married to Death Cab for Cutie lead singer Ben Gibbard from 2009 to 2012. She met Jacob Pechenik in 2014 on the set of Rock the Kasbah; they then secretly tied the knot in June 2015 in a private ceremony in Austin, shortly before welcoming their daughter Elsie into the world.

And according to several sources, Zooey and Jacob were actually separated for a few months before making their joint statement…

“They have been separated for several months. They are very private and are excellent parents and love their kids so much and want this to be smooth for them,” an insider told People.

“It’s all amicable, and they just want to be great parents for their kids.”

We’re sad to see yet another one of our favourite Hollywood marriages end.