Robin Thicke and Paula Patton separate after 20 years together

By: Unknown on 15:16

Robin Thicke and Paula Patton Separate

"We will always love each other and be best friends, however, we have mutually decided to separate at this time," the couple tell PEOPLE on Monday in an exclusive statement.

The pair, who first met when Thicke was 14, have been married since 2005 and welcomed son Julian Fuego in April 2010.

The singer, 36, long had been very expressive about his marriage to the actress, 38, saying last fall, "We're pretty sure we've loved each other for a few lives.

I'm truly surprised by this. I mean, there have been reports and photos of the singer messing around with other women but I thought Paula was cool with it. The couple, who have been together for over 20 years and married for nine, announced their separation today to People magazine

'We will always love each other and be best friends, however, we have mutually decided to separate at this time,' they told People in a joint statement.

The 38 year old actress and Robin, 36, began dating when she was 18 and he was 16. They have a 3 year old son, Julian. Just recently Robin said of their relationship, "We're pretty sure we've loved each other for a few lives.". Anyone surprised by this separation? Kinda feel bad for them...