Shane Nicholson and Kasey Chambers have split

COUNTRY music stars Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson have announced they are separating after eight years of marriage.

Both posted a short statement on their websites confirming the split and asking for privacy.

The statement said they had been living apart for some times.

Kasey and Shane have released two collaborative albums and were named Group/Duo Of The Year at the 2013 Country Music Awards of Australia in Tamworth in January .

They have two children together - Poet Poppin, 18 months, and Arlo Ray, 6. Kasey also has an older son, Talon, from a previous relationship.