Shakira and Antonio de la Rua, her boyfriend of 11 years, have broken up, the pair told the Spanish-language newspaper El Pais.
In a letter to the paper, Shakira and de la Rua, her agent and the son of former Argentine President Fernando de la Rua will continue to work together, and call the split "temporary."
In October 2009, Shakira told Rolling Stone that, "My body feels like it is asking to reproduce, to have a huge belly and carry babies."
The letter, which Shakira also posted on her blog, follows below:
Dear Friends,
During our almost 11 years together we have loved each other deeply, taken care of each other and stood by one another. They have been the most wonderful years of our lives, and thanks to that love and the respect that we share for one another we have been an exceptional couple and partners.
However, since August 2010, we made a mutual decision to take time apart from our romantic relationship. Throughout this time we have continued to work together hand in hand, have remained close and have kept the details absolutely private until now.
We view this period of separation as temporary and as a time of individual growth as we continue to be partners in our business and professional lives.
Antonio continues to oversee and conduct my business and career interests as he has always done. We move forward as partners, developing projects together, working hand in hand and in close communication. Our friendship and understanding of one another is unwavering and indestructible.
We would like to advise that we will not be giving interviews or making more statements with respect to this matter and we appreciate in advance your understanding and respect during this sensitive time in our lives.
Shakira and Antonio