Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock Split After 26 Years of Marriage

Reba McEntire and her husband Narvel Blackstock are separating after 26 years of marriage, PEOPLE has confirmed.

In a joint statement released on Monday, a representative for the country star, 60, and Blackstock, 58, said that they had been separated for the past several months but would continue to work together. (Blackstock is also McEntire’s manager.)

“Despite this being the end of their marriage, they continue to support each other,” the statement continued. “They have worked together for 35 years and will continue to do so. They have asked that you respect their privacy during this time.”

It is not clear if the pair have officially filed for divorce.

Back in March, McEntire had told PEOPLE that she was missing Blackstock while he was working in Los Angeles and she was busy in Nashville.

When asked who was the last person who told her that they loved her, McEntire said it was Blackstock. “[He] told me he loved me last night when we talked on the phone,” she said. “He’s in Los Angeles on business and I’m taking care of business here in Nashville. I miss him when we’re apart.” She added that they “never leave each other without a kiss and ‘I love you.’ ”

The couple has one son together, race car driver Shelby Blackstock. The music manager also has three other children, Shawna Rene, Chassidy Celeste, and Brandon Blackstock. Brandon is married to Kelly Clarkson, who is also managed by Blackstock and has performed in the past with McEntire.

• Reporting by CYNTHIA SANZ and KAY WEST