Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson Split

The musical future of Australian country's golden husband and wife duo is in doubt after Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson announced their split.

A statement from management reads, “Sadly we announce that Kasey and Shane have mutually decided to separate. They have been living apart for sometime now, however they remain close friends and have a strong family unit."

Married for eight years the duo had released two critically acclaimed albums together, 2008's Rattlin' Bones and last year's Wreck & Ruin. While on last year's promotional trail they had regularly citied the strains of balancing a home life with a professional career.

It is not immediately clear whether the two will endeavour to perform or record together in the future and management have made it clear that there will be "no further comment at this stage.”