Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez Split: The Couple during Better Days (PHOTOS)

Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez are separating the couple confirmed in a statement.

We have decided to end our marriage. This was a very difficult decision. We have come to an amicable conclusion on all matters. It is a painful time for all involved and we appreciate the respect of our privacy at this time, the couple said in a joint statement.

The couple had been married for seven years. Lopez was coming off a public breakup with actor Ben Affleck while Anthony just ended a rocky marriage with Miss Universe Dayanara Torres. The two had known each other for a while and had even briefly dated in the late 1990s. Without much dating time, they married in June of 2004. They hadn't even announced their wedding to friends. Instead, they told people to come to their afternoon party and then announced it was actually a wedding.

During their seven years of marriage, Anthony and Lopez were at the forefront of the Hollywood dating scene. The two bought a joint stake in the NFL team the Miami Dolphins. They also dabbled in scientology. In 2008, the two had twins: Emme Maribel Muñiz, and Maximilian Max David Muñiz.

Things were seemingly going strong this year until reports of Anthony no showing a few events with Lopez fueled rumors of trouble. At the 2011 British Academy of Film and Television Arts, Anthony's absence by the side of Lopez raised a few eyebrows and started the rumors. Later, she was seen without at him at Disney World with their twins..

Here are a few photos of the couple during happier times.