Jermaine Jackson’s wife Halima Rashid says their lives would be better if they divorced.
The 61-year-old singer’s spouse – who he married in 2004 – filed for divorce this week and despite reflecting on the "good times" they had together, she believes they would be happier apart.
She told PEOPLE: "With a great amount of sorrow and regret, I announce that I am filing for divorce from Jermaine Jackson.
"We have enjoyed many good times during our marriage of nearly 12 years, but we have reached a point where our lives would be better and more productive if we are not married. I respect and care for Jermaine and his legendary family, and feel blessed to have been a part of the Jacksons.
"At this time, I ask that our friends, family members and the media respect the difficulty of this decision and allow us privacy as we move on with our lives. Thank you very much."
Halima cited "irreconcilable differences" in her filing and listed November 28, 2015 as the date of separation, according to TMZ.
She has requested spousal support.
In November last year, Halima was arrested on a domestic violence charge amid claims she bit her husband’s leg.
She was taken into police custody, charged with felony corporal injury and released on $50,000 bail.
However, the case was dropped because prosecutors couldn’t determine who the aggressor in the fight was.
Following the incident, Jermaine insisted he still loved his wife and wanted to work things out.
He said: "It’s obvious, I’ve been with Halima for 11 years, I still love her, things happen. She is still my wife."
Jermaine and Halima met in January 2004 at a Starbucks and were married eight months later.
Jermaine Jackson’s wife says divorce is the best option
