Madonna to divorce

After countless denials of domestic trouble, Madonna and Guy Ritchie announced yesterday they are divorcing after nearly eight years of marriage.

The couple's announcement - made the same day that the pop singer performed at the TD Banknorth Garden - brings to an end a showbiz union that spanned the Atlantic and dominated the gossip columns. Madonna - "Madge" to the British press - and her filmmaker husband were always greater tabloid fodder in England, where they lived. The pop star seemed to take to English life, spending much of her time at the couple's 1,200-acre country estate in Wiltshire, and to some ears, adopting a slight British accent. But in recent years, reports began to accumulate that their marriage was on the rocks. Over the summer, Madonna was linked - unfairly, she said - to the breakup of New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez and his ex-wife, Cynthia.

The couple issued a brief statement by their representatives yesterday, asking for respect from the press for their family's sake.

A financial settlement has not been agreed on by the wealthy couple, who also must decide child custody issues.

Madonna and Ritchie, director of "Snatch" and "Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels," married in December 2000 at Skibo Castle in the Scottish Highlands. The couple have two children: Rocco, 8, and David Banda, 3, who was adopted from Malawi in 2006. Madonna also has a 12-year-old daughter, Lourdes, from her relationship with personal trainer Carlos Leon.

The couple are reportedly worth $525 million, the bulk of that belonging to Madonna. Ritchie has an estimated $35 million fortune. They own homes in London, Los Angeles, and New York, and the retreat in Wiltshire.

Madonna fans at last night's concert offered a variety of reactions.

"I'm sad, because I think [Ritchie] was the one guy who brought out the maternal side of her," said Robin Dale, 46. "I also think she loves the city and the paparazzi more than she loves the English countryside," added Dale, who has a Herb Ritts photo of Madonna displayed in the kitchen of her Swampscott home.

Another Swampscott resident, Lisa Spinale, 49, said, "I think the whole Kabbalah thing broke them up. Guy could deal with her career, but the career, the children, and the Kabbalah was too much."

Nanette and Mike Duquette, a Shrewsbury couple celebrating their 21st anniversary at the show, debated whether Madonna would address the divorce while on stage.

"I don't know if she'll make a snide remark or maybe a quick one-liner to let everybody know," said Nanette, 45.

"She's a professional, she won't let it cloud her," said Mike, 43, who added that he thinks the singer will be married a few more times down the road.

FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

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Linda Matchan of the Globe staff contributed. Names can be reached at names@globe.com or at 617-929-8253.