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Renee Zellweger and Kenny Chesney Split

Associated Press
Published | Updated

NEW YORK – Renee Zellweger (search), who has filed for an annulment from husband Kenny Chesney (search) after just four months of marriage, says the couple "hope to experience this transition as privately as possible."

In court papers filed Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the Oscar-winning actress listed "fraud" as the reason for the breakup with the country music star.

The term was "simply legal language and not a refection of Kenny's character," Zellweger said in a statement Friday.

"I would personally be very grateful for your support in refraining from drawing derogatory, hurtful, sensationalized or untrue conclusions," she said. "We hope to experience this transition as privately as possible."

Chesney said in a statement: "This is an incredibly sad time. ... I just hope everyone can respect the privacy that I know Renee has already asked for."

Later Friday, "Entertainment Tonight" said a joint statement from the couple said "the miscommunication of the objective of their marriage at the start is the only reason for this annulment.

"Renee and Kenny value and respect each other and are saddened that their different objectives prevent the success of this marriage. They are disappointed that the legal term `annulment-fraud' has been publicly misunderstood and exaggerated."

Zellweger, 36, and Chesney, 37, wed in a small ceremony on the Caribbean island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands in May. It was the first marriage for both.

Photos of the couple barefoot on the beach were widely distributed.

They met at the Concert of Hope tsunami relief benefit Jan. 15, where Chesney was singing and Zellweger was answering telephones, the syndicated television news magazine "The Insider" had reported.

Zellweger won a best supporting actress Oscar for "Cold Mountain." Her screen credits also include "Chicago" and "Bridget Jones's Diary."

Chesney was named Country Music Association entertainer of the year in November. His hits include "Me and You" and "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy."