Avril Lavigne announces split with husband Chad Kroeger

Avril Lavigne has split from Nickelback singer Chad Kroeger after two years of marriage.

The 30-year-old Complicated singer - who married the 40-year-old rocker in July 2013 - wrote: "It is with heavy heart that Chad and I announce our separation today.

"Through not only the marriage, but the music as well, we've created many unforgettable moments.

"We are still, and forever will be, the best of friends, and will always care deeply for each other. To all our family, friends and fans, thank you sincerely for the support."

The two Canadian singers met in July 2012 while working together on Lavigne's single Here's To Never Growing Up and Kroeger proposed a month later.

They tied the knot on July 1 2013 in a low-key ceremony at Chateau de la Napoule in Mandelieu, near Cannes in the south of France.

Over the last year Lavigne has been battling Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that if left untreated causes severe joint pain and extreme tiredness. In June she gave an emotional interview, revealing how doctors had struggled to diagnose her condition, but she is now halfway through her treatment and on the mend.

Before dating Lavigne, Nickelback star Kroeger made no secret that he enjoyed spending time with groupies and once famously described himself as a "walking penis" to Playboy magazine.

He told Men's Health magazine in November 2012: "I don't think my libido has changed. I just think that my Rolodex has been confiscated. And I'm OK with that."

Lavigne was previously married to Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley for three years. Their divorce was finalised in 2010.