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Breaking News: The White Stripes Split Up

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Candy-colored rock duo the White Stripes have officially called it quits, bringing an end to their years-long hiatus.

Jack and Meg White announced the news with a statement to their website on Wednesday and their publicist confirmed the split to SPIN.

READ: Chuck Klosterman’s first interview with the band in 2002

“The reason is not due to artistic differences or lack of wanting to continue, nor any health issues as both Meg and Jack are feeling fine and in good health,” the statement reads. “It is for a myriad of reasons, but mostly to preserve what is beautiful and special about the band have it stay that way.

“The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. The White Stripes belong to you now and you can do with it whatever you want. The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to. Thank you for sharing this experience. Your involvement will never be lost on any of us and we are truly grateful.”

READ: Meg and Jack White Talk Relationship Issues

The White Stripes have been on indefinite hiatus since the band suddenly canceled a 2007 U.S. tour in support of their last album, Icky Thump. Their reasoning was Meg’s “acute anxiety” with performing live. The band’s only appearance since then was on Conan O’Brien’s final show as the host of Late Night in 2009; since then, Jack has hinted at a possible comeback. Read more here.

Since forming in their native Detroit in 1997, the duo have released six studio albums. In recent years, Jack has recorded with the Raconteurs and the Dead Weather, and has produced and released albums from a myriad of artists via his Third Man Records label.