Country music duo Maddie & Tae have announced they are splitting professionally after 15 years. The duo confirmed the news via PEOPLE, stating that they prefer to call it a “split” rather than a “breakup,” as they remain close friends.

Tae Dye Kerr shared that it’s been “such a hard, hard — honestly, heartbreaking — decision. This was the only dream I’ve ever had since I exited the womb. I had a very specific vision of creating music and singing music. When we met at 15, that’s what we set out to do, and we’re both just so grateful that we’ve had the journey we’ve had.  This career has been everything we’ve ever wanted.”

Maddie Font added: “We’re leaving this so open-ended because, you know, we might make another record one day. We might go do some tour dates one day. Even though we’re not gonna go on this journey as Maddie & Tae together, we’re still walking and doing life together outside of it, and I think I’m really excited to just be best friends and nurture our friendship and not have to worry as much about the work and still get to raise our babies together. None of that changes.”

Font is launching a solo career, while Kerr plans to put her career on hold to focus on her family.  The two reiterated that their close friendship is intact, and they plan to honor their remaining live show commitments, which extend into next spring.

The duo later shared on social media: “Thank you for all the love as we step into this new bittersweet chapter. We both feel overwhelmed with gratitude for what we’ve built with y’all the last 12 years. Thank you for making our wildest dreams come true and we hope you stay close by to watch us chase some new dreams We love you so much and hope you still come shake ya booty with us on tour next year ”

Maddie & Tae launched their career with 2014’s “Girl in a Country Song,” which topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart – making them the first female duo with a debut single to hit No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart since 2006.  The ladies released their last album, Love & Light, back in May.

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